Introduction

The study was conducted to analyse community-based common bean seed value chain in selected districts of Gurage Zone, Southern Ethiopia. The objectives of the study were identifying community-based common bean seed value chain actors and defining their roles; analyzing market margin of actors; analysing determinant factors of seed supply; and identifying constraints in the seed value chain. A multi-stage sampling technique was implemented for this study. The data were collected from both primary and secondary sources. Descriptive statistics, Value chain and econometric analysis were employed to analyse the data. Primary actors in the study are input suppliers, seed producers, collectors, South Seed Enterprise, Cooperatives and seed clients. Accordingly, the value chain activities are, input supply, production, value addition, marketing and final-use. The producer's share is highest in channel-III, which is 62.3% when producers sell their seed to South Seed Enterprise. The market supply of common bean seed is significantly affected by seed farming experience, quantity of seed produced, frequency of extension contact and District. Late delivering of seed, shortage of improved seed, weak extension contact are main constraints in production. The major seed marketing constraints include weak market linkage, low price at harvesting time, insufficient handling, poor quality seed and lack of storage centers in the production area. Hence, relevant seed value chain actors should join hands to upgrade the seed value chain to improve its performance and governance structure so as to overcome the prevailing constraints and seizing the opportunities.