Characterization of the seed demand dynamism in wheat growing areas of Ethiopia

Abstract

Availability and access to seed of improved varieties is a key factor contributing for enhancement of wheat production in Ethiopia. Even though farmers have become aware of advantages of seeds of improved varieties through the consolidated efforts of the research and extension systems, seed demand dynamism in the wheat seed system is noticeable in Ethiopia. Therefore, the present study was designed to characterize the seed demand dynamics in major wheat growing areas and to indicate the possible options that improve its access and utilization by the stallholder farmers. The study was conducted in three purposively selected regional states of Ethiopia and totally 756 wheat producer household heads were interviewed in simple random sampling method. Furthermore, Focus Group Discussions were held with the respective key informants to validate the data collected from the selected respondents. Results indicated that in the past five years 80% of the respondents used improved wheat seeds; however, the regular users were only 33.7%. Shortage of supply, high price, and untimely supply of quality improved wheat seeds were the factors that reduced its regular utilization. The farmers’ demand for improved wheat seeds varied across the time because of the miss-match among variety preference, financial availability, change in rainfall trend and shortage of supply. Accordingly, out of 756, 43.3% respondents changed their demand for improved seeds in 2012. In order to enhance farmers’ utilization of improved wheat seeds to improve wheat production and productivity; facilitating credit services, improving wheat research for variety development, and improving timely supply of improved wheat seeds are the points that need due consideration in wheat producing regions of Ethiopia.

Keywords: seed system, wheat, seed demand, Ethiopia