The Gambella region of western Ethiopia is well-suited to producing cereal crops such as maize, presenting an opportunity for improved incomes and food security for farmers and communities. However, this potential is not being met. Crop yields are low due to a reliance on poor-quality, recycled seed which restricts farmers to primarily producing for household consumption rather than the regional market. With access to quality seed, yields could increase from an average of 1.2 tonnes per hectare to up to 3.5 tonnes per hectare. Farmers, however, have little choice but to continue with recycled, poor-quality seed. The commercial seed industry in Gambella is virtually non-existent and government-led seed production is currently limited and estimated to meet only 10% of demand.