Dr. Zewdie Bishaw

Dr. Zewdie Bishaw Mail
International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), Ethiopia

  • Seed Technologist (MSc and PhD) and Agronomist (BSc) by training with 40 years of experience working as professional and managerial staff at national (10 years) and international (30 years) levels. I have an extensive firsthand working experience with government officials, NARS leaders, national seed program managers, regional organizations (ASARECA, AOAD, AFSED, ECO, etc), international and advanced research centers (CIMMYT, ICRISAT, IITA, CIP, ILRI, IWMI), and regional/global development partners/forums (FAO, ISTA, OECD, ISF, UPOV, etc) and donor community(ACIAR, AfDB, AFSED, EU, CIDA, CTA, DFID, GTZ, DGIS, IFAD, IDB, SIDA, World Bank, USAID, USDA, etc) for mobilizing resources for agricultural research and seed sector development. Highlights of my experience include:
    • Broad technical and managerial knowledge and experience in international and national agricultural research and development in developing countries
    • Broad knowledge of organizational, managerial, institutional, regulatory and policy issues for sustainable development of national seed system in developing countries;
    • In-depth theoretical and practical knowledge in technical aspects of variety development, evaluation, registration, release and maintenance; seed production, processing, storage, marketing and distribution; seed quality assurance of major temperate and tropical agricultural and horticultural crops;
    • Clear understanding of the challenges of agricultural research and seed industry development at national, regional and global levels; 
    • Closer working relationships and linkages with international development agencies (AGRA, FAO, etc) and private seed companies and forums at national, regional (AFSTA, APSA, ASTA, ESA, ESNET, etc) and global (ISF) levels to create public-private partnerships;
    • Highly dedicated, focused and result-oriented with clear vision in formulating strategies and setting priorities for short and long-term goals to achieve desired outputs in seed sector development;
  • Proven leadership and managerial skills working with multidisciplinary team of scientists (genetic resources, breeding, seed technology, agronomy, extension, social sciences, etc) of different nationalities and cultural backgrounds, multi-institutional partners (national, regional and global development agencies and donors) and stakeholders(ministries, NARS, public/private seed sector, farmers’ organizations, NGOs) and coordinated a wide range of projects related to seed sector development. The international and national programs that benefited from my scientific, technical and managerial leadership include:
    • A/Regional Coordinator, Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Program, ICARDA
    • Seed Section, Head (since 2006) and Acting Head (March 1996 -May 1997), ICARDA
    • Capacity Development Unit, Acting/Head, June-Dec 2008; and May-Aug 2010, ICARDA
    • WANA Seed Network, Seed Unit, ICARDA
  • Seed Processing Department Ethiopian Seed Corporation, Ethiopia
  • Seed Quality Control Department, Ethiopian Seed Corporation, Ethiopia
  • Seed Production Department, Ethiopian Seed Corporation, Ethiopia
  • Proven technical and managerial experience in developing policies and strategies that address the challenges of agricultural research and seed sector development at national, regional and global levels in partnership with national and international research and development partners. These include designing, implementing, managing, monitoring and evaluating country specific bilateral or multi-country multi-lateral projects and providing technical support for formulating enabling policy and regulatory environment for agricultural research and seed sector development. Some recent examples are:
  • Managing seed component of bilateral project on deployment of chickpea ($1.62 million) and malt barley and faba bean ($ 3 million) varieties and technologies in the highlands of Ethiopia
  • Managing seed component of multi-institutional bilateral project of ‘Pakistan wheat productivity enhancement program’ supported by USAID ($1.5 million)
  • Managing seed system component of a multi-country project of ‘Enhanced small-holder wheat-legume cropping systems to improve food security under changing climate in the drylands of Asia and Africa’ supported by EU-IFAD (total project budget $6.5 million)
  • Managed a bilateral project supported by USAID focusing on fast track variety release, variety popularization and accelerated seed multiplication to counter the threat of yellow rust in in Ethiopia in partnership with public and private seed sectors, farmers and other stakeholders ($3.1 million)
  • Managed a multi-disciplinary, multi-stakeholders and multi-country project supported by USAID focusing on fast track variety release, variety popularization and accelerated seed multiplication to counter the threat of stem rust (Ug99) in Africa and Asia region in partnership with public and private seed sectors, farmers and other stakeholders ($2.3 million)
  • Managed a multi-country project in strengthening seed supply systems in Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) region with emphasis on harmonization of seed policy and regulatory framework in variety release mechanisms, seed certifications schemes and phytosanitary measures and formation of regional seed association for closer integration of 10 member countries ($340,000)
  • Prepared and implemented as a team member an emergency seed relief and post-conflict rehabilitation project in Afghanistan under the ICARDA led Consortium involving IARCs, development partners (FAO) and NGOs ($9 million) and establishment of farmer-based enterprises ($2 million)
  • Provided technical advice and assisted national governments in formulating an enabling policy and regulatory environment for seed sector development through a multi-stakeholder’s consultative process in Africa and Asia region (Afghanistan, Eritrea, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Uzbekistan, 10 Economic Cooperation Organization member countries, etc)
  • Excellent conceptual and hands-on practical experience in establishing sustainable community/farmer-based small-scale seed enterprises targeting resource poor smallholder farmers at local levels:
    • Established technically feasible and economically viable farmer-based small-scale seed production and marketing units in several African and Asian countries (Afghanistan, Algeria, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Iraq, Morocco, Pakistan, Yemen, etc) to reach farmers in less favourable areas
    • Developed a concept of farmer-led ‘secondary seed production scheme’ aimed at decentralizing seed production and marketing to enhance availability of quality seed to reach farmers at local levels.
  • Proven track record in enhancing national seed program capacity through organizing and conducting training courses on seed technology and seed enterprise management and institutionalization of the concept of ‘train-the-trainers’ approach in seed sector. In addition I organized and led technical meetings, seminars, workshops and conferences at national, regional and global levels working with national (NARS, Public/private sector, seed associations, NGOs), regional and global development partners (FAO, OECD, ISTA, ISF, UPOV) and donors on thematic issues such as formulation of national seed policy, harmonization of regulatory framework, seed sector privatization, plant variety protection, seed trade conference, small-scale seed enterprises, informal seed sector, etc. for the development of the seed sector and contributed as a participant and resource person in regional/international dialogue on varieties and seeds.. For example, organized a joint ICARDA and ICRISAT the First International Conference on Options for Strengthening National and Regional Seed Systems in Africa and West Asia in Zimbabwe and several seed conferences.
  • Developed seed policies within the national agricultural policy and seed regulatory frameworks and implementing regulations and guidelines for variety registration, release and protection and seed quality control and certification including developing national field and seed standards for certification schemes
  • Established, equipped and operate stationary seed processing plants, mobile seed cleaning units, seed storage facilities, central and satellite seed testing laboratories for seed quality control, farm machinery for basic seed units for seed multiplication where specifications provided, procurement and installation monitored, and facilities commissioned
  • Extensive experience in resource mobilization preparing project proposals addressing broad range of priority issues in agricultural research and seed sector development with clearly defined goals, objectives, activities, milestones, outputs, etc directly contributing to food security and reducing poverty. Some recent projects that I developed and/or contributed to their development that were funded by various donors and managed include:
    • Seed sector development component of a multi-country project on ‘Enhanced small-holder wheat-legume cropping systems to improve food security under changing climate in the drylands of Asia and Africa’ supported by EU-IFAD ($6.5 million)
    • Bilateral project on ‘Rapid Deployment of high yielding and rust resistance varieties for achieving food security in Ethiopia’ financed by USAID ($3.1 million)
    • Multicounty project on ‘Accelerated seed multiplication to counter the threat of stem rust in wheat’ in Egypt, Ethiopia and Pakistan financed by USAID ($2.3 million)
    • Program for restoring food security and rebuilding agriculture sector in Afghanistan ($9 million) and Farmer-based small-scale seed production and marketing enterprises ($2 million) funded by USAID
    • Training in Seed Technology in Central and West Asia and North Africa funded by DGIS ($1.1 million), The Netherlands and Training Program in Crop Improvement and Seed Technology funded by JICA ($500,000)
  • Multilateral project on ‘Technologies for Transformation of African Agriculture’ transforming wheat production in seven African countries supported by AfDB ($6 million) where seed and scaling are main components of the project   
  • Bilateral project on ‘Deployment of chickpea, faba bean and malt barley varieties and technologies in Ethiopia supported by USAID ($ 4.67 million)
  • Seed component (wheat) of multi-national and multi-institutional project on ‘CGIAR-Support to Agricultural Research for Development on Strategic Commodities in Africa’ led ICARDA and funded by AfDB ($15 million)
  • Seed component of ‘Better crop germplasm and management for improved production of wheat, barley and pulse and forage legumes in Iraq’ funded by ACIAR ($3 million)
  • Strengthening seed supply systems in ECO region with emphasis in Central Asia by FAO ($340,000)
  • The improvement of farmer-based seed production scheme and revitalizing informal seed supply of local crops and varieties in Ethiopia funded by NUFFIC, the Netherlands (€224,000)
  • Excellent track record in communication skills authoring and co-authoring 138 scientific and technical publications including journal articles, proceeding papers, book chapters, books, proceedings, technical publications, training manuals, audio-tutorials, popular articles, etc working with ICARDA and NARS scientists targeting different audiences and stakeholders. In addition, I edit and publish Seed Info and its supplement Focus on Seed Programs, a regional seed network newsletter circulating to over 3000 people in more than 100 countries; and manage a website for dissemination of information using modern ICTs.
  • Proven track record contributing to the development of global seed industry
    • ICARDA is the only center within the CGIAR system which has recognized a strong interface between crop improvement and seed supply within the research-for-development continuum and operate a functional Seed Section with a mandate to strengthen national seed systems, both the formal and informal sectors.
    • The Seed Section is involved in diverse activities that collectively address the technical, institutional, regulatory and policy issues of seed system development working in an integrated holistic approach across different CGIAR Research Programs and with large number of stakeholders across the globe. I fully involved in all activities as senior staff member.
    • In my capacity as Head of Seed Section I am leading developed and led strategic initiatives for seed system research and development in CRP3.1 (Wheat), CRP 3.5 (Legumes), CRP3.6 (Dry land cereals) where South Asia and Africa are key regions of focus towards increasing productivity, ensuring food security and alleviating poverty. I have established strong partnership with national seed programs of Africa and Asia.
    • I started my career as a technical staff, of the Ethiopian Seed Enterprise a year after its formation and with little basic facilities and limited resources. Working as a member of young and dedicated team we did oversee its growth into one of the credible institutions and laid the foundation of the Ethiopian seed industry and along the way learned the intricacies of seed sector development in an African setting. Later, I assumed the managerial position of three key technical departments: production, processing and quality assurance and had developed close working relationship with national seed programs of African countries.
    • While at ICARDA, I had organized with ICRISAT and IITA, the first continental wide seed conference in Zimbabwe. The International Conference on Options for Strengthening National and Regional Seed Systems in Africa and West Asia brought together international practitioners and donors to review the status, constraints and challenges of the African seed industry and charted blue prints for future development.
    • ICARDA was one of the proponents for the Establishment of an African Seed Trade Association (AFSTA) where my joint paper was presented during the preparatory meeting in Malawi. I continue to interact with AFSTA and its members in personal and official capacity attending its Annual Seed Congresses and keep abreast with developments in African seed industry.
    • ICARDA established the ECO Seed Association for 10 Economic Cooperation Organization member countries in West Asia (Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan and Turkey) hand Central Asia (Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan) where I fully led the process with FAO and ECO
  • Proven national and international standing in the field of seed science and technology and national, regional and global seed industry development
    • Member of Technical Working Group of FAO on national seed policy and contribution to FAO Seed Security Framework
    • Contributed to discussion fora and elaboration of African Seed and Biotechnology Program (ASBP), a continental vision for the development of the seed sector in Africa initiated by the African Union.
    • Fellow of Ethiopian Academy of Sciences since 2018
    • Member of National Seed Advisory Group to the Ministry of Agriculture in Ethiopia
  • IX. Invited/Keynote Speaker in National/International Conferences
o   Enhancing Agricultural Sector Development in Ethiopia: the role of Research and Seed Sector. Golden Jubilee Anniversary of EIAR, 26-27 January 2016, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
  • Seed 4 Grain: The New Challenge of Ethiopian Wheat Value Chain, 6-7 December 2014, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
  • Whither the Chickpea Seed System: International Chickpea Workshop on Harnessing Chickpea Value Chain for Nutrition Security and Commercialization of Smallholder Agriculture in Africa, 30 Jan- 1 Feb 2013, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia
  • Evolution of Seed Policy and Strategies and Implications for Ethiopian Seed Systems Development. Sustainable Seed System in Ethiopia: Challenges and Opportunities, International Seed Conference, 1-3 June 2011, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
  • Strengthening national seed Sector in ECO region: Lessons learned and way forward: First ECOSA International Seed Trade Conference, 28-30 December 2009, Antalya, Turkey
  • Principles for rapid variety release, seed multiplication and distribution in developing countries to counter the threat of wheat rust: BGRI Technical Workshop, 17-20 March 2009, Ciudad Obregon, Mexico. Cornell University, USA
  • Seed production and dissemination of Ug99 resistant varieties: International Conference on Wheat Stem Rust Ug99 -A Threat to Food Security. 6-9 Nov 2008, New Delhi, India. Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India
  • Harmonization of seed regulatory frameworks: Second CWANA International Seed Trade Conference, 19-21 November 2007, Cairo, Egypt
  • The status and prospects of seed industry in the Middle East: First CWANA International Seed Trade Conference, 29 Nov - 1 Dec 2005, Antalya, Turkey; Turkish Seed Industry Association, Ankara, Turkey
  • Sustainable seed production of cool season food legumes in CWANA Region: Fourth International Food Legumes Research Conference (IFLRC-IV), October 18–22, 2005, New Delhi, India
  • The role of international agricultural research centers in a changing seed industry: African Seed Industry in the New Millennium: Changes and Prospects: First AFSTA Annual Congress, 24-26 March 2001, Cairo, Egypt
  • Benefits of regional collaboration in seed program development: International Conference on Seed Industry, 27-30 March 2000, Tripoli, Libya
  • The WANA seed network-an overview: Third Egyptian National Seed Conference, 10-12 May 1999, Cairo, Egypt
  • Seed supply in the WANA region: status and constraints: International Conference on Options for Strengthening National and Regional Seed Systems in Africa and West Asia, 10-14 March 1997, Harare, Zimbabwe
  • A regional perspective on seed security. In International Workshop on Seed Security for Food Security, Contributions for the Development of Seed Security Strategies in Disaster-prone Regions,30 Nov-1 Dec 1997, Florence, Italy. FAO, Rome Italy

