Tigray Agri Cluster Program

The Agri Cluster Approach is a cornerstone of CultivAid’s strategy to improve the productivity of farmers. At its core, we leverage farmer organization and economies of scale to enable supply chain connectivity, hands on agricultural education and extension. 

The Agri Cluster Program aims to bridge the gap between agricultural research and farmer production. By disseminating agricultural knowledge, information, and best practices directly to farmers, extension services ensure that the latest research findings, technical assistance, training, and advisory services are accessible to those who need them the most, farmers. CultivAid’s team of local agricultural professionals provides these extension services through hands-on demonstration sites and continuous training programs.

Program Objectives  

  1. To re-establish vegetable production by small farmers in the Tigray region.
  2. To strengthen market based agricultural input supply systems
  3. Ensure food and nutritional security for the Tigray region.
  4. Improve the income and livelihoods of farmers.

CultivAid’s Agri-Cluster program, strengthens a market based agricultural sector, supporting farmer organization, providing logistical support for improved inputs, sustainable extension services and technical support to the entire value chain.  CultivAid is currently targeting 2000 farmers in Tigray who are provided subsidies to purchase seedlings.  The program includes establishment of 4 demonstration sites and 2 farmer sites along with on-going practical trainings.  

CultivAid operates a vegetable nursery in Mekelle in collaboraiton with the Tigray Biotechnology center, demonstration sites in the Raya valley, in Agula and in Wurko.  An extension program to farmers in the program and a supply system based on agri agents and farmer clusters. 

The program is operated in partnership with the