Rapid Deployment of High Yielding and Rust Resistant Wheat Varieties For Achieving Food Security in Ethiopia

About

ICARDA in partnership with EIAR is proposing a project with key objectives aligned to government strategy for seed sector development to promote scaling-up/out of best agricultural practices. In the short to medium term, this proposal is to compliment the Durable Rust Resistant Wheat project and USAID Famine Fund Projects to strengthen the wheat seed sector for replacing susceptible commercial wheat varieties by high yielding and rust resistant varieties contributing to national food security.

Impact

Goals

The overall goal of the project is to increase and stabilize bread wheat production to achieve food security in Ethiopia.

Objectives

The objective of the project is to accelerate the identification, release, multiplication, and dissemination of new high yielding and disease resistant bread wheat varieties to enhance food security in Ethiopia.

Impact pathways

The short-term intervention of the proposed project will focus on fast-track variety release and accelerated seed multiplication activities at research centers and ‘emergency seed supply’ of moderately yellow rust resistant varieties (Digelu, Mada Wolabu and Tussie) for immediate distribution to severely affected regions by EIAR, ESE, and other regional enterprises during 2011 main season. In addition to the immediate interventions the project is aimed at popularization and promotion of newly released varieties and enhancing the availability and access to quality seed through large-scale certified seed production and marketing involving the public and private sectors. Strengthening human resources capacity and infrastructure for agricultural research centers and supporting existing public seed enterprises and encouraging emerging private seed companies will ultimately lead to the long-term efforts of developing diverse and sustainable wheat seed system and significantly contribute to government objective of transforming the agricultural sector and achieving national food security. The project will support private seed companies in training and experience sharing workshop and visits.