DETAILED LIST OF PUBLICATIONS

I. Journal articles (37)

  1. Yigezu, Y.A., T. El-Shater, M. Boughlala, Z. Bishaw, A.A. Niane, F. Maalouf, W. Tadesse Degu, J. Wery, M. Boutfiras and A.Aw-Hassan. 2019.Legume-based rotations have clear economic advantages over cereal monocropping in dry areas. Agronomy for Sustainable Development: 39:58; https://doi.org/10.1007/s13593-019-0602-2
  2. Nigussie, D., W. Mulugeta, A. Molla1, Z. Bishaw and C. Biradar. 2019. GIS-based multi-criteria land suitability mapping for scaling faba bean varieties in Ethiopia. African Crop Science Journal, 27(4): 687- 708 DOI:  https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/acsj.v27i4.10
  3. Alemu, D. and Z. Bishaw. 2019. Yield gaps, adoption and seed commercial behavior: Implications for chickpea seed system in Ethiopia. African Journal of Agricultural Research.14(33):1778-1784. DOI:10.5897/AJAR2019.14307
  4. Tadesse, W., M. Sanchez-Garcia, A. Amri, F. Ogbonnaya, S. Gizaw and Z. Bishaw and Michael Baum. 2019. Genetic gains in wheat breeding and its role in feeding the world: A review. Crop Breeding Genetics and Genomics 2019;1:e190005. https://doi.org/10.20900/cbgg20190005
  5. Zemede, A., F. Mekbib, K. Assefa and Z. Bishaw. 2019. Variability in Ethiopian Durum Wheat under Rainfed Environment Subjected to Drought at Anthesis. Ethiopian Journal of Agricultural Science 29(2): 17-29
  6. Tadesse, M., A. Funga, A. Fikre, T. Degefu, M. Eshete, L. Korbu, N. Girma, D. Bekele, R. Mohamed, Z. Bishaw, P. Gaur and C.O. Ojiewo. 2018. Breeding Progress for Grain Yield and Yield Related Characters of Kabuli Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in Ethiopia Using Regression Analysis. Journal of Agricultural Science 10(2): 195-205  
  7. Kumar, S., S. Ahmed, S. Patil, F. Maalouf and Z. Bishaw. 2018. Advances, challenges and opportunities in cool-season food legumes in dry areas, Ethiopian Journal of Agricultural Science: Special Volume 6(3):49-67.
  8. Fikre, A., L. Korbu, M. Eshete, D. Bekele, N. Girma, R. Mohamed, S. Assefa, D. Admasu, G. Tilahun, T. Tesfaye, N. Kefelegn, T. Tadesse, Y. Rezene, Y.  Moges, S. Kumar, Z. Bishaw, P. Guar, R. Varshney and S. Ahmed. 2018. A Decade of Research Progress in Chickpea and Lentil Breeding and Genetics, Ethiopian Journal of Agricultural Science: Special Volume 6(3):101-113.
  9. Bishaw, Z., A. Molla, A. Ayana and A. Atilaw. 2018. Strategies and Innovative Approaches for Food Legumes Seed Delivery in Ethiopia, Ethiopian Journal of Agricultural Science: Special Volume 6(3): 467-501
  10. Tadesse, W. Z. Bishaw and S. Assefa. 2018. Wheat production and breeding in Sub-Saharan Africa: Challenges and opportunities in the face of climate change. International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management; DOI: 10.1108/IJCCSM-02-2018-0015
  11. Atilaw, Abebe Dawit Alemu, Zewdie Bishaw, Tekeste Kifle and Karta Kaske. 2017. Early Generation seed production and supply in Ethiopia: Status, challenges and opportunities. Ethiopian Journal of Agricultural Sciences 27(1): 99-119
  12. Bishaw, Zewdie and Dawit Alemu. 2017. Farmers' perceptions on attributes of bread wheat varieties and formal seed supply in Ethiopia. International Journal of Crop Improvement.11(1): 117-130 (http://ijpp.gau.ac.ir//volume_488.html)
  13. Tadesse, Megersa, Assefa Funga, Asnake Fikre, Tulu Degefu, Million Eshete, Lijalem Korbu, Nigussie Girma, Dagnachew Bekele, Ridwan Mohamed, Zewdie Bishaw, Pooran Gaur and Chris O. Ojiewo. 2018. Breeding Progress for Grain Yield and Yield Related Characters of Kabuli Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in Ethiopia Using Regression Analysis. Journal of Agricultural Science 10(2): 195-205 
  14. Funga A, Tadesse M, Eshete M, Fikre A, Korbu L, Girma N, Bekele D, Mohamed R, Bishaw Z, Ganga Rao NVPR, Siambi M, Monyo M, Gaur P, Ojiewo CO. 2017. Genotype by environment interaction on yield stability of desi type chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) at major chickpea producing areas of Ethiopia. Australian Journal of Crop Science 11(02): 212-219. doi: 10.21475/ajcs.17.11.02.p29 ISSN 1835-2707 (Online)
  15. Atilaw, Abebe Dawit Alemu, Zewdie Bishaw, Tekeste Kifle and Karta Kaske. 2017. Early Generation seed production and supply in Ethiopia: Status, challenges and opportunities. Ethiopian Journal of Agricultural Sciences 27(1): 99-119
  16. Bishaw, Zewdie and Abebe Atilaw. 2016. Enhancing Agricultural Sector Development in Ethiopia:  the Role of Research and Seed Sector. Ethiopian Journal of Agricultural Sciences. 101-129.
  17. Tiruneh, S., Y. A. Yigezu and Z. Bishaw. 2015. Measuring the effectiveness of extension innovations for out-scaling agricultural technologies. African Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology 3 (7): 316-326
