Beles Institute

Major Activities 

The Beles Institute of Adigrat University has been at the forefront of research, development, and community service in the post-war recovery period in Tigray. This report highlights the institute’s key activities over the past year, focusing on research restoration, community service, and cochineal protection.

Digital Innovation at Beles Institute, 

In a landmark advancement toward research efficiency, the Beles Institute of Adigart University successfully introduced a digital system to streamline research activities. This innovation has significantly reduced time consumption, minimized material loss, and eliminated bureaucratic hurdles, ensuring a more effective and organized research environment.

1. Digital Transformation: The institute implemented a cutting-edge digital platform to manage research activities, marking a major step toward modernization.
2. Efficiency Enhancement: The new system has drastically reduced time spent on administrative tasks, allowing researchers to focus on innovation and discovery.
3. Resource Optimization: By minimizing material loss, the institute has enhanced sustainability and cost-effectiveness in research processes.
4. Administrative Simplification: The digital system has streamlined bureaucratic procedures, making research documentation and approvals more accessible and transparent.
5. Impact and Outcomes: The introduction of this digital system has fostered a more dynamic and responsive research environment. Researchers now experience improved workflow management, faster collaboration, and seamless access to essential data. This transformation has positioned Beles Institute as a forward-thinking academic entity dedicated to enhancing research excellence

Restoration of Research Activities:

The institute has made significant strides in reviving its research programs. One of the major accomplishments was the introduction of cochineal resistance varieties from Mexico University. These varieties are now thriving within Tigray’s biotechnology research centres and Adigrat University, demonstrating promising growth performances.

Strategic Partnerships:

To strengthen its research, development, and commercialization efforts, the institute has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with several key stakeholders:

• SHEMU GROUP PLC
• RUFTA PLC
• BeleTech Research and Development

These partnerships focus on cactus development and product processing, paving the way for innovative applications in agriculture and industry.

Academic and Research Collaborations:

One of the institute’s most notable achievements was the organization of a one-day symposium on “Molecular and Biochemical Basis of Plant-Insect and Multitrophic Interactions” in partnership with the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, USA. This event provided an invaluable platform for researchers, faculty, and students to explore key scientific advancements in plant-insect interactions, fostering collaboration between Ethiopian and international scientists.

Workshops and Knowledge Exchange:

Recognizing the urgent need for intervention strategies against the cochineal invasion affecting Beles (prickly pear), the institute successfully organized a high-level workshop titled: “Cochineal Invasion of Beles and Intervention Strategies in Tigray, Ethiopia” (ወራር ኩችንያል በለስን ሜላ ኣተኣላልዩኡን ኣብ ትግራይ). This event brought together experts, policymakers, and community representatives to discuss the impact of cochineal infestation and propose sustainable solutions.

Research and Community Service Initiatives:

Beles Institute has funded several ground-breaking research projects and community service initiatives focusing on:

Climate Change Mitigation and Soil/Food Security Improvement:

Evaluating the role of Opuntia ficus-indica (cactus) in mitigating climate change and improving soil fertility in Eastern Tigray.

Remote Sensing & Machine Learning for Cactus Mapping:

Mapping the coverage and distribution of Opuntia spp using advanced technologies to support conservation efforts.

Development of Hair Care Products:

Utilizing cactus seed oil (Opuntia ficus-indica) to formulate versatile hair oil products, expanding its use in the cosmetic industry.

Capacity-Building & Training:

Beles Institute has prioritized knowledge dissemination and skill development by organizing specialized training sessions for research institutions and universities across the Tigray region. The training primarily focused on:

• Understanding the cochineal invasion affecting Beles,
• Exploring alternative intervention strategies to safeguard local cactus farming.

Strengthening Media Connections:

In an effort to amplify its outreach and visibility, the Beles Institute established strong connections with major media outlets, including: Tigray TV, DW International, LOMI TV, Fana TV, OBN TV.

Through these partnerships, the institute has been able to communicate its research findings, community activities, and policy recommendations to a broader audience, ensuring that its impact extends beyond academia into the public sphere.

Community Awareness Initiatives:

Recognizing the importance of cultural engagement in scientific and environmental awareness, the Beles Institute organized a Meskel Festival during the Ethiopian New Year. This festival served as a platform to enhance community understanding of sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation, and the economic significance of Beles (prickly pear) farming. By integrating cultural celebrations with educational outreach, the institute successfully fostered stronger community participation in its initiatives.

Cochineal Management Training:

The Beles Institute of Adigart University has remained steadfast in its commitment to advancing agricultural training and sustainable practices. This year marked a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts, particularly in supporting the Eastern Zone’s farmers through targeted educational initiatives.

1. Specialized Training on Cochineal Management: The institute successfully conducted progressive training sessions tailored to improve cochineal management at the former level.
2. Targeted Outreach: The program focused on five woredas within the Eastern Zone, ensuring effective knowledge dissemination.
3. Engagement and Participation: A total of 98 farmers and 36 woreda and kebele officials took part, enhancing local capacities and fostering collaboration.
4. Impact and Outcomes: The training sessions were designed to equip participants with practical skills and strategic insights to optimize cochineal management. The engagement of woreda and kebele representatives further strengthens policy implementation and community support.

Conclusion and Future Outlook:

The 2024/25 year has been marked by significant progress in research restoration, strategic collaborations, and knowledge dissemination. Moving forward, Beles Institute remains committed to:

• Expanding research into cactus-based innovations,
• Strengthening partnerships for funding and resource mobilization, and
• Enhancing sustainability efforts in cochineal management and climate resilience.

Through these collective efforts, the institute aims to contribute to regional development and scientific excellence.