1. General Background
Shire Soil Research Center, the then-called Shire soil laboratory, was established in 1990s by the Ministry of Agriculture to support the agricultural sector by providing soil laboratory analysis services and was under the Tigray Bureau of Agriculture for some years. In February 2013 the regional government decided the laboratory to be administered under the regional research institute (TARI) with the objective to support the agricultural sector through providing research based soil, plant, and water analysis services.
Currently, Shire Soil Research Center (SSRC) is one of the two soil research centers under the umbrella of Tigray Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) which specifically conducts research on the chemical, physical, and biological fertility of agricultural soils. Shire soil research center is working soil-related research activities under the research mandate areas of Shire-Mytsebri and Axum Agricultural Research Centers in two zones of Tigray (Central and Northwestern zones) and cater a total of 24 woredas (13 woredas in central and 11 woredas in north western). The Soil Laboratory was considered for accreditation by the Ethiopian National Accreditation Office (ENAO).
Shire Soil Research Center is organized under three core processes;
Mission: “To conduct scientific research on soil resources that enables sustainably higher crop and forage production and provide analytical services in the required quality and quantity to give soil, plant and water analytical and management recommendations”
Vision: “To become the center of excellence in soil research and to generate soil resources management technologies and enable farmers to use a soil and crop specific fertilizer recommendations by 2037”
2. Research Capacity
3. Research thematic areas
3.1. Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition Research Case team
The soil research core process has been carried out and achieved many projects regarding solving agricultural soil problems of our farmlands with limited human power. In addition to soil research, our center provides soil, water, and plant analysis and recommendation services for researchers, graduate students, agricultural investors, as well as farmers.
The soil research core process (research thematic areas) has three case teams
This case team mostly deals with research agendas on soil health; soil physical and chemical fertility and plant nutrition.
3.2. Soil Biology Research
3.3. Soil Resource Survey and Land Evaluation research
Like the other case teams soil resource survey and mapping research conduct research on: -
3.4. Analytical Laboratory Research and Testing Services
The laboratory we have is updating its soil, water, and plant analysis service from time to time. At this moment; our laboratory gives analysis services and recommendations for more than 20 parameters: -
In addition to our own researchers, different users and scholars come to get the service in SSRC’s laboratory. For example: -
Our laboratory also plays a great role in giving practical analysis training for various teachers, technicians, students, and professionals from different organizations. For example: -
4. Research achievements of SSRC
Since its establishment the center has achieved a number of results in the area of soil related research activities.
5. Partnership
The center has been closely working with different partner institutions of both governmental and non-governmental. Currently, the world bank funded program known as Food System Resilience Program (FSRP), Standard, fortified and soluble fertilizers (OCP_Fertilizer), the Climate Action through Landscape Management for Result (CALM_R) the District Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Development (BoARD), Shire Agricultural Collage and Aksum University are active partners of the research center.
Contact address: Shire Soil Research Center (SSRC)
Phone: +251-344 44 06 04/0201
Fax: +251-344 44 06 04
P.O. Box:40,
Shire_Endaslase, Tigray, Ethiopia
General Background
Agricultural Mechanization and Rural Energy Research Directorate is one of the five research Directorates under Tigray Agricultural Research Institute (TARI). The research directorate is mainly engaged in development-oriented research activities of different agricultural machineries and implements, post-harvest and feed processing technologies, renewable and biomass energy appliances.
Thematic (research) areas
Research pillar of the directorate
The Mekelle Bee Research and Training center (MBRC) was officially launched as center in July, 2020. The center is temporary based in the compound of Tigray Agricultural Research Institute (TARI). It is located North-east of Mekelle at an elevation of 1970 meters at 250 51’N latitude and 390 61’ longitudes. MBRTC has one testing and demonstration site adjacent to its main office. In addition, it has six demonstration sites located in different agro-ecologies of the region having good potential for beekeeping.
The center has 6 core processes.
Research Focus / Thematic Area
Manpower
The center has a total of 28 staff members.
