The Natural Resources Research Directorate (NRRD) is one of five research directorates at the Tigray Agricultural Research Institute (TARI). With a network of six pool and two specialized soil research centers strategically located across Tigray’s diverse agro-ecologies, NRRD is dedicated to advancing natural resource management.

Our Mission

To contribute to the sustainable development of Tigray by generating and applying innovative solutions for the effective management of forest, soil, water, and wildlife resources.

Our Vision

A Tigray where natural resources are sustainably managed, and communities are resilient to climate change and environmental degradation.

Key Research Priorities

• Forestry and Environmental Conservation:
  • Plantation forestry
  • Agroforestry
  • Degraded land rehabilitation
  • Non-timber forest products
  • Timber characterization and utilization
  • Bioenergy and biochemicals
  • Forest protection
  • Environmental pollution and waste management
  • Natural forest ecology and management
  • Aquatic and wetland ecosystem management
  • Wildlife conservation
• Climate Science and Geospatial Technologies:
  • Climate change adaptation and mitigation
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing

• Hydrological Sciences:
  • Groundwater hydrology
  • Surface water hydrology
  • Water resources engineering
  • Reservoir management and hydropower
  • Irrigation and drainage engineering
  • Spate irrigation and water harvesting

• Water Supply and Wastewater Management:
  • Water supply, sanitation, and hygiene
  • Urban drainage and wastewater management
  • Water reuse

• Soil Science and Plant Nutrition:
  • Soil chemistry
  • Soil biology
  • Soil resource survey and land evaluation
  • Soil and water conservation
  • Watershed management

• Soil Laboratory Services:
  • Soil chemistry and physics analysis
  • Soil biology analysis

Our Impact

• Improved livelihoods: Our research has led to increased agricultural productivity and income for farmers.
• Enhanced environmental sustainability: Our interventions have contributed to soil conservation, water quality improvement, and biodiversity protection.
• Capacity building: We have trained numerous researchers, extension workers, and farmers in sustainable natural resource management practices.
• Policy influence: Our research findings have informed policy decisions at regional and national levels.

Our Team

Our Commitment NRRD is committed to generating and disseminating knowledge, developing innovative technologies, and building capacity to address the region’s pressing natural resource challenges.

Our dedicated team of researchers, technicians, and support staff possesses a wealth of knowledge and experience in various fields of natural resource management.

NRRD is actively engaged in partnerships with local communities, government agencies, academic institutions, and international organizations. These collaborations enable us to:

• Share knowledge and expertise: We work closely with local communities to share knowledge and best practices in natural resource management.
• Co-develop solutions: We collaborate with stakeholders to develop tailored solutions that address specific needs and challenges.
• Implement innovative projects: We partner with organizations to implement innovative projects that promote sustainable development.
• Monitor and evaluate impact: We track the impact of our work to ensure that our interventions are effective and sustainable.

Through our research, capacity building, and outreach activities, NRRD is making a significant contribution to the sustainable development of Tigray. We are committed to empowering communities, protecting the environment, and securing a prosperous future for generations to come.

Collaborate with Us

We welcome collaborations with researchers, institutions, and organizations worldwide. Potential areas for collaboration include:

• Joint research projects
• Capacity building workshops
• Knowledge sharing and dissemination

Visit Our Facilities

Our state-of-the-art research facilities include:

• Accredited and equipped laboratories for soil, water, and plant analysis
• Extensive field stations for conducting experiments and monitoring ecological processes
• A dedicated team of technical researchers

Join Us in Shaping a Sustainable Future

By working together, we can address the challenges facing Tigray’s natural resources and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.