Facilities

Bako National Maize Research Center is a specialized federal research center located in Bako town in the Oromia Region of Ethiopia. It operates under the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR) and serves as the national hub for maize research and development. The center was established to coordinate and lead maize improvement programs across the country, focusing on developing high-yielding, disease-resistant, and stress-tolerant maize varieties suited to Ethiopia’s diverse agro-ecologies. It plays a central role in national food security, as maize is one of the most important staple crops in Ethiopia. The center conducts comprehensive research in maize breeding, agronomy, soil fertility management, plant protection, seed systems, and climate-resilient production technologies. It develops hybrid and open-pollinated maize varieties adapted to lowland, mid-altitude, and highland areas, and promotes improved crop management practices to increase productivity and sustainability. Bako National Maize Research Center works closely with regional research institutes, universities, seed enterprises, extension services, and international partners to ensure effective variety release, seed multiplication, and technology dissemination. Through training, demonstrations, and collaborative projects, the center significantly contributes to improving farmers’ livelihoods and strengthening Ethiopia’s agricultural development.