E3 Journal of Agricultural Research and Development
E3 Journal of Agricultural Research and Development Vol. 1 (1) pp. 009-016, December 2011; © E3 Journals; ISSN 2276-9897
The contribution of coffee research for coffee seed development in Ethiopia
Taye Kufa * , Ashenafi Ayano , Alemseged Yilma , Teshome Kumela , Wondiyfraw TeferaEthiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Jimma Research Center, P. O. Box 192, Jimma, Ethiopia
*Corresponding Author E-mail: kufataye@yahoo.com
Accepted 1 November 2011
Abstract
In Ethiopia, despite the enormous wealth of genetic diversity the average national coffee yield remains low. This is largely attributed to the predominant use of traditional coffee varieties and husbandry practices. The Jimma Research Center (JRC) has released a total of 37 coffee varieties along with improved agronomic and processing techniques. However, the inadequate supply of high quality coffee seeds still remains a major barrier, mainly due to the absence of a formal coffee seed system in the country. The JRC had been and is still shouldering the huge task of producing and supplying coffee seeds and seedlings. The results depicted substantial variations among coffee varieties across seasons. A total of 17, 5641 kg of improved coffee seeds have been produced and dispatched to the various coffee growers in the country. The request for coffee seeds is increasing at an alarming rate with wider gaps between the demand and supply. The results of specialty coffee multiplication and distribution initiative depicted a 48% and 66% achievement for coffee seeds and seedlings, respectively. These were distributed to model famers, private investors and state farms. Further, twenty specialty coffee seed orchards were also established. Sustainable coffee seed system requires, among others, strengthening and supporting coffee research centers, small-scale farmers, private and state coffee farms. This paper is therefore an attempt to share experiences on the current status of coffee seed production and seed system in Ethiopia. It also presents the challenges, opportunities and future directions for effective and efficient coffee seed systems in the country.
Keywords: Coffee diversity; Coffee seed standards; Coffee varieties; Specialty coffee; Seed orchard; Technology transfer
[Download Article - PDF]