Zewdie Bishaw

This technical paper begins with an introduction to
grain legumes and their importance in Eastern Africa,
followed by trends in production and productivity,
variety development, release and promotion.
It proposes and describes 12 basic principles
necessary to mainstream legume seed systems (and
thereby legume production and utilization) in crop
development programmes for sustainable agricultural
intensification in Eastern Africa. These principles
include a closer look at the legume seed theory of
change, taking note of how the various players help
move activities of stakeholders through outputs,
outcomes and impacts and how they interact through
spheres of action, influence and interest; innovative
approaches for early-generation seed (EGS) supply;
a connection between EGS and commercial class
seed; strong policy environment; strong institutional
framework; multistakeholder involvement; linkage to
utilization and markets; and the role of legumes in
empowering women and youth.
This technical paper focuses on the Eastern Africa
subregion, particularly on Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia,
Kenya, Rwanda, Somali, South Sudan and Uganda.
Examples and cross-references are provided from
other parts of Africa and beyond for cross-learning
and experience sharing. The development of the
technical paper was a highly collaborative effort
among technical experts at the FAO Subregional Office
for Eastern Africa, CIAT, ICRISAT, ICARDA and Jomo
Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.
The technical review of the paper was undertaken
by a Seed Security Expert of the Seeds and Genetic
Resources Team (AGPMG) at FAO Rome

This book documents ICARDA’s experience in rapid deployment of rust-resistant wheat varieties through bilateral and multilateral projects in general and the ICARDA-EIAR project entitled Deployment of rust-resistant varieties for ensuring food security in Ethiopia in particular highlighting the framework of fast track variety testing and release and accelerated seed production to mitigate and/or control wheat rusts. Chapter 1 presents ICARDA’s overall experience working with NARS in Egypt, Ethiopia and Pakistan. Chapters 2 to 7 considered the status of wheat rusts and the achievements and lessons learned in fast track variety release, accelerated seed multiplication, promotion of rust-resistant wheat varieties, awareness creation among stakeholders, training of farmers and development agents, and capacity building in terms of rust disease early warning system, and value chain development by enhancing linkage between smallholder farmers and agro-industries in Ethiopia. Chapter 2 highlights the historical and status of wheat rusts and the management options available to farmers. Chapter 3 presents, the development of rust-resistant wheat varieties and release including pre-release seed multiplication and variety maintenance at federal and regional agricultural research centers. Chapter 4 summarizes the early generation seed (breeder, pre-basic and basic) multiplication by NARS and large-scale certified seed production partnering with public seed enterprises and farmer seed producer’s associations. Chapter 5 elaborates on demonstration, popularization, on-farm seed production and capacity strengthening of stakeholders. Chapter 6 elucidates the past attempts and the project efforts in linking smallholder farmers to the durum value chain. In Chapter 7 the impact of the project in terms of wheat productivity, production, household food security, and the institutional innovations in variety releases, seed multiplication and delivery systems are presented. Chapter 8 presents the achievements and lessons learned on critical research, development and policy implications both at global/regional and national levels.