Seed producer cooperatives (SPCs) are important for improving the seed supply and thus contributing to increased access to seed. This paper assessed the seed production and marketing experiences of SPCs and factors affecting their performance in the northwest of Ethiopia. Data were collected from 117 members of the two SPCs and from ten local experts. Both quantitative and qualitative data collection procedures were employed. The study identified three ‘market outlets’ for the seed produced by cooperative members, namely seed sold to external buyers through SPCs, sold in the local market as seed, and used as seed (planting material) by individual members for the next cropping season. A large volume of seed (88.3%) has been sold through SPCs to external buyers, indicating less side-selling by cooperative members. Basic seed shortage, high basic seed price, market fluctuation, limited engagement and influence of SPCs in the seed value chain, weak competitor orientation, and limited management capabilities are key factors that limit the seed production and marketing performance of the SPCs. This study contributes to the increasing body of literature on the key role of cooperatives in agricultural-based economic development. SPCs should be able to develop their adaptation strategy to withstand the influence of internal and external factors that affect their seed production and marketing activities.
Key words: Cooperatives, Ethiopia, marketing, seed supply
|