Achievements
Although Tigray has immense beekeeping potentials, the benefits from the sector are often poorly utilized which lead to its low production and productivity. Regardless of the fact that the MBRC is at its infant stage, so far, it has conducted different research activities and provide valuable recommendation and direction to improve the apiculture sector in the region. It has been working to generate/develop valuable technologies /hard and soft/ in areas of;
Contact Address:
Mekelle Bee Research and Training center (MBRC)
Fax: (+251) 344-416122
P.O.Box:1070
Mekele, Tigray, Ethiopia
1. General Overview
Shire Maitsebri agricultural research center (SMARC) is one of the 11 Agro ecology and Commodity based research centers under Tigray agricultural research institute (TARI) established in 2002. The center is located at shire (capital city of the north western zone of Tigray). It covers about six weredas (districts) namely: Tselemti, Asgede-Tsmbla, Tahtay koraro, laelay adiabo, medebay zana and Tahtay Adiabo. Within its research mandate areas the pillar crops grown under rain fed include sorghum, maize, finger millet, teff, sesame, rice, faba bean, field bean and chickpea. The area is also suitable for production of horticultural crops like tomato, onion, pepper, mango, banana, cassava, guava, avocado etc. There is also rhuge potential of natural resource such as Boswellia papyrifera, acacia Senegal, different species of bamboo tree and other economically important forests. In addition, the area is well known for the unexplored potential for livestock particularly for begait cattle and begait sheep.
The center is mandate to perform:
2. Man power permanent workers
No
Qualification
Researchers and technical assistants
Support staffs
Total
1
Diploma
3
5
8
2
First degree (B.Sc.)
4
Second degree (M.Sc.)
29
30
Third degree (PhD)
0
34
9
43
3. Research Disciplines/core-processes
3.1. Crop Research
The crop research core-process is organized under ----case teams; namely
3.2. Livestock Research/Animal health improvement research
The livestock research core-process is organized under ----case teams; namely
3.4. Natural Resource Research
3.4. Socio Economic and Extension core process
The socioeconomic and extension research core-process has two case teams
4. Achievements
4.1. Crop research achievement
4.2. Livestock Research achievements
4.3. Natural resources achievement
4.4. Socio-economic and extension research achievement
Shire Maitsebri Agricultural Research Center has established collaboration with different partners and stakeholders organizations of governmental and non-governmental; local and international such as:
Contact address: Shire Maitsebri Agricultural Research Center (SMARC)
Phone: +251344440549
Fax: +251344442073
Shire, Tigray, Ethiopia
1. General Background of Mekelle Agricultural Research Center (MARC)
The roots of agricultural research in Tigray can be traced back to the devastating drought of 1972. This catastrophe, marked by crop failures, lack of animal feed and widespread famine, prompted a United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UN-FAO) mission to visit northern Ethiopia (including Tigray, Wollo, and Eritrea) in 1973. Following a thorough assessment, the UN-FAO mission recommended establishing a research center in Tigray, with potential testing sites in other drought-prone areas of Ethiopia. The then Institute of Agricultural Research (IAR) initially expanded its varietal screening research at Illala-Mekelle, a site affiliated with the Holeta Research Center. Recognizing the need for a broader approach, the UN-FAO mission returned in 1974. They evaluated the progress at Illala and reviewed findings from the Tigray Rural Development Study (TRDS). This evaluation led them to conclude that the region required integrated natural resources management (NRM) research that went beyond just testing different crop varieties. The mission recommended that the UN Development Programme (UNDP) provide funding, and that the UN-FAO recruit scientists with expertise in various disciplines.
