Improved Seed Improves Ethiopian Farmers’ Lives

By Matthew Newsome Reprint | | Print |

ADDIS ABABA, Oct 9 2013 (IPS) - Ethiopian farmers are learning that seed security is the basis of food security.

After a successful trial, the Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations in 2013 began introducing high yielding seeds to Ethiopia’s small-scale farmers.

The farmers are now reporting significantly increased crop yields and greater crop resilience to disease and drought because of the new seed varieties. IPS spoke to the farmers about the improved seeds and how it has impacted their household income and food security.

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