Welcome to the official website of the Tigray Agricultural Research Institute (TARI). It is my privilege as Director General to share with you our commitment to advancing agricultural research and innovation in the Tigray region, which plays a critical role in ensuring sustainable development, food security, and rural livelihoods.

Tigray Agricultural Research Institute is one of the famous Regional Agricultural Research in Ethiopia.  The roots of formal agricultural research in Tigray can be traced back to 1972, when the Mekelle Research Center was established. Initially supported by the FAO, the center focused on developing drought-resistant crop varieties for the region’s arid conditions. Over time, its research scope expanded to include natural resource management, addressing the interconnected challenges of agriculture in Tigray. Recognizing the growing need for agricultural technologies, the regional government in the late 1990s initiated the establishment of a dedicated research institute. The Tigray Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) was thus born in 1999, mandated to conduct, coordinate, and manage agricultural research in the region. TARI’s network of research centers has grown steadily over the years and now there are about eleven agro-ecology-based research centers called Mekelle, Humera, Shire-Maitsebri, Axum, Abergelle and Alamata Agricultural Research Centers, and the specialized or commodity-based research centres are Humera, Begaite Animal, Shire Soil, Mekelle Soil, Mekelle Bee Research & Training and Agricultural Mechanization & Rural Energy research centres. The total human capital of the institute is 670 which are 310 researchers, 82, technicians, 278 support staffs. The institute is working in directorates called Crop, Livestock, Natural Resources, Socioeconomic & Ext’n and Agricultural mecha’n & Rural Energey

The Tigray region has long been known for its rich agricultural traditions and potential. However, our farmers face significant challenges that have intensified over recent years, including recurring droughts, soil degradation, climate variability, and market access limitations. The region’s agricultural sector is highly dependent on rainfall, making it vulnerable to the changing climate. Moreover, our farmers, many of whom are smallholders, often lack access to modern technologies and sustainable farming practices. In the face of these challenges, we see an enormous potential for growth, innovation, and transformation. Tigray’s agricultural sector can be more resilient and productive, but this requires the right knowledge, research, and technologies tailored to our region’s unique environmental and socio-economic conditions. Our mission is clear: to lead the way in agricultural research and to develop innovative solutions that directly benefit the farmers of Tigray. We aim to empower farmers and investors with the knowledge and tools they need to adapt to climate change, increase productivity, and improve food security for their families and communities.

Our research focuses on a range of critical areas, including: Livestock, Crop, Natural resource Management, Agricultural Mechanization and Rural development and Agricultural economics and extension.

Collaboration for Sustainable Development

Our success as an institute is built on strong partnerships. We collaborate closely with farmers, local communities, academic institutions, government bodies, and international organizations to ensure that our research is aligned with real-world needs. We recognize that achieving agricultural resilience requires collective action, and we are committed to working hand-in-hand with all stakeholders to create sustainable and scalable solutions.

Our outreach programs focus on transferring research results and innovative technologies to the farming communities through demonstration trials, capacity-building workshops, and extension services. We believe that by empowering farmers with research-based solutions, we can help them overcome challenges and unlock new opportunities for growth and sustainability.

A Vision for the Future

As we look to the future, TARI envisions a Tigray region where agriculture thrives in harmony with nature, where farmers are resilient to climate shocks, and where food security is no longer a challenge but a reality. We will continue to focus on scientific excellence, innovation, and collaboration to achieve this vision.

I invite you to explore our website and learn more about our ongoing research projects, success stories, and opportunities for collaboration. Together, we can build a brighter, more resilient future for Tigray’s agriculture and its people.

Sincerely,

Gebreamlak Bezabih (PhD)
Director General
Tigray Agricultural Research Institute (TARI)