With this crucial backing, the Mekelle Research Center was established in 1974. Initially, a multidisciplinary team from FAO provided valuable expertise in dryland farming, soil and water conservation, ecology, and the development of appropriate farming implements. This collaborative effort laid a strong foundation for integrated NRM research. Unfortunately, due to political circumstances, the FAO team left in 1976, and the program shifted to Nazreth Research Center. The Mekelle center remained inactive until its rehabilitation in 1993. Following the decentralization of the research system in 1998, it became an independent regional research center. In 1999, with the establishment of the Tigray Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) through Negarit Gazeta proclamation No. 36/1999, the MARC became one of its six core facilities. Since then, it has focused on dryland agricultural research, playing a pivotal role in improving agricultural practices throughout the region.
MARC boasts a highly trained researchers with expertise across various disciplines, ensuring they can effectively address demand-driven research projects. The departments are arranged in research core process
2. Organizational setup and capacity:
The center has been organized under four research thematic areas named as research core processes MARC boasts a highly trained researchers with expertise across various disciplines, ensuring they can effectively address demand-driven research projects.
The center possesses a diverse network of experimental sites strategically located across Mekelle, Gerba Gifa, Wukro, and Adigrat. These sites provide researchers with a variety of environmental conditions to conduct real-world experiments, fostering the development of adaptable and regionally relevant solutions.
3. Mission and Focus
Mission: To improve agricultural productivity, food security, and livelihoods in Tigray through research, capacity building, and technology dissemination.
Research focus: Crops, livestock, natural resource management, and socioeconomics, and research extension
Research Mandates
4. Research Core Processes in Action
4.1. Crop Research Core Process
The MARC Crop Research Core Process (CRCP) has been a driving force in Tigray's agricultural development. As one of the active research program in the region, the CRCP focuses on generating and adapting crop technologies for diverse agro-ecologies. The CRCP prioritizes solutions for drought-prone areas, depleted natural resources, and biotic constraints, all factors often exacerbated by climate change. Their work aims to alleviate food insecurity, improve crop productivity, and build climate-resilient agriculture, ultimately contributing to poverty reduction and economic prosperity in Tigray's dryland.
The CRCP plays a crucial role in seed multiplication, ensuring a continuous supply of various early generation seeds (EGS) for different crops. They also maintain varietal purity (both newly released and established varieties) through the production of breeder and pre-basic seeds, which form the foundation for further seed multiplication cycles. By facilitating the multiplication of newly released varieties and making them readily available to seed producers and farmers, the CRCP ensures faster access to improved crop varieties, allowing farmers to capitalize on the advancements in crop breeding programs. Early generation seed production serves two key purposes: maintaining the genetic potential and identity of a variety and providing a regular supply of high-quality breeder seed for subsequent large-scale seed production. This ensures farmers consistently receive high-performing seeds with the desired genetic traits.
Research Thematic areas
Major Research Projects
4.2. Livestock Research Core Process
Ethiopia's vast livestock sector, a key source of income and one-third of agricultural GDP, grapples with low productivity. Despite contributing to food security, current consumption of meat, milk, and eggs falls short of global averages. To address this, the Mekelle Agricultural Research Center's Livestock Core Process, with its dedicated poultry, cattle, small ruminant, and fishery case teams, is working to improve the production and supply of these essential products. This focus on boosting productivity is expected to strengthen food security, reduce reliance on imports, and generate new jobs.
Research Thematic Areas
4.3. Natural Resource Research Core Process
Natural Resources Research core process is one of the four researches core processes of Mekelle Agricultural Research Center. This core process is mainly affianced in implementation of different researches in the fields of irrigation and water resources management, soil and water conservation and watershed development, forestry and agro-forestry and GIS and agro-meteorology researches.
Research thematic areas
Research activities on forestry and agroforestry
4.4. Socio Economic and Extension core process
The Tigray region faces unique socioeconomic challenges that influence how extension research is conducted. Most of Tigray's population relies on rain-fed agriculture for subsistence and income. This makes them vulnerable to droughts and erratic rainfall patterns. Years of deforestation and overgrazing have contributed to soil erosion, reducing agricultural productivity. Farmers often lack access to improved seeds, fertilizers, irrigation, and credit facilities, hindering their ability to adopt new technologies. A significant portion of Tigray's population lives below the poverty line, limiting their capacity to invest in agricultural improvements. MARC's socioeconomic and extension research aims to bridge knowledge gaps and enhance community development outcomes.
