Analysis of Smallholder Farmers' Seed Utilization Trends for Major Cereal Crops During the 'Meher' Season in Ethiopia

Abstract

Seed is a key input for improving crop production and productivity. However, in Ethiopia, like other many developing countries, farmers have not yet been able to fully benefit from the advantages of using improved seed. This review paper was aimed at to reviewing the trend of improved seeds utilization for the major cereal crops (Tef, Maize, Wheat, Barley and Sorghum) in Ethiopia. The trend for improved seed used by the smallholder farmers in the year 2004/05 and 2020/2021 ‘Meher’ cropping season at national and regional levels was assessed. For each year cropping Meher season and each crop type, national and regional data on the total number of households (hhs); the number of hhs who used improved and/or local seed; the total area sown; and the area covered with improved and local seed were obtained from the annual report on farm management practices by the Central Statistical Agency (CSA) of Ethiopia. For each crop, the compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of seed used was estimated by transforming the exponential trend model to semi-logarithm trend function. The results revealed that the CAGRs for the number of hhs that used improved seed for major cereal crops, and the area a particular crop covered with improved seed were positive at national level, which indicated an increasing trend in improved seed used. However, the results also revealed that the CAGRs for the number of hhs that used local seed for cereal crops and the area covered for a particular crop with local seed were also positive except maize and barley. Depending on the type of the crop, improved seed users increased at CAGR of 3.11% (sorghum) to 21.66% (Tef). Similarly, the area covered by improved seed increased at CAGR of 1.47% (sorghum) to 18.74% (Tef).  The amount of improved seed used increased at CAGR of 3.17% (sorghum) to 16.58% (maize). Depending up on the type of crop, local seed users increased at CAGR of 0.08% (barley) to 2.65% (sorghum). Similarly, area covered by local seed increased at a CAGR of -1.43% (maize) to 2.84% (sorghum).  The amount of local seed used increased at CAGR of 0.07% (maize) to 3.94% (sorghum). Generally, there is an increasing trend towards utilization of improved seeds as compared to local seed for all major crops, except sorghum.

Keywords: Cereal crops, Compounded annual growth rates, improved seed, Local seed, Seed use trend, Smallholder farmers.

DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/13-12-01

Publication date:July 31^st 2023