Seed Producer Cooperative in Seed Production and Marketing in Oromia Region, Ethiopia: Experience of SPC supported by LSB Project & Oromia Seed Enterprise Abdo Woyema

Introduction Oromia Seed Enterprise is public seed enterprise established in 2008 Mandate: -Seed production of different classes of seed, Processing & marketing -Seed extension (demonstration & popularization) -Technical support to seed producers

Local Seed Business project Started since 2009 Joint effort of: 4 Universities, OARI, OSE & Wageningen UR CDI Covers 4 Regions 36 LSB innovation sites (15 in Oromia region) - existing farmers group Staff: Seed expert, Agri-business expert, Farmer organization expert Seed expert

-Public: BoA, Coop office, OSE, ESE, Omo Nada SPC Location : Jima Zone Distance from AA:306km Altitude: 500-3500 masl Start seed production since 2006 Producing : Maize hybrids (BH-660) Stakeholders -Public: BoA, Coop office, OSE, ESE, Jima FCU, BARC NGO- World Vision

Objectives To strengthen groups of farmers to become technically better equipped, more commercial, better organized & more autonomous in their seed entrepreneurship. To increase seed availability & access in the region at local level

The Role of the Institutes in the project Conducting baseline study Analyze & document SPCs challenges & opportunities in seed business Sharing Analysis with Local & Regional stakeholders Action plan preparation Business plan preparation Capacity building -technical support The Role of the Institutes in the project

Cont… Parental line provision/ seed source Field inspection Facilitate seed certification agency-external Provide seed sheller, seed sacks Purchase raw seed

Role of the community in the project Undertake overall farm activities Land preparation Planting Weeding Fertilizing Detasseling Harvesting Shelling Mobilized & organize farmers –motivate on seed quality enhancement Return raw seed as per the agreement Strong participation on meeting & training

Benefit of the Institutes from the project Seed availability at local level Quality, Quantity, time Reduce seed demand & supply gap Trust with SPC improved Toward Achieving its Mission Process & market seed- Profit (OSE)

Benefit of the community from the project Capacity/skill of quality seed production improved Farm level seed secured/ nearby access to seed Seed business skill improved Decision making capacity on major issues increased Better income generation

Professionalism Strong belief in that organized farmers can produce quality seed at local level, with few technical interventions Creating business mind in the organized farmers help farmers to stay in the seed business

General Conclusion Small scale seed producer farmers can produce quality seed at local level when technically supported. Authority on planning & decision making by them selves- farmers to develop owner ship sense. Experienced SPCs can contribute a lot for sustainable seed supply at local level. Organized farmers/SPCs participation in seed production & marketing at local level is effective.

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