5. Contributions of MARC to Tigray Agriculture
6. Future aspiration
7. MARC Partnerships
Mekelle Agricultural Research Center executes research projects, shares knowledge, and translates findings into practical solutions for local communities. The center fosters collaboration to amplify its impact and partnering with non-governmental and governmental organizations such as:
Aksum Agricultural Research Center (AxARC), was established in 1995 E.C. (2002 G.C.), under the Tigray Agricultural Research Institute (TARI). The center is located in Axum town and has four testing sites in central zone of Tigray at Rama-Adi arbaete, Laelay Maichew, Adwa and Adet districts. The mandate areas of the center includes more than 17 districts and 3 town administrations of central zone of Tigray and are accessible to transport service in all seasons. The agro ecologies of the mandate areas consists of all the three major agro-ecological classifications (lowland, midland and highland) extending from the lowland areas of Rama Adi-arbaete to the highlands of Ahferom.
The center is organized in to four research core processes and one support staff team. The research core processes are crop and horticulture research, Livestock research, Natural resources management research and agricultural extension and socio-economic research. The center is conducting a lot of agro ecologically fitted and problem solving Agricultural research activities mainly focusing on Agricultural technology generation, Technology adaptation, Technology dissemination through demonstration and pre-extension popularization activities. Regionally, AxARC is center of excellence and collaboration center on Teff (eragorists teff) research, pulse research, horticulture research and Poultry research programs.
2. Research capacity
The center has four permanent research sites at Rama Adi Arbate, Adwa, Laelay Maichew and Adet and one temporal testing site at Ahferom districts of central zon. It has also one poultry research and multiplication farm at Axum town. The center owns 13 ha of land being used for research, seed multiplication and fruit orchard activities. In addition, there is about 0.25 ha of land for poultry research, multiplication, feed processing and hatchery activities. As far as research facilities/logistics is concerned, the center has four vehicles (3 cars and 1 motorcycle) and owns a non-permanent office.
3. Research disciplines/core-process
3.1. Crop Research Core process
In the crop research core process, there are four research case teams; research team on cereals, research team on pulses, research team on horticulture, and research team on plant protection research team. This core process is mainly focused on development of high yielding and disease-resistant varieties for the major food crops, such as Teff, wheat, finger millet, and chickpea. In addition, it is mandated to conduct research on horticultural crops and has been working on adaptation of high-yielding vegetable crops (onion, tomato, garlic, and hot paper) and fruits (papaya, orange, and mango). The protection research team has been working to identify and diagnose the major pests and diseases of major field crops, vegetables and fruits in the mandate areas. In addition, carry out studies centered on integrated pest management (IPM).
3.2. Livestock Research Core Process
The livestock research core process has organized in to two research case teams, thus include the poultry research case team and Cattle (Dairy) research case team. This core process has been instrumental in enhancing poultry productivity by introducing, demonstrating, and multiplying improved breeds of poultry known as koekoeck that best suit to the production system of smallholder farmers in the areas in general and women farmers in particular. The poultry farm is equipped with full farm infrastructure of hatcheries, feed mill and mixer machineries, brooder house, grower and layer rooms, and experimental pens. Currently, it is operating by handling more than 1000 koekoeck chickens for both research and multiplication purposes. In addition, tremendous research efforts have been made in the area of livestock feed improvement and improved forage establishment in the central zone. So far, top 15 forage germplasms are maintained and multiplied for further research and demonstration projects. A survey on major animal diseases had also been carried out and documented by the livestock research core process.
3.3. Natural Resources Management Research Core Process
The natural resources management research core process has three research case teams under it. These include forestry and agroforestry research, soil and water conservation research, and irrigation and drainage systems research. So far, the core process has conducted different research and demonstration activities on lowland bamboo, economically significant trees, physical and biological soil and water conservation practices, and irrigation water management research activities, including crop water requirement research, irrigation interval research, and optimal irrigation supplementation.
