Tree seed supply system in Ethiopia: modeling source and dissemination of priority species

Abstract

Providing quality planting materials is critical to sustainable forest restoration initiatives. This study aimed to analyze the tree seeding system and to evaluate and model the configuration of the tree seed supply system from the source to the growers. Primary and secondary data were collected in the Amhara region of Ethiopia. A total of 52 sample participants were selected using the snowball method and interviewed using open-ended questionnaires and Likert questionnaires. Data were analyzed using content and gap analysis methods using Atlas. ti version 8 software. The gap analysis revealed a lack of provenance trials, improved tree seeds, priority species in nurseries, and existing legislation. The model configuration was sequenced in tree seed source, procurement, and dissemination. Informal farmer suppliers covered 83 percent of the system. The decentralized-centralized-centralized and centralized-centralized-centralized were configured for the private enterprises and Amhara Forest Enterprise, respectively, as formal seed suppliers. In order to overcome the difficulties in tree seed production, those involved should work on the production of an improved tree.