(Bishoftu, 18 Dec 2025, Ministry of Agriculture)
In Ethiopia, there are 53 Community Seed Banks, which collectively serve over 10 thousand 7 hundred farmers.
To maintain the quality and safety of preserved seeds for farmers, it is necessary to strengthen existing seed banks and establish new ones.
The Ethiopian Community Seed Bank Network was launched today, to enhance the connectivity among 53 community seed banks nationwide.
Karta Kaske (PhD), the Director of the Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute, highlighted that the network aims to ensure the integrity of seed diversity.
This network facilitates the sharing of useful information and experiences among community seed, as Dr. Karta pointed out.
He mentioned that the collaborations with research institutions and other right stakeholders are ongoing to enhance Ethiopia’s seed wealth through the adoption of technology.
The Director of Environmnet, Biodiversity and Climate Change Forum (EBCCF),
Girma Balcha (PhD), stated that this network is crucial for conserving Ethiopia’s indigenous crop varieties.
Dr. Girma also pointed out the inadequacies of the existing 53 community seed banks, their numbers should be increased to reach about 200.
Seed banks are established to preserve crop varieties and to promote their sustainable use, the director stated.
The community seed bank network serves as a vital link for farmers, agricultural sectors, research institutions, development organizations, and other stakeholders.
The achivements and challeges of Ethiopian Community Seed Banks and bylaws, the roles and responsibilities of diversified stakeholders and related issues have been addressed in recent discussions.
Reporter: Bahiru Setegne
Photographer: Getachew Mitku