3.4. Socio-Economic and Agricultural Extension Research Core Process
The socio-economic and agricultural extension research core process has two research case teams; Socioeconomics, and Extension and Gender research case teams. The Socio-economics core process is mainly focused on the generation of information and knowledge that enhance internal and external research efficiency. It also studies the impacts of agricultural technologies, policies, institutions on the overall livelihood of the farming communities, farming systems and the environment at large. Regarding the agricultural extension research, it mainly focused on the demonstration and pre-extension popularization of new agricultural technologies through participatory on farm research. It promotes farmers to actively involve at all stages of technology development with special emphasis on gender sensitive/responsive agricultural technologies that ensure the benefit of women and youth who are the most disadvantaged groups of the community as far as use of improved technologies is concerned. It also promote technologies using different media options.
4. Major Research achievements
The center has carried out different research programs and activities on crop, livestock, natural resource management and socio-economic and research extension research core processes.
4.1. Achievements in Crop research
4.2. Achievements in Livestock Research
4.3. Achievements in Natural resources Research
4.4. Socioeconomics and Extension Research achievements
5. Partnership and collaboration ORTDP, AGP, ACGG, ILRI Lives,
The Axum Agricultural Research Center has established strong partnerships and collaborations with a wide range of organizations including; Debrezeit Agricultural Research Center (DZARC) we are working in collaboration on teff, chick pea and poultry research, with world bank funded program called food system resilience project (FSRP), with the international fund for Agricultural development (IFAD), each District Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Development (BoARD) in central zone, International committee of red cross (ICRC), Mibale Seed Enterprise union Aksum, Aksum University and all Agricultural Research Centers under TARI. Furthermore, the center maintained close ties with initiatives like as AGP, ORTDP, and ILRI (African Chicken Genetic Gain-ACGG and Lives).
6. Awards and Recognition
The Aksum Agricultural Research Center and its Researchers have been honored with numerous awards and recognition for their outstanding contributions to the field of agricultural development from:
Contact address: Aksum Agricultural Research Center (AxARC)
Phone: +251347752274
Fax: +251347752110
P.O.Box:230, Axum, Tigray, Ethiopia
Humera Agricultural Research Center, was established in 1995 as one of the five agro-ecology based research centers established under TARI. The Center is located at 14o15' N and 36o37' E, with an altitude of 609 masl at Humera town which is found at the boarder of Sudan and Eritrea. The mandate areas of the research center encompasses three districts vis. Kafta Humera, Tsegede and Welkayt with agro-ecological zones of SA1-1, M1-7 and M2-5 respectively. The center owns about 200 ha farmland in Humera, which uses for improved seed multiplication and execution of different experiments. HuARC is the coordinator for national sesame research project and 15 years (2016-2030) document of sesame research direction is prepared.
Humera Agricultural Research Center, was established in 1995 as one of the five agro-ecology based research centers established under TARI. It was established to conduct research on oil crops (sesame and sunflower), sorghum, cotton, and lowland pulses with the object ive of supporting and promoting mechanized agriculture in the Western and northwestern lowland plains of Tigray. Currently, Humera Agricultural Research Center is serving as national center of excellence for sesame crop which was previously under Werer Agricultural Research Center.
There are three research departments and one support staff department as described in the table
Level
Departments
Crop Improvement
Natural Resource Management
Socio-economic and extension Research
Support Staff
PhD
3 (2*)
MSc
15 (3*)
8 (1*)
4 (2*)
28 (6*)
BSc
7
15
<12 grade
19
20
62
Vision: To be one of the most important research centers in Ethiopia as well as in Africa and to see improved livelihood of the society in the mandate area and the region as a whole through the use of technologies generated and proven by the research center
Mission: To generate Agricultural technologies that improves Livelihood of the farming community in particular and the region at large; and to improve the welfare of people in Tigray through increased production, productivity and nutritional quality of food while preserving and enhancing natural resources base.
