4 Seed , Fertilizer , and Agricultural Extension in Ethiopia

Over the past two decades, decisionmakers in Ethiopia have pursued a range of policies and investments to boost agricultural production and productivity, particularly with respect to the food staple crops that are critical to reducing poverty in the country. A central aim of this process has been to increase the availability of improved seed, chemical fertilizers, and extension services for small-scale, resource-poor farmers, particularly those cultivating food staple crops. Although there is some evidence to suggest that the process has led to improvements in both output and yields during this period, decisionmakers still recognize that there is extensive room for improvement. And given the persistent food security issues facing Ethiopia year to year, there is a sense of urgency underlying the need for improvement. This chapter begins with a brief overview of efforts to promote improved seed, chemical fertilizers, and extension services in Ethiopia. Following a brief review of sequential programs aiming to promote agricultural development and intensification, we focus this discussion of history to three policy “episodes” that have occurred over the past two decades. We then examine the systems and markets for seed, fertilizer, and extension. We do so by exploring both the theoretical and practical roles of the public and private sectors as they relate to seed, fertilizer, extension systems, and markets. We conclude by offering several policy suggestions that aim to encourage investment, improve incentives, and strengthen the institutions necessary to improve smallholder access to improved seed, chemical fertilizers, and extension services in Ethiopia. Note that this chapter abstracts from the wider political economy issues relating to the governance of systems and markets for agricultural inputs. These are acutely important issues in Ethiopia’s growth and development trajectory. However, elucidation of Ethiopia’s complex political economy demands separate and distinct treatment to address the topic in an insightful and constructive manner.1

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