Mekelle University and Partners organized Regional Donors Consultative Workshop on Research-led Alluvial Aquifer Irrigation Development in Tigray
A regional consultative workshop on research-led irrigation development in Tigray alluvial aquifers convened at Atsey Yohaness Hotel in Mekelle on May 18, 2024. The workshop was organized by the “Smallholder Farming Families Adapt African Alluvial Aquifers to Strengthen Their Own Resilience (A4Store)” project, funded by the IHE Delft Water and Development Partnership Programme, the Netherlands. Participants included representatives from academia, research, government development sectors, NGOs, and private sector.
Dr. Eyasu Yazew, Vice President for Research and Community Engagement of Mekelle University and project leader, highlighted that the five-year A4Store Project focuses primarily on research. He emphasized the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders to support resource-poor and war-affected farmers through research-led sustainable irrigation development, which requires the provision of technologies (such as solar pumps, drip irrigation, and selected seeds), training of farmers, and the establishment of agricultural demonstration sites.
Presentations were delivered on the A4Store project introduction, principles of the Adaptive Investment Pathway (AdIP), the project plan for 2024, and Profile of CultivAid – A non-profit organization from Israel. The presentations were followed by discussions and promises of institutional contributions towards the requested supports for research-led development.

The establishment of the Tigray Sand Forum (TSF) was one of the main issues discussed during the workshop. Participants applauded the need for its establishment at the regional level, and many voluntarily registered as members. Institutional representatives elaborated on their contributions to training farmers, establishing agricultural demonstration sites, promoting community drip irrigation and solar pumps, and providing selected seed varieties and seedlings.

A memorandum of understanding aimed at enhancing research and development was also signed between Mekelle University and CultivAid, a project partner from Israel.
The workshop concluded with key messages from Dr. Abdelkadir Kedir, Mekelle University Academic Vice President, who highlighted the university's commitment to becoming an educational and research hub. Dr. Eyasu Abraha, Head of the Tigray Bureau of Agriculture and Natural Resources, emphasized the need for concerted and water-centered development in Tigray. #WeReallyCare!!