2. Duties and Responsibilities:
3. Thematic areas:
The major thematic areas of the center focuses on crop improvement, natural resource management, and socio-economic and extension research areas and are described below.
Crop improvement: Oil and fiber crops (Sesame, sunflower, safflower and cotton), cereals (Sorghum, Teff, Wheat and Barley), lowland pulse crops (Mungbean and soybean), and horticultural crops (Banana, mango, pineapple, okra, onion and others).
Natural Resource management: It also focuses on the management and utilization of economically important trees like bamboo, Boswelia papyrifera, Balanites aegyptiaca and others. Irrigation water management, soil fertility management and soil water conservation and water management is also among the major focuses of the research center.
Socio-economic and extension research: Demonstration and popularization of proven technologies are among the major focus areas.
4. Major Achievements
HuARC is one of the research centers in TARI, which conducts different research activities and delivers different community services and technical backstopping to farmers. The major achievements of the center are shortly described below:
HuARC released a total of 7 improved crop varieties of sesame (Sesamum indicum), mungbean (Vigna radiata), Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum):
The center investigated some improved technologies:
The center established an orchard in the compound of the research center having different economically important trees in the area
The center multiplied above 3000 breeder and pre-basic seeds of sesame and delivered to sesame seed producing cooperatives and individuals since 2012.
The center has been working in collaboration with different governmental and non-governmental organizations, small and large-scale farmers at region national and international levels:
Governmental: Research Centers (All research centers under TARI, EIAR, Gondar ARC, Assosa ARC, Pawe ARC, Werer ARC, Bko ARC, Wolkite ARC, Jinka ARC, Areka ARC, Melkassa ARC), Agricultural Transformation Agency (ATA), Howot Agrocultural Mechanization, Investor farmers and others
Higher Learning Institutions: Mekelle University, Aksum University, Haramaya University, Hawassa University, Perdue University
Non-governmental: National Agricultural Research fund, Regional Agricultural Research Fund, Research Capacity building program (RCBP), Public Private Partnership Organization (PPPO), USAID, BENEFIT (Bilateral Ethio-Netherlands Effort for Food Security; Income and Trade), Selit-Hulling and others.
Alamata Agricultural Research Center established was in 2002 with mandate of addressing two major agro-ecologies namely lowland and highland areas in south Tigray. It is one of the research centers under Tigray Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) established to conduct agricultural research considering all important commodities in southern Zone of Tigray. The center has five core processes: crop research, livestock research, natural resources management research, agricultural extension and socio-economic research, and administrative staff. It plays a crucial role in addressing the specific agricultural challenges and opportunities of the mandate area, contributing to improved food security, economic growth, and livelihoods the farmers.
2. Research core processes
2.1. Crop Research
Crop Research focus
Prior Crop Commodities
2.2. Lives tock research
2.3. Natural Resources Research
2.4. Socio-economic and agricultural extension research
3. Brief Research Achievements
SN
Commodity
Variety
Year of release
Recommendation domain
Bread wheat
Mekelle 3
2012
2000-2500
Mekelle 4
2013
2200-2800
Hadis
2018
2200-2600
Korem-1
2019
2000-2700
Faba bean
Hashenge*
2015
2200-2700
Dekoko (Pisum sativum var abyssinicum)
Raya 1
Highland
Raya 2
Midland
*Orobanche crenata resistant
Wheat
Kekaba, Danda’a, King bird, Wane, Boru, Abay, Daka
Barley
HB1307
Maradol
Sorghum
Melkam, Grana-1
Miaze
Melkessa 2, Melkassa 4, Melkassa 6Q, BHPQY 545
6
Chick pea
Arerti, Dalota, Dimitu
Papaya
Onion
Adama red, Nasik red, Bombey red
Tomato
Melkashola, Roma VF, Roma VFN, Gelilama
10
Pepper
Marekofana
11
Potato
Belete, Jalleni, Gudeni,
12
Sweet potato
Kulfo and Tulla
3.2. Livestock Research core process
3.3. Natural Resources Research core processes
3.4. Socio economic and extension Research core process
4. Partnership
The center has been closely working with different governmental and non-governmental institutions.
