The Formal Seed System and Seed Quality of Malt Barley in Northwestern Ethiopia: Implications for Reducing the Yield Gap

The formal seed distribution system plays an essential contribution in guaranteeing farmers' access to quality seed of malt barley. However, the role of formal seed systems in increasing the average malt barley produced in the country is not well documented. This paper focuses on examining the formal seed supply systems & their involvement in improved seed-to-malt barley yield increase in northwestern Ethiopia. The data were collected from secondary sources of information, investment, and inputs sector of Agriculture and public seed enterprises. Various analytical methods were applied to the gathered data according to their type. The highest adoption of improved seed and related management practices has led to increase yield in malt barley. Increased use of improved seed and associated management practices has contributed to the yield increase. For every 100 tons of additional malt barley-improved seed used by smallholder farmers, the regional average yield of malt barley increased by 2500 kg/ha (R sq=0.76).  Therefore, alongside other yield-enhancing technologies and extension services, ensuring that farmers have access to improved seeds can play a key role in reducing the malt barley yield gap between the national average and the average yield achieved by farmers through on-farm demonstrations and supporting private seed enterprises. Journal of Science, Technology and Arts Research, Vol. 14 No. 1 (2025)