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1966
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Establishment of EIAR (Apex body for National Agricultural Research)
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Nationally coordinated, agro-ecological zone-based research launched; accelerated training of researchers; regional and international collaboration in AR&D initiated
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1973
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First releases of two improved varieties (A-511 and Alemaya Composite)
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Farmers exposed to new, improved maize varieties (this was followed by an early maturing variety – Katumani - that remained popular until recent years)
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1974
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Major drought and famine (mainly northern Ethiopia)
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Increased demand for food; massive food-aid inflow from abroad; the famine was the major rallying point by the military to overthrow Emperor Haileselassie
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1976
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Introduction of maize research for moisture stress (at Awassa College, southern Ethiopia)
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Expansion of maize in lower rainfall areas (e.g., central rift valley)
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1979
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Establishment of ESE (Ethiopian Seed Enterprise)
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Enhanced availability of improved/clean seed; savings on imported seed
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1980
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Establishment of multidisciplinary maize research team
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Centers of excellence identified; more research centers built; international experts recruited through IDA loan; enhanced understanding of constraints
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1982
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Introduction of joint research and extension sites
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Trials conducted under farmers’ conditions; enhancedadoption of improved technologies
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1984
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Another major drought strikes
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Tarnished image and wounded national pride; search for solutions and strategies; maize receives high priority
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1985
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Official start of National Variety Release Committee
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Criteria for desirable traits and quality standards established; national commercial variety registry issued
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1988
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First release of a locally developed hybrid (BH140)
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Increased potential to improve productivity (in mid- and lower altitudes)
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1993
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Release of BH660 (most productive and popular hybrid even at present
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Increased interest in maize adoption and production in the traditional growing areas with adequate rainfall; increased appreciation of for research by policy makers
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1993
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Government campaign for increased food production (in collaboration with Sasakawa Global 2000)
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Increased demand for mineral fertilizer and improved seed; increased demand for extension
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1995
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Release of the hybrid BH540
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Suitable variety for intermediate altitudes made available; expansion of maize production in non-traditional areas
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1995
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First private release by Pioneer of a hybrid, Jabi (PHB3253)
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Increased availability of improved variety seed; more options for farmers
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1995
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Launching of NEIP (National Extension Intervention Program) using what is known as PADETS (Participatory Demonstration and Extension Training System) approach
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Improved coverage of extension services; increased demand for extension personnel
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1996
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ARTP (Agricultural Research and Training Program) launched
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Increased research capacity; increased training and deployment of extension staff
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2001
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Maize prices plummet
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Doubts whether farmers would be still interested in maize production in light of market failure
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2002
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Government fixes floor price for maize
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Improved confidence in maize production
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2004
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EIAR leads the so-called “Ejj-Le-Ejj (hand-in-hand) campaign
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Partnership among AR&D stakeholders strengthened; promotion and scaling up/out available technologies intensified; adoption of improved technologies enhanced
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2007
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Partnerships with Drought Tolerant Maize for Africa (DTMA) and the Program for Africa’s Seed Systems (PASS) projects launched
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Drought and other stress tolerant varieties made available to smallholder farmers; frequency of variety releases and commercialization enhanced; increased involvement of private sector in seed production; increased availability of improved maize seed
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2012
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Maize traded on ECX (Ethiopian Commodity Exchange)
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Farmers benefit from improved market
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