5. Human Resources
6. Research Sites
Get in touch
@Alamata Agricultural Research Center, Tigray, Ethiopia
Cell phone: +251945853810
Abergelle Agricultural Research Center (AbARC), established in 1995 E.C. (2002 G.C.), is one of the research centers under Tigray Agricultural Research Institute (TARI). The mandate areas are the lowland (kolla) part of Seharti and Samre districts from the south-eastern zone, and Tanqua Mlash, Abergelle Yechila, Kolla Tembien, and Keyh Tekli districts from the central zone of Tigray. The center has five core processes: crop and horticulture research, small ruminant and fish research, natural resources management research, agricultural extension and socio-economic research, and support staff. The center is conducting various demand- and problem-based research activities on livestock, crops, natural resources, socio-economics, and extension. Moreover, the center is regionally mandated to lead and collaborate on the research conducted on small ruminants and fish.
Human capacity: The center has a total of 27 researchers (2 PhDs, 3 PhD candidates, 15 MScs, and 7 MScs), 25 support staff, and 14 data collectors.
Physical capacity: There is one experimental farm for small-ruminant at Abergelle Yechila district, four community-based goat breeding programs, two experimental and seed multiplication sites. The center owns a totaling of 29.5 ha being used for research activities on crops, forages, and natural resources, as well as technology multiplication. it has also about 0.5 ha of land which is serving as experimental site for research activies on fish. There is access for all weather road which crosses all the districts under the mandate of the center.
3. Major Research thematic areas
4. Brief research achievements so far
4.1. Achievements in Livestock Research
Small ruminant breeding
Feed resources and feeding systems
Animal health improvement
Fish production and productivity improvements
4.2. Achievements in Crop Research
Improvement of crop production and productivity
Improvement of horticultural production and productivity
4.3. Achievements in Natural Resources Research
Forestry and agro forestry
Irrigation and drainage systems
Soil and water conservation
4.4. Achievements in Socioeconomic and extension Research
The center has been closely working with different partner institutions of both governmental and non governmental. Currently, the world bank funded program known as Food System Resilience Program (FSRP), the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), the District Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Development (BoARD), Mekelle University, and Aksum University are active partners of the research center.
Contact address: Abergelle Agricultural Research Center (AbARC)
Phone: +25134460741
Fax: +251344461057
P.O.Box:44, Abi-Adi, Tigray, Ethiopia
Increased crop production is mainly achieved through the management of the soil in a sustainable way. A fertile soil is needed to boost crop production. Soil research is an essential tool for sustainable land management, formulation of judicial fertilizer recommendations, advisory services as well as designing appropriate soil management and agronomic practices.
Mekelle Soil Research Center was established on February 2013 based on the development urgency and need in soil science research to increase soil and crop productivity. It is one of the research centers of Tigray Agricultural Research Institute (TARI). It consists of five case teams: Soil Fertility Research, Soil Microbiology Research, Soil Resources Survey and Mapping Research, Analytical Soil Laboratory and Administration & Finance.
Mission: “To conduct scientific research on soil resources that enables sustainably higher crop and forage production and provide analytical services in the required quality and quantity to give soil, plant and water analytical and management recommendations ”
Vision:“To become the center of excellence in soil research and to generate soil resources management technologies and enable farmers to use a soil and crop specific fertilizer recommendations by 2037”
Mandate : Southern Zone of Tigray, South Eastern Zone of Tigray, Eastern Zone of Tigray and some parts of Central Zone of Tigray (K.Tebben and T.Abergelle)
2. Thematic areas
2.1. Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition Research
2.2. Soil Biology Research
2.3. Soil Resource Survey and Land Evaluation research
3. Achievements
Since its establishment and before, the soil related best practices generated are: