SEED UNIT STAFF PROFILES

 

 

 

Dr Zewdie Bishaw (Ethiopia) - Seed Systems Specialist 

(appointed 1990)

Responsibilities:

•
 Manage the human, financial and physical resources of the Seed Unit, develop staff work plans and special project budgets
•
 Lead seed-related research on technological, institutional, regulatory and policy issues to seek alternative options for seed sector development
•
 Provide strategic leadership in seed system development that increase availability of new varieties and seeds to resource poor farmers
•
 Develop and consolidate knowledge on sustainable approaches that increase the benefits of seed-based technologies to resource-poor farmers
•
 Provide support and technical advise to regional and national dialogue on seed policies and regulations (harmonization of policies and regulatory framework)
•
 Work with partners in public, private, non-governmental organizations and farmers to set priorities and devise multi-stakeholder strategies that increase resource poor farmers' access to seed
•
 Mobilize resources and identify funding opportunities for the continuity of seed development and related activities
•
 Provide leadership in developing methods for strengthening national seed systems in the dry areas and building on the concept of market-oriented community or village based enterprise development to supplement formal seed sector activities
•
 Manage the regional seed network, leading to strengthened integration of the national seed systems of the CWANA countries, and provide support and technical advise on seed policies and regulations
•
 Develop regionally relevant human resource development program (training) for the seed sector


Academic Qualifications: 

•
 PhD (Seed Technology), Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
•
 MSc (Seed Technology), School of Agriculture, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
•
 BSc (Plant Sciences), Alemaya College of Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia


Work Experience: 

•
 2006 to present: Head of Seed Section, BIGM, ICARDA, Aleppo, Syria
•
 1997-2006: Seed System Specialist and Coordinator Regional Seed Network, ICARDA, Aleppo, Syria
•
 1996-1997: Acting, Head of Seed Unit, ICARDA, Aleppo, Syria
•
 1990-1996: Seed Production Specialist and Training Officer, ICARDA, Aleppo, Syria
•
 1985-1989: Head, Seed Processing and Quality Control Departments, Ethiopian Seed Corporation, Ethiopia
•
 1980-1985: Seed Agronomist (Production Officer), Ethiopian Seed Corporation, Ethiopia
•
 1979-1980: Lecturer, Awassa College of Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia


Summary of Experience:

•
 Proven managerial and leadership experience working both at national and international levels in seed industry development
•
 Broad experience in resource mobilization by formulating and implementing seed sector development projects at national, regional and international levels
•
 Broad knowledge and practical hands-on experience in seed sector development issues in developed and developing countries
•
 Extensive experience working with Teams and Coordinating National and Regional Seed Programs Networks, in multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional (NARS, public seed sector, private seed sector, NGOs, donors, international organizations).
•
 Substantial contribution to enhancing human resource capabilities of NARS in close cooperation with plant breeders, agronomists, technology transfer specialists and social scientists
•
 First hand field experience in coordinating and working with national/international institutions, donors and NGOs in emergency seed relief and post-conflict rehabilitation


Publications:

Authored and co-authored over 64 scientific articles, book chapters, technical publications including training manuals, etc with ICARDA and national seed program scientists.


Professional Interests:

Seed industry development, regional networking and information management, farmer-based seed supply, public-private partnership, seed policy and regulatory issues, seed security




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