The document summarizes an IPMS project in Ethiopia that aimed to improve agricultural production and water utilization through participatory value chain development of high-value crops like banana, onion, and potato in 3 districts. The approach introduced new varieties, farming techniques, input supply systems, and market linkages. It resulted in more land and farmers engaged in these crops, increased incomes, and more efficient water use. However, challenges remain around institutional capacity and ensuring sustainable water use and marketing systems.

1. Value chain commodity development approaches to improve water utilization: IPMS experience Kahsay Berhe (ILRI/IPMS project) NBDC Stakeholder Forum 5 October 2011

2. Project background Goal and Purpose To improve agricultural production/productivity through introduction of value chain approach Location: 3 Districts in Amhara (Metema, Fogera, Bure) Target Groups: Value chain actors/ institutional service providers Approach – P articipatory value chain development Innovation, partnership, knowledge

3. Solutions Development of irrigated high value crops Banana (Metema), Onion (Fogera), Potato (Bure) Production interventions Varieties, crop husbandry, water management Input/service supply Private onion seed, banana sucker, potato tuber seed production Motor pump maintenance service providers Processing/ marketing Linkages, market information, processing, certification

4. Implications to the system Agricultural intensification Improved capacity of irrigated value chain stakeholders Improved water resources management (from unproductive to productive) Increased use of available water Better water use practices Reduced water use before harvesting (onion) Reduced water use (from flood to basin irrigation) Responsiveness to irrigation Mobile water pump maintenance Functional marketing certified onion seed banana fruit/suckers Improved livelihoods of farmers

5. Evidence Dwarf Cavendish banana introduced to Metema From 0 to >200 farmers; 0 to >100 ha; and an average daily income of Birr 200 Certified onion seed supply system in Fogera Onion seed from 0 to 145 farmers; 0 to 34 ha under onion seed production; 0 to 20,500 kg; 1476 to 4946 ha Introduction of (seed) potato in Bure Improved potato tuber seed producers from 0 to 395; 952 to 1310 ha; 0 to 131 ha (10%) new varieties; from 1 to 9 PAs

6. Gaps / Challenges Institutional capacity of service providers for water management and high value crop production Future water use vis a vis availability National market information system for vegetables Marketing channels beyond the District etc