Benefit-SBN in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) and Amhara and Tigray Regions Agricultural Research Institutes (ARARI and TARI) conducted the third rapid assessment of the most pressing challenges facing the sesame sector in light of the current circumstance.

Data was collected from about 80 respondents from woreda, zone, region, and national levels; and four focus group discussions were made with various stakeholders at Gondar and Humera. The result identified four alert areas that need immediate attention of the stakeholders and authorities at different levels. The alert areas are:

• Unions and cooperatives have limited access to marketing credit
• Sorghum production, storage, and marketing need urgent attention to prevent losses
• Information on markets is lacking and quality award processes are inadequate
• Basic foods are less affordable owing to increased food prices and lower incomes

Focus group discussants proposed possible action points to address the challenges. They also suggested the relevant stakeholders initiate and drive actions.

The third Sesame Alerts are available in English, Amharic, and Tigrigna languages in the following links.