  18. Alemu, D and Z. Bishaw. 2015. Commercial behaviours of small-holder farmers in wheat seed and its implication for seed demand assessment in Ethiopia. Development in Practice 25 (6):798-814
  19. Bishaw, Z., P.C. Struik and A.J. G. van Gastel. 2015. Wheat and barley seed system in Syria: How diverse are wheat and barley varieties and landraces from farmer’s fields? International Journal of Plant Production 9(1):
  20. Bishaw, Z., P.C. Struik and A.J. G. van Gastel. 2014. Assessment of on-farm diversity of wheat varieties: Evidence from farmer’s fields in Ethiopia. African Journal of Agricultural Research 9(39): 2948-2963
  21. Niane, A.A., P. C. Struik and Z. Bishaw. 2013. Effects of temperature, relative humidity and moisture content on seed longevity of shrubby Russian Thistle (Salsola vermiculata L.), Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology B 3 (2013) 623-634
  22. Bishaw, Z., P.C. Struik and A.J. G. van Gastel. 2013. Farmer seed sources and seed quality: seed health. International Journal of Crop Production 7(4): 637-657
  23. Bishaw, Z., P.C. Struik and A.J. G. van Gastel. 2012. Farmer seed sources and seed quality: physical and physiological seed quality. Journal of Crop Improvement 1-38
  24. Bishaw, Z., P.C. Struik and A.J. G. van Gastel. 2011. Wheat and barley seed systems in Syria: Farmers’ varietal perception, seed sources and seed management. International Journal of Crop Production: 5(4): 323-347
  25. Joshi, A. K., M. Azab, M. Mosaad, M. Moselhy, M. Osmanzai,S. Gelalcha, G. Bedada, M. R. Bhatta, A. Hakim, P.K. Malaker, M.E. Haque, T. P. Tiwari, A. Majid, M. R. J. Kamali, Z. Bishaw, R. P. Singh,T. Payne, H. J. Braun. (2011). Delivering rust resistant wheat to farmers: A step towards increased food security. Euphytica 179:187-196
  26. Haddad, N., M. Duwayri, T. Oweis, Z. Bishaw, B. Rischkowsky, A. Aw Hassan and S. Grando. 2011. The potential of small-scale rainfed agriculture to strengthen food security in Arab countries. Food Security 3(1):163–173
  27. Bishaw, Z., P.C. Struik and A.J. G. van Gastel. 2010. Wheat seed system in Ethiopia: Farmers’ varietal perception, seed sources and seed management. Journal of New Seeds: 11 (2): 281-327
  28. Srinivas, T., Z. Bishaw, J. Rizvi, A.A. Niane, A.R. Manan and K. Amegbeto. 2010. ICARDA’s approach in seed delivery: technical performance and sustainability of village-based seed enterprises in Afghanistan. Journal of New Seeds: 11 (2): 138-163
  29. Bishaw, Z. and A.J. G. van Gastel. 2008. ICARDA’s approach in seed delivery for less favorable areas through village-based seed enterprises: conceptual and organizational issues. Journal of New Seeds 9 (1) 68-88
  30. Bishaw, Z. and M. Turner. 2008. Linking participatory plant breeding to the seed supply system. Euphytica 163: 31-44
  31. Makkawi, M. M. El Bella, Z. Bishaw and A.J.G. van Gastel. 2008. Correlation and path coefficient analyses of laboratory test as predictors of field emergence in lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus) Journal of New Seeds 9 (4): 284-392
  32. Makkawi, M., M. El Bella, Z. Bishaw and A.J.G. van Gastel. 2008. Electrical conductivity in lentil seed leachates using a single seed analyzer. Journal of New Seeds 9 (4): 267-283
  33. Rahmoun, B., A.A. Niane, B. Bayaa, M. Hassan,Z. Bishaw and S. Kabbabeh.2008. Potential of seed dressing to minimize foliar sprays against ascochyta blight in chickpea varieties with varying levels of tolerance. Arab Journal of Plant Protection 26(2):129-134
  34. Rahmoun, B., A.A. Niane, B. Bayaa, M. Hassanand Z. Bishaw. 2008. Effect of sun drying on control of seed-borne Ascochyta rabiei in chickpea seeds. Arab Journal of Plant Protection 26 (1): 32-37
  35. Kugbei, S. and Z. Bishaw. 2002. Policy measures for stimulating indigenous seed enterprises. Journal of New Seeds. 4(1/2) 47-63
  36. Makkawi, M., M. El Balla, Z. Bishaw and A. J.G. van Gastel. 1999. The relationship between seed vigor tests and field emergence in lentil (Lens culinaris Medik). Seed Science and Technology: 27 (2) 657-668
  37. van Gastel, A.J.G. and Z. Bishaw. 1993. ICARDA's Efforts to strengthen seed programs in West Asia and North Africa. Seed Research Special Vol. 2: 1125-1138
  38. Alemu, D., and Z. Bishaw. 2019. Varietal adoption and seed commercial behavior: Barley seed system landscape in the highlands of Ethiopia. Working Paper 2019-2. Beirut, Lebanon: International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA). 18 pp
    1. Bishaw, Z., M. Makkawi and A.A.Niane. 2009. Seed quality and alternative seed delivery systems in lentil, 350-.367. In The Lentils (eds. Erskine, W., F. Muehlbauer, A. Sarker and B. Sharma). CABI, UK.
    2. Bishaw, Z. A.A. Niane and Y. Gan. 2007. Quality seed production, 349-383 pp. In Lentil: An Ancient Crop for Modern Times (eds. Yadav, S.S., D. L. McNeil and P. C. Stevenson). Springer, Dordrecht, The Netherlands.
 II. Book chapters (6)/working papers (8)/Research to Acton (1)

