Scaling forages and forage seed in Ethiopia: suggested purpose and outcomes of this national stakeholder consultation Barry Shapiro, on behalf of a brainstorming group 30 November, 2015 Addis Ababa

Forage Seed and Forage Program Development – background and process We livestock sector stakeholders have long understood animal feed is a main constraint to livestock transformation A small group of institutions carrying out forage-related projects met and discussed forming a “national program” to address creating a viable feed industry ILRI and ATA convened experts from: - EIAR (Ethiopian Institute of Ag Research) - MoA State Ministry of Livestock Production - ESE (Ethiopian Seed Enterprise) - MOA-GIZ Sustainable Land Management (SLM) Program - USDA- ACDI VOCA FEED II Project - USAID-Tufts University AKLDP to discuss a program to create a sustainable forage and forage seed industry in Ethiopia

Improved feed supply, feed quality and feeding practices would increase animal productivity and food production Higher animal productivity would improve smallholder farmer incomes, food security, nutrition & health Improved animal productivity would also minimize Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions from livestock, improve soil fertility, reduce soil erosion and improve benefits of crop-livestock integration Despite the potential for significant economic benefits, the Ethiopian livestock sector is suffering from inadequate supply and poor quality of feed Good forage seed is the key to more and better forage Benefits of using improved forages

Forage Seed and Forage Program Development – background and process These feed and seed partners outlined a concept note to start discussions on the development of the program The partners identified the need for multi-stakeholder input into the design of a multi-pillar national forage and forage seed industry development program. A multi-pillar or component program where all the sector partners carry out or contribute to the various pillars Primary purpose of the Stakeholder Consultation: Provide opportunity for multi-stakeholder input into the design of a national forage and forage seed industry development program – so we all own the program.

Better production and use of improved forages depends on: The seed and producers  availability of certified quality forage seed, adapted to different agro-ecological conditions  seed produced and delivered through well- functioning and regulated commercial seed industry  seed with prices affordable to users The users: who are they? How they get the feed and use it?  Smallholder farmers – first and foremost  Dairy farmers and processing companies  Animal fatteners/meat processors  Whenever needed, seed importers

Proposed areas of intervention (pillars) (for discussion by workshop participants) (1)Effective forage seed variety release and maintenance procedures (2)Expediting forage seed certification and variety release procedures – fast-tracking? (3)Ensuring maximum use of genetic material available in the country – “forages-into-use” and facilitating import of appropriate varieties, if and when necessary (4)Promotion and expanded use of forage by smallholder farmers, as well as commercial farmers, with training in cut- and-carry and other feeding options (5)Expanded use of forages to address the problems of sustainable land management, soil fertility and natural resource management. 6

Challenges and Opportunities for a National Forage and Seed Program – Discussion Points Analyze national forage and forage seeds supply and demand with appropriate procedures Improve seed quality control and release and certification process over long run – Set up quick release procedures enacted now – until release and certification procedures and process in place Develop models for forage and forage seed supply and agribusiness development Tie into various on-going national development initiatives like NRM, SLM,CRGE, etc. to promote and better integrate forage production Promote forage seed industry development and forage use by linking into market oriented livestock development initiatives led by NGOs and donors Development capacity of lead farmers & pastoralists, development agents, etc. through stronger extension, credit services, market linkage Develop and support a national platform of livestock sector stakeholders to consult and act on sector issues – technology, policy

The Way Forward: road map for developing a National Forages and Seed Program 1.Set up program writing team to develop fundable program proposal by end of January Add more experts and stakeholders to existing writing team 3.Consider forming an ‘interim technical advisory committee’ representing government, private sector, NGOs and research 4.Draft the national program, including implementation strategy, financing options, action plan and impact indicators 5.Hold a second national consultation on the proposed program 6.Agree on action plan to implement the national program and which institution(s) should serve on a steering committee 8

FeedSeed – towards a PPP innovation platform approach to scaling a forage and forage seed system