Abstract:
There is huge tree seed demand in Amhara region, this study finds that there is no documented
source that shows the amount, quality and species type at zonal or regional level. Quality tree
seeds with demanded amount/quantity has been major constraint to the growing need of tree
seedling plantation initiatives in the country including private land plantations. Little has been
known about the small and medium enterprises that produce, collect, process, transport, market
and sell forest seeds in Ethiopia. This study was conducted to examine the tree seed demand and
supply system, profitability and identify challenges and opportunities in Amhara region. The
assessment study was, therefore, conducted in 6 zones of the Amhara regional state. (Awi, South
Gondar, South Wollo, North Shewa, West Gojjam and Central Gondar zones) to assess the gap
and existing seed system. These sites were purposively selected to represent the tree seed system
in the region. The study tried to address tree seed collectors, seed demanders, tree seed suppliers
and support service providers that had been engaged in the business. The study also addressed the
assessment of formal and informal tree seed systems. Examining the extent of tree seed demand,
tree seed supply system, estimate profitability of tree seed business and identify the challenges,
strengths and opportunities of tree seed demand supply systems in the selected study areas of the
Amhara region was the objectives of the study. Questionnaire survey, direct visit and secondary
data was used to come up with proposed assessment. The result showed tree seed supply and
demand for plantation in private and communal land is increasing due to the national government
annual tree planation mobilization. Tree seed distribution has been increasing with quantity and
species diversity and customers are also increasing year after year. Major findings 80.56% of tree
seed dealers have no technical skills and professional knowledge and legal license. Clear unfair
competition with formal and informal tree seed dealers. The seed system is dominated by male
actors and participation of women is minimum. Even if seed business is profitable by 89.9%, only
experienced dealers are actively functioning. But there is little or no professional knowledge and
skills of tree seed collection processing, quality assurance, distribution and documentation.
Further detailed researches and assessment studies on tree seed demand and supply systems in
the region should be done. To create feasible tree seed demand supply system and organized tree
seed value chain between actors, more studies and documentations are vital.
