Formal agricultural research in Tigray started in 1972 with the establishment of Mekelle Research Center. The center was initially supported by the FAO multidisciplinary team of experts to focus on dryland crop variety development which later expanded to include research on natural resource management. In the late 1990s the regional government underscored the importance of establishing regional Agricultural Research Institute that can proactively respond to the increasing regional demand for agricultural technologies. The institute is given the mandate to undertake and coordinate agricultural research in the region.  Thus, TARI came into existence in 1999 by the regional proclamation No. 36/1991 Ethiopian Calendar, as the apex body to conduct, coordinate and manage agricultural research, and provide agricultural related consultancy in Tigray. Following the establishment of TARI, five additional agro-ecology based research centers were established and number of research centers raised to six: Mekelle, Alamata, Abergele, Axum, Mai Tsebri, and Humera research centers. In 2005, Agricultural Mechanization and Rural Energy Research Center and two soil research centers (Mekelle and Shire) added to the portfolio of TARI’s research centers. In 2020, TARI opened two specialized research centers: Mekelle Honeybee Research Center, and Humera Begait animals research center in Western Tigray. These increased the number of research centers under the institute to eleven.

Institutional Background

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. Starting with the Mekelle Research Center, five additional agro-ecology-based centers were established, each tailored to the specific conditions of its location. In 2005, TARI further expanded its capabilities with the addition of an Agricultural Mechanization and Rural Energy Research Center, as well as two specialized soil research centers.

To address emerging agricultural priorities, TARI has continued to innovate. In 2020, the institute opened two specialized research centers: the Mekelle Honeybee Research Center and the Humera Begait Animals Research Center. These additions reflect TARI’s commitment to supporting sustainable agriculture and addressing the diverse needs of the region’s farmers.

Today, TARI stands as a cornerstone of agricultural development in Tigray, providing vital research and consultancy services that contribute to food security, improved livelihoods, and environmental sustainability.

Institutional Set-up:

Currently, TARI is organized under five technical research directorates:

• Crop,
• Livestock,
• Natural resources,
• Socio-economics and Extension Research and
• Agricultural Mechanization and Rural Energy.

Administrative matters under the institute are also organized under five support processes;

• Finance, procurement and property management;
• Human resource management;
• Planning, monitoring and evaluation;
• Public relation and
• Internal audit.

Research Capacity

TARI boasts a strong human resource base, with 310 researchers across various agricultural disciplines. Of these, 9% hold PhD degrees, 85% possess MSc qualifications, and 6% have BSc degrees. The institute’s network of agro-ecology-based research centers, strategically located throughout the region, provides a solid foundation for addressing location-specific agricultural challenges.

However, to keep pace with the growing demand for agricultural technologies, TARI faces significant infrastructure limitations. Critical shortages include research facilities (offices, laboratories, field equipment, ICT facilities, vehicles, storage facilities, etc.), which hinder the institute’s capacity to conduct comprehensive and timely research.

Research Partnerships and Networking

Robust networking is essential for TARI’s strategy implementation. Research collaborations foster personal and professional growth, enhance organizational communication, and facilitate access to resources. By actively networking with other national and international research organizations, universities, funding agencies, scientific communities, NGOs, and government agencies, TARI can access valuable research findings and disseminate its own outputs more effectively.

TARI has already established formal and informal linkages and research collaboration with the following local, national and international organizations:

• Tigray Bureau of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BANR)
• Tigray Bureau of Water Resources and Energy
• Ethiopian Forest Development (EFD)
• Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR)
• Ethiopian National Meteorological Agency (ENMA)
• Agricultural Growth program (AGP II) the then Food System Resilience Program (FSRP)
• International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD-PASID)
• Relief Society of Tigray (REST),
• Norwegian Church Aid-Ethiopia/Dry Lands Coordination Group (DCG-Ethiopia)
• UNESCO-IHE Institute for water education
• Universities (Mekelle University, Aksum University, Adi Grat University, Raya University)
• Institute of geographic sciences and natural resources research, Chinese academy of sciences, Beijing, China 
• Wageningen University and research (WUR)
• World Vision Ethiopia
• World Vision Australia
• Maichew particle board factory
• Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research WOTRO Science for Global Development (NWO)
• WeForest
• GIZ
• CGIAR centers (CIMMYT, ICARDA, ICRAF, ICRISAT, CIP, ILRI,) AGRA
• Moroccan fertilizer factory (OCP. SA)
• REDD+ Secretariat
• Ethiopian orthodox church development and inter church aid commission (EOC-DICAC/TDDC)
• Ethiopian National Accreditation Office (ENAO),
• Jije laboratory

TARI’s research approach

TARI’s research approach is participatory, involving all stakeholders throughout the research process. It leverages Farmers’ Research Groups (FRGs), implements a cluster-based production system, utilizes advanced biotechnology tools, and employs resource-sharing codes. Additionally, TARI actively networks with national and international research centers to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange.