NORGLOBAL-Norge - Global partner

Summary This project aims to explore seed systems as social-ecological systems with an emphasis on agro-ecological, social, cultural, economic and political variables through a case study of seed system development in Ethiopia. In recent years, strengthening of seed systems has gained prominence on the political agenda of governments and other development actors, particularly in Africa. However, different actors employ different strategies to strengthen seed systems and increase seed security among smallholder farmers. Some actors want to modernize or transform seed systems, other actors want to strengthen local seed system, others prefer a pluralistic approach where local, and formal seed systems are integrated. These strategies differ substantially, fail to meet the needs of smallholders and are sometimes conflicting. Lesson drawing is important in relation with causes of the mismatch between farmers? needs and strategies, and the seed sector policies and strategies that different actors implement. For this purpose, the project uses two-tiered research approach i.e. combining in-depth quantitative and qualitative analyses of farmers? practices from ?below? with in-depth qualitative analysis of actors? practices from ?above? to unpack the conceptualization of seed systems. The specific objectives of this research project from at local level includes 1) studying agro-ecological, social, cultural, economic and political factors affecting seed security among smallholder farmers in Ethiopia 2) exploring smallholder farmers? navigation of local traditions and external interventions for seed system development. The objectives of policy and institutional study at higher level includes 1) examining institutional changes and trends in the seed systems development in Ethiopia, 2) studying politics and values, framings and perspectives influencing different actors? approaches to seed system. The project will contribute to strengthening policy, organizational and technical innovations for seed system development and increasing seed security among smallholder farmers in Ethiopia and elsewhere.

This is an application for the CGIAR fellowship programme for six months stay at CGIAR Centre, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) in Addis Ababa and fieldwork in research sites in Ethiopia. The applicant's research will be associated with the EU H2020 Project, "InnovAfrica: Innovations in Technology, Institutional and Extension Approaches towards Sustainable Agriculture and Enhanced Food and Nutritional Security in Africa". The Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy (NIBIO) coordinates "InnovAfrica" in collaboration with the CGIAR center International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI). Noragric at the Faculty of Land and Society at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences and CIMMYT are both work package leaders in "InnovAfrica". The research project for which funding for fieldwork is applied for here is funded through a NMBU scholarship to the candidate. The candidate, Teshome Hunduma Mulesa is a Norwegian citizen with Ethiopian background. The proposed research will create considerable synergies with "InnovAfrica" and will particularly contribute to the research and innovation in integrated seed system development which is one of two institutional innovations "InnovAfrica" is focusing on. The current proposal is for funding to cover expenses related to the PhD researcher's stay at CIMMYT headquarter in Addis as an associated researcher and his fieldwork. CIMMYT is a highly experienced knowledge production center related to seed value chain i.e. breeding, delivery and adoption (BDA) of improved varieties that is the essential in the current research proposal. The collaboration with "InnovAfrica" help the researcher to generate sufficient data during the 6 months of his stay at CIMMYT Addis Ababa and fieldwork. CIMMYT and the link with InnovAfrica will provide the best condition for producing and disseminate the research results on seed security.