Project launching workshop in collaboration with Mekelle University (Ethiopia), and BOKU University (Austria) was conducted.
Mekelle University, in collaboration with Adigrat University, and BOKU University, Vienna, Austria, conducted a project launching workshop on ‘Revitalizing Mekelle and Adigrat Universities’ Academic Capacity Post-Conflict: Introducing Peri-Urban Agroforestry for Climate Resilience, Forest Restoration, and Women’s Livelihood Enhancement” (REVITAL-MU-ADU project)’ on 23 July, 2025 at Amidina Hotel, Mekelle, Ethiopia. The event was officially opened by Dr. Fana Hagos, President of Mekelle University, who welcomed all participants.
The REVITAL-MU-ADU project aims to rebuild the academic capacities of Mekelle and Adigrat Universities while strengthening their community outreach efforts. Central to the project is the introduction of agroforestry systems as a sustainable solution to address interconnected challenges stemming from the conflict, including unemployment, food insecurity, land degradation, and gender inequalities. By integrating trees into agricultural landscapes in peri-urban areas, the project seeks to enhance climate resilience, restore degraded ecosystems, and improve local livelihoods. Women and girls, who play vital roles in agriculture and natural resource management, are expected to benefit significantly from the project initiatives.
The overarching goal of the REVITAL-MU-ADU project is to revitalize university academic programs and foster partnerships among institutions to support the socio-economic and environmental recovery of the Tigray region in the post-war context, through the promotion of peri-urban agroforestry practices.
Participants in the workshop included project members, college and department heads from both universities, as well as stakeholders from various institutions and NGOs. Discussions focused on opportunities and challenges associated with the adoption of agroforestry.
The project is funded by Austria’s Agency for Education and Internationalization (OeAD) under the Austrian Partnership Programme in Higher Education and Research for Development (APPEAR).
For further information on the project at ADU, please contact:
Dr. Haftay Gebreyesus (haftay.gebreyesus@gmail.com)
Tesfay Gidey (tglove.gidey@gmail.com)