1.     Alemu, D., and Z. Bishaw. 2019. Variety adoption and seed commercial behavior: Implications for the chickpea seed system in Ethiopia. Working Paper 2019-4. Beirut, Lebanon: International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA). 21 pp

2.     Bishaw, Z., and D. Alemu. 2019. Faba bean seed system landscape in the highlands of Ethiopia: Smallholders’ varietal adoption, preference, and commercial seed behavior. Working Paper 2019-3. Lebanon, Beirut: International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA). 16 pp

4.     Nigussie, D., W. Mulugeta, A. Molla, Z. Bishaw, and C. Biradar. 2019.Land Suitability Mapping for Production of Chickpea, Faba Bean and Malt Barley Varieties in Ethiopia, ICARDA, Beirut, Lebanon

5.     Salari, H., M. Nang, M. Larinde, S.S. Hakimi, F. Sherzad, Y.S. Saharawat, S. Tavva, S. Nigamananda, Z. Bishaw, A.A. Niane and H. Kamalzai (eds.). 2017. Public-private-producers partnership for strengthening seed certification in Afghanistan: Afghanistan Seed Certification System: Constraints and Opportunities. International Center for Agriculture Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), Technical Paper- IV. 52 pp

6.     Saharawat, Y.S., H. Salari, M. Nang, S.S. Hakimi, F. Sherzad, S. Tavva, S. Nigamananda, Z. Bishaw, A.A. Niane and M. Larinde (eds.). 2016. Public-private-producers partnership for strengthening seed certification in Afghanistan: Review of Seed Regulatory System in Afghanistan and Neighboring Countries. International Center for Agriculture Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), Technical Paper-III. 56 pp

7.     Alemu, D. and Z. Bishaw. 2016. Commercial Behaviour, Varietal Preferences and Wheat Seed Markets. ICARDA Working Paper 30. ICARDA, Beirut, Lebanon.  45 pp

  1. M.R. Turner and Z. Bishaw. 2016. A Review of Variety Release Procedures and Related Issues with Recommendations for Good Practice. ICARDA Working Paper 31. ICARDA, Beirut, Lebanon.  29 pp

  2. Fredenburg, P., Z. Bishaw, A. A. Niane and M.  Devlin. 2015. Research to Action 4: Strengthening national systems for household food security in developing Countries: Practical experiences and a framework for policy makers to build effective seed systems. ICARDA, Beirut, Lebanon

10.   Bishaw, Z. and A.J.G. van Gastel. 2009. Variety release and policy options, 565-587. In Plant Breeding and Farmer Participation (eds. Ceccarelli, S., E.P. Guimaraes and E. Weltzien). FAO, Rome, Italy.

  1. van Gastel, A. J.G., Z. Bishaw, A.A. Niane, B.R. Gregg and Y. Gan. 2007. Chickpea seed production, 421-448. In Chickpea Breeding and Management (eds. Yadav, S. S., R. Redden, W. Chen and B. Sharma). CABI, UK.

14.   van Gastel, A.J.G., Z. Bishaw and B.R. Gregg. 2002. Wheat seed production, 463-481. In Bread Wheat: Improvement and Production. Plant Production and Protection Series No. 30 (eds. Curtis, B. C., S. Rajaram and H.G. Macpherson). FAO, Rome, Italy. 554 pp

  1. Kugbei, Sam and Z. Bishaw. 2002. Policy measures for stimulating indigenous seed enterprises. 47-63 pp. In Seed Policy, Legislation and Law: Widening a Narrow Focus (ed. N.P. Louwaars), Haworth Press, Binghamton, New York

