The IPMS project aims to enhance the productivity and market success of Ethiopian farmers through the development of the haricot bean value chain in Alaba special district. It addresses issues such as low productivity, poor access to inputs, and traditional farming practices by introducing improved seed varieties and establishing seed banks and cooperatives. As a result, the number of seed multipliers increased significantly, and average yields doubled from 2008 to 2010.

1. Improving Productivity and Market Success (IPMS) of Ethiopian Farmers Project
የኢትዮÉያ Ñu_­‹ U`ƒ“ U`T’ƒ TdÅÑ>Á “ ¾ÑuÁ eኬƒ ýaË¡ƒ
HARICOT BEAN VALUE CHAIN DEVELOPMENT IN ALABA SPECIAL DISTRICT
INTRODUCTION: Haricot Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) is one of the major type of pulse widely grown in lowlands
and rift valley of Ethiopia. The IPMS project used value chain approach to develop haricot bean commodity to make
farmers more competitive, increase their economic benefit and productivity in one of the project sites in Southern
Ethiopia, Alaba Special district. Haricot bean ranks the third major marketable commodity in the district playing role as
source of income and nutrition in food security.
PROBLEMS: Major problems identified in value chain development for haricot bean are low productivity (average
of 6.4 qt/ha in 2005), poor access to inputs (seeds), high crop loss associated with pests, weeds and diseases, low
technology adoption and dominance of traditional farming practice and lack of linkage with markets.
SOLUTIONS: Improved varieties were already introduced in the area and IPMS project organized farmers seed
multipliers group (Fig. 1), seed cleaning and treatment (Fig 2) capacity building for improved agronomic practices (Fig
3) establishment of seed bank and its committee (Fig 4), demonstration of bio-fertilizer (Fig 5) as alternative
technology and timely and adequate supply of inputs through union shop (Fig 6), promotion and dissmianiton of of
improved seeds ( Fig 7) , establishment of seed coopeeartive and progressive trend in seed production (Fig 8).
PRODUCTION
SEED MULTIPLYING GROUP SEED TREATEMENT AND FARMER’S PLOT
Fig.1 SEED BANK MEMBERS Fig. 2- SEED TREATEMENT Fig.3- BETTER AGRONOMY
INPUT /SERVCIE SUPPLY
SEED MULTPLYERS AND SEED BANK INNOCULANT INPUTSHOP
Fig.4 SEED BANK MEMBERS AND BANK Fig. 5- DEMONOSTRATION Fig.6- SUPPLY OF INPUTS
MARKETING: SMALL PACK EXPERIMENT SEED PRODUCTION & COOPERATIVE
FIG -7- SEED PROMOTION & DISSMIAITON FIG 8- SEED PRODCUTION TREND
CONCLUSION: Haricot been seed multipliers increased from 64 HH in 2008 to 1032 HH in 2010 as result of
capacity built to strengthen the informal seed system, reduced crop loss, proper supply of inputs and improved
agronomic practice. Average yield has increased from 8qt/ha in 2008 to 16 qt/ha in 2010 leading to establishment of
seed cooperative and seed bank in 19 peasant association (PA).
For further information: mahider.ilri.org/handle/10568/3028