Rice crop is considered as a food security crop which is expected to contribute ensuring food security in Ethiopia. Despite its importance, research on its seed systems is limited, emphasizing the need to improve productivity and food security. This study assesses the existing seed system and analyze seed quality attributes among existed seed source in Libo Kemkem District of the Amhara Region, Ethiopia. The survey data were gathered from 120 farmers using a semi-structured questionnaire. Rice seed samples were obtained from both formal (20 samples) and informal (25 samples) seed sources for laboratory testing. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics for survey data and independent t-test for laboratory data with SPSS V27.0 Moreover, laboratory experiments were carried out at ANRS Agriculture and safety Authority Bahir Dar Branch. The study identified the presence of formal and informal seed systems to access rice seed by farmers. The survey results revealed that most of the farmers (74.1%) accessed seed through the informal seed system; the local market (30.8%), their stock (21.7%), exchanges with neighbors or relatives (13.3%), and revolving seed (8.3%). 25.9% of served households accessed seed from formal channels. Farmers’ reasons for using improved rice varieties were high-yielding potential, seed color, marketability, drought resistance, early maturity, shattering resistance, and disease resistance. Farmers’ seed management practices enable to maintain and improve rice seed quality in the study area. Household perceptions of seed quality attributes were generally positive. Laboratory results revealed that most of the seed quality parameters (physical, physiological, thousand seed weight, and moisture content) showed significant differences (p < 0.05) between the formal and informal seed systems. The present of pure seed collected from the formal seed systems (98.8%) met the national seed quality standard set for breeder, p/basic and basic seeds (98%). The highest germination percentage (86.6%) and (80.04) was recorded in the formal and informal seed system respectively. Both seed systems met the national seed quality standard set for breeder, p/basic and basic seeds (80%). Moisture content (11.16%) and (11.29 %) was recorded for formal and informal systems respectively; both systems fulfilled the standards better (13%).Seed access from formal seed systems was significantly higher (P=0.000) in all tested vigor variables. High-vigor seeds can improve seed germination and seedling emergence, increase crop yield and reduce the cost of agriculture production