III. Papers in Proceedings (19)
  1. Bishaw, Zewdie and Sushil Pandey. 2016. Whither the Chickpea Seed System? 329-355. Proceedings of International Workshop on Harnessing Chickpea Value Chain for Nutrition Security and Commercialization of Smallholder Agriculture in Africa (eds. Lijalem Korbu, Tebekew Damte), January 30 - February 1, 2014, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia
  2. Bishaw, Z. and A. A, Niane. 2015. Are Farmer-Based Seed Enterprises Profitable and Sustainable? Experiences of VBSEs from Afghanistan. pp 55 – 64. In Ojiewo, C.O., Kugbei, S, Bishaw, Z. and Rubyogo, J.C. (eds). Community Seed Production. FAO & ICRISAT. 2015. Workshop Proceedings, 9-11 December 2013. FAO, Rome & ICRISAT, Addis Ababa.
  3. Bishaw, Z. and Niels Louwaars. 2012. Evolution of Seed Policy and Strategies and Implications for Ethiopian Seed Systems Development. In Proceedings of Sustainable Seed System in Ethiopia: Challenges and Opportunities, International Seed Conference, 1-3 June 2011, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
  4. Osborn, T.and Z. Bishaw. 2009. Principles for rapid variety release, seed multiplication and distribution in developing countries to counter the threat of wheat rust, 179-188. In Proceedings of BGRI Technical Workshop, 17-20 March 2009, Ciudad Obregon, Mexico. Cornell University, USA.
  5. Bishaw, Z. and A.J. van Gastel. 2008. Sustainable seed production of cool season food legumes in CWANA Region, 231-257.In Proceedings of the Fourth International Food Legumes Research Conference (IFLRC-IV), October 18–22, 2005, New Delhi, India (ed. Kharkwal, M. C). ISGPB, New Delhi, India.
  6. Yahyaoui, A., Z. Bishaw and P. Kosina, P. 2008. Training, human resource development and setting up regional laboratories for detection of variance, 74-79. In International Conference on Wheat Stem Rust Ug99 -A Threat to Food Security. 6-9 Nov 2008, New Delhi, India. Indian Agricultural Research Institute, India.
  7. Bishaw, Z. and M. Turner. 2001. The role of international agricultural research centers in a changing seed industry, 119-120. In African Seed Industry in the New Millennium: Challenges and Prospects. Proceedings of the First AFSTA Annual Congress, 24-26 March 2001, Cairo, Egypt. ESAS, Cairo, Egypt.
  8. Turner, M. and Z. Bishaw. 2001. Benefits of regional collaboration in seed program development, 649-666. In Proceedings of the International Conference on Seed Industry, 27-30 March 2000, Tripoli, Libya. General Authority for Agriculture, Animal and Marine Wealth, Tripoli, Libya.
  9. Turner, M. and Z.Z. Bishaw. 2000. Strengthening the regional dimensions in seed industry development. Paper presented in Expert Group Meeting on Coordination of Technology Policies to Increase Productivity and Competitiveness within the Global Context: Capacity Building Initiatives for the 21st Century, 1-3 November 2000, Beirut, Lebanon. ESCWA, Beirut, Lebanon.      
  10. Turner, M., Sam Kugbei and Z. Bishaw. 2000. Privatization of the seed sector in the Near East and North Africa, 125-136. In Seed Policy and Programs in the Near East and North Africa. Proceedings of the Regional Technical Meeting on Policy and Programs in the Near East and North Africa held 27 June–2 July 1999, Larnaca, Cyprus. FAO, Rome, Italy.
  11. Turner, M. and Z. Bishaw. 1999. The WANA seed network-an overview. In Proceedings of the Third Egyptian National Seed Conference, 10-12 May 1999, Cairo, Egypt. (eds. M.I. El-Hawary and M. S. Abd El-Wanis). CASC, Cairo, Egypt
  12. Turner, M. and Zewdie Bishaw. 1999. The regional seed network for West Asia and North Africa: A review of experiences and issues, 108-112. In Proceedings of the Preparatory Meeting for the Establishment of an African Seed Trade Association, 8-10 April 1999, Lilongwe, Malawi. FIS, Nyon, Switzerland.
  13. Talug, C., B. Sürmeli, S. Christiansen, H. Firincioglu, Z. Bishaw, S.P.S. Beniwal and V. Uzunlu. 1998. A study on the informal seed system of vetch spp. in the central highlands of Turkey, 145-150. In: Forage Seed Production in Africa and West Asia. Proceedings of the Forage Seed Production Workshop (eds. L. Grass and M. Turner). ICARDA, Aleppo, Syria.
  14. Bishaw, Z. and M. Turner. 1998. A regional perspective on seed security, 23-41. In: Proceedings of International Workshop on Seed Security for Food Security, Contributions for the Development of Seed Security Strategies in Disaster-prone Regions,30 November - 1 December 1997, Florence, Italy. FAO, Rome Italy.
  15. Bishaw, Z. and Sam Kugbei. 1997. Seed supply in the WANA region: status and constraints, 71-79. In: Alternative Strategies for Smallholder Seed Supply. Proceedings of an International Conference on Options for Strengthening National and Regional Seed Systems in Africa and West Asia (eds. Rohrbach, D.D., Z. Bishaw and A.J.G. van Gastel). ICRISAT, Andra Pradesh, India.
  16. van Gastel, A.J.G., Z. Bishaw and E. Asiedu. 1997. The role of international agricultural research centers in supporting the seed sector, 18-33. In: Alternative Strategies for Smallholder Seed Supply. Proceedings of an International Conference on Options for Strengthening National and Regional Seed Systems in Africa and West Asia (eds. Rohrbach, D.D., Z. Bishaw and A.J.G. van Gastel). ICRISAT, Andra Pradesh, India.
  17. Bishaw, Z., G. R. Manners and A.J.G. van Gastel. 1997. Seed sector scientist's perception of and recommendations for the privatization of the seed industry in West Asia and North Africa, 28-39. In Privatization of the Seed Industry in West Africa and North Africa Region (eds. van Gastel, A.J.G., G. R. Manners and J. Wadsack). GTZ, Eschborn, Germany.
  18. Bishaw, Z. and A.J.G. van Gastel. 1996. ICARDA's Human resource development approach for the seed sector, 64-77. In Organization and Management of National Seed Programs. Proceedings of a follow-up Seminar/ Workshop (ed. Gast, H.), DSE, Germany.
  19. Bishaw, Z. and A.J.G. van Gastel. 1996. Improvement of seed programs in West Asia and North Africa, 258-265. In Proceedings of the Second Egyptian National Seed Conference, 20-22 May 1991, Cairo, Egypt. CASC/CASP, Cairo, Egypt.

IV. Books/manuals and chapters (9 books + 17 chapters)

  1. Keneni, G., A. Fikre, Z. Bishaw A. Tesfaye B. Amsalu and T. Damte (eds.). 2018. Ethiopian Journal of Crop Science Special Issue Volume 6, Number 3. A Special Volume Dedicated to the Third Decadal National Conference on Food and Forage Legumes in Ethiopia 6 - 9 November 2016, EIAR, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
  2. Bishaw, Z., Yigezu, Y. A., Niane, A., Telleria, R. J., Najjar, D. (eds). 2019. Political Economy of the Wheat Sector in Morocco: Seed Systems, Varietal Adoption, and Impacts. International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas, Beirut, Lebanon. 300 pp.
    1.        i.         Roberto Ariel Telleria Juárez*, Mohammed Sabik, Zewdie Bishaw, Abdoul Aziz Niane, and Yigezu A. Yigezu. The cereal seed sector in Morocco – policies and regulations, 2-12
    2.      ii.         Fouad Abbad Andalousi, Mohamed Kharrat, Amar Tahiri, Zewdie Bishaw*, and Abdoul Aziz Niane. Varietal development, evaluation, and release, 14-43
    3.     iii.         Mohammed Sabik*, Abdoul Aziz Niane, Yigezu A. Yigezu, and Zewdie Bishaw. Seed production and commercialization, 46-74
    4.     iv.         Amar Tahiri, Zewdie Bishaw*, and Abdoul Aziz Niane. Seed quality assurance and certification, 76-86
    5.      v.         Zewdie Bishaw*, Yigezu A. Yigezu, Abdoul Aziz Niane, Roberto Ariel Telleria Juárez, and Dina Najjar. The wheat sector in Morocco: seed systems, varietal adoption, and impacts – a synthesis, 224-264
  3. Ojiewo, C.O., Rubyogo, J.C., Wesonga, J.M., Bishaw, Z., Abang, M.M. 2018. Mainstreaming Efficient Legume Seed Systems in Eastern Africa: Challenges, opportunities and contributions towards improved livelihoods. FAO Plant Production and Protection Technical Paper. Rome, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
  4. Bishaw, Zewdie., Dawit Alemu, Abebe Atilaw and Abebe Kirub. (eds.). 2016. Containing the Menace of Wheat Rusts: Institutional Interventions and Impacts. EIAR, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 153 pp (http://www.icarda.cgiar.org/publications-and-resources/manuals-guidelines)
    1.          i.       Bishaw, Zewdie. Rapid Deployment of Rust Resistant Wheat Varieties: ICARDA’s Experience and Lessons Learned, 1-40
    2.        ii.       Tadesse Zerihun., Dawit Asnake, Habtemariam Zegeye, Firdissa Eticha, Osman Abdalla, Abebe Atilaw, Zewdie Bishaw, Fast-track Variety Testing and Release of Rust Resistant Wheat Varieties, 53-63
    3.       iii.       Atilaw, Abebe., Birhanu Bekele, Zewdie Bishaw, Firdisa Eticha and Zerihun Tadesse. Accelerated Seed Multiplication for Deployment of Rust Resistant Wheat Varieties, 65-77
    4.       iv.       Aliy, Sherif., Berhanu Bekele, Abebe Atilaw, Zewdie Bishaw, Dawit Alemu and Asnake Fikre, Promoting Rust Resistant Wheat Varieties and Technologies through Partnership, 79-98
    5.         v.       Yirga, Chilot., Dawit Alemu, Zewdie Bishaw, Minilik Tsega and Abebe Atilaw, Adoption and Impact of Rust Resistant Improved Wheat Varieties on Productivity and Household Food Security, 113-143
    6.       vi.       Dawit Alemu, Zewdie Bishaw, Abebe Atilaw and Abebe Kirub Policy and Development Implications, 145-149
  5. Ojiewo, C.O., S. Kugbei, Z. Bishaw and J.C. Rubyogo. (eds.). Community Seed Production. FAO & ICRISAT. 2015. Workshop Proceedings, 9-11 December 2013. FAO, Rome & ICRISAT, Addis Ababa.
  6. Thijssen, M.H., Z. Bishaw, Abdurahman Beshir and W.S. de Boef. 2008 (eds.). Farmers, seeds and varieties: supporting informal seed supply in Ethiopia, Wageningen International, Wageningen, the Netherlands. 348 pp
    1.            i.       Bishaw, Z., Yonas Sahlu and Belay Simane. The status of the Ethiopian seed industry, 23-32
    2.           ii.       Yonas Sahlu, Belay Simane and Z. Bishaw. The farmer-based seed production and marketing scheme: lessons learnt, 33-46
    3.         iii.       Walter S. de Boef and Z. Bishaw. A system perspective for linking farmers and professionals supporting farmers’ practices in seed supply, 47-53
    4.         iv.       M.H. Thijssen, Abdurahman Beshir, Z. Bishaw, A.J.G. van Gastel and Walter S. de Boef.  Seed professionals starting to approach informal seed supply through a learning and action oriented training program, 63-72
    5.           v.       A.J.G. van Gastel, Z. Bishaw and B.R. Gregg. Business principles for the establishment of a viable small-scale seed enterprise, 231-239
    6.         vi.       Bishaw, Z., A.J.G. van Gastel, K. Amegbeto and A.A. Niane. Village-based seed enterprises in Afghanistan, 240-244
    7. Bishaw, Z. and A.J.G. van Gastel. 2007. Seed production of cool season food legumes: Faba bean, chickpea and lentil. ICARDA, Aleppo, Syria. vi+ 84 pp
    8. Bishaw, Z., A.A. Niane and A.J.G. van Gastel. 2006. Technical guidelines for quality seed production. ICARDA, Aleppo, Syria. 23 pp
    9. Rohrbach, David D., Z. Bishaw and Anthony J.G. van Gastel (eds.). 1997. Alternative Strategies for Smallholder Seed Supply. Proceedings of an International Conference on Options for Strengthening National and Regional Seed Systems in Africa and West Asia, 10-14 March 1997, Harare, Zimbabwe. ICRISAT, Andra Pradesh, India. 288 pp.

V. Chapters in Training Manuals (5+5 chapters)

  1. van Gastel, A.J.G., M.A. Pagnotta and E. Porceddu (eds.). 1996. In Seed Science and Technology. Proceedings of the `Train-the-Trainer' course sponsored by Med-campus Program (EEC), 24 April - 9 May 1993, Amman, Jordan. ICARDA, Aleppo, Syria, vii + 311pp
  2. Seyed Irfan Ahmad (ed). Not dated. In Legume Seed Technology. Proceedings of the `Train-the-Trainer' course on Legume Seed Production, 5-14 April 1994, Sahiwal, Pakistan, FSCRD, Islamabad, Pakistan.

VI. Audiotutorials (2)

  1. van Gastel, A.J. G., Z. Bishaw, R. Griffiths and J. Hanson. 1996. Seed Processing. Audiovisual Training Module. ICARDA, Aleppo, Syria, and ILRI, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 16pp.
  2. Tropical Forage Seed Production. 1995. Joint publication of ICARDA (Z. Bishaw and A.J.G. van Gastel) and ILRI (R. Griffiths and J. Hanson).

VII. WANA Seed Network Publications (11)

  1. Noaman, M. S., B.R. Gregg, A.J.G. van Gastel and Z. Bishaw. 2005. Code of Conduct for Seed Associations. WANA Seed Network Publication No. 29/05. 17 pp
  2. Lotfi, Faeza and Z. Bishaw. 2004. WANA Seed Directory. WANA Seed Network Publication No. 28/04 (4th edition)‡
  3. Tahiri, Amar and Z. Bishaw. 2004. WANA Variety Catalogue. WANA Seed Network Publication No. 27/04. ICARDA, Aleppo, Syria
  4. Lotfi, Faeza and Z. Bishaw. 2002. WANA Seed Directory. WANA Seed Network Publication No. 26/02 (3rd edition)‡
  5. Madarati, Abdulwahab and Z. Bishaw. 2002. WANA Catalogue of Field and Seed Standards. WANA Seed Network Publication No. 25/02
  6. Tourkmani, Mohamed and Z. Bishaw. 2002. WANA Catalogue of Varieties. WANA Seed Network Publication No. 24/02 (3rd edition)‡
  7. Gregg, B., S.A. Wanis, Z. Bishaw and A.J.G. van Gastel. 1996. Plant Variety Protection: Decree Under National Seed Law of a Country of West Asia and North Africa. WANA Seed Network Publication No. 12/96. iii + 27 pp.
  8. Gregg, B., S.A. Wanis, Z. Bishaw and A.J.G., van Gastel. 1994. Safe Seed Storage. WANA Seed Network Publication No. 5/94. iii + 53 pp.
  9. Gregg, B., S.A. Wanis, A.J.G. van Gastel and Z. Bishaw. 1994. Marketing Seed. WANA Seed Network Publication No. 6/94. iii + 31 pp
  10. Bishaw, Z., A.J.G. van Gastel, B. Gregg and S.A. Wanis. 1994. Inspecting Seed Fields of Self-pollinating Crops. WANA Seed Network Publication No. 7/94. iii + 52 pp
  11. Bishaw, Z. and B. Gregg, 1993. Equipment and Supplies List Seed Testing. WANA Seed Network Publication No. 4/93, ICARDA, Aleppo, Syria. 11 pp

VIII. Popular articles in international/regional agricultural and seed newsletters (24)

  1. Seed Info: Newsletter of West Asia North Africa Seed Network (8)
  2. Focus on Seed Programs: Supplement of Seed Info (5)
  3. Caravan: Review of Agriculture in the Dry Areas (2)
  4. West Africa Seed and Planting Material: Newsletter of West Africa Seed Network (1)
  5. International Seed Testing Association News Bulletin (6)
  6. E-Review: Electronic Newsletter of African Seed Trade Association (1)
  7. Agrotica: Newsletter of Agriculture (1)

IX. Invited/Key Note Speaker in Conferences

1.     African Seed Sector and Opportunities for International Trade.  2017 TSÜAB Workshop. 18-19 December 2017, Antalya, Turkey

2.     Enhancing Agricultural Sector Development in Ethiopia: the role of Research and Seed Sector. Golden Jubilee Anniversary of EIAR, 26-27 January 2016, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

  1. Seed 4 Grain: The New Challenge of Ethiopian Wheat Value Chain, 6-7 December 2014, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
  2. Whither the Chickpea Seed System: International Chickpea Workshop on Harnessing Chickpea Value Chain for Nutrition Security and Commercialization of Smallholder Agriculture in Africa, 30 Jan- 1 Feb 2013, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia
  3. Evolution of Seed Policy and Strategies and Implications for Ethiopian Seed Systems Development. Sustainable Seed System in Ethiopia: Challenges and Opportunities, International Seed Conference, 1-3 June 2011, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
  4. Strengthening national seed Sector in ECO region: Lessons learned and way forward: First ECOSA International Seed Trade Conference, 28-30 December 2009, Antalya, Turkey
  5. Principles for rapid variety release, seed multiplication and distribution in developing countries to counter the threat of wheat rust: BGRI Technical Workshop, 17-20 March 2009, Ciudad Obregon, Mexico. Cornell University, USA
  6. Seed production and dissemination of Ug99 resistant varieties: International Conference on Wheat Stem Rust Ug99 -A Threat to Food Security. 6-9 Nov 2008, New Delhi, India. Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India
  7. Harmonization of seed regulatory frameworks: Second CWANA International Seed Trade Conference, 19-21 November 2007, Cairo, Egypt
  8. The status and prospects of seed industry in the Middle East: First CWANA International Seed Trade Conference, 29 Nov - 1 Dec 2005, Antalya, Turkey; Turkish Seed Industry Association, Ankara, Turkey
  9. Sustainable seed production of cool season food legumes in CWANA Region: Fourth International Food Legumes Research Conference (IFLRC-IV), October 18–22, 2005, New Delhi, India
  10. The role of international agricultural research centers in a changing seed industry: African Seed Industry in the New Millennium: Changes and Prospects: First AFSTA Annual Congress, 24-26 March 2001, Cairo, Egypt
  11. Benefits of regional collaboration in seed program development: International Conference on Seed Industry, 27-30 March 2000, Tripoli, Libya
  12. The WANA seed network-an overview: Third Egyptian National Seed Conference, 10-12 May 1999, Cairo, Egypt
  13. Seed supply in the WANA region: status and constraints: International Conference on Options for Strengthening National and Regional Seed Systems in Africa and West Asia, 10-14 March 1997, Harare, Zimbabwe
  14. A regional perspective on seed security. In International Workshop on Seed Security for Food Security, Contributions for the Development of Seed Security Strategies in Disaster-prone Regions,30 Nov-1 Dec 1997, Florence, Italy. FAO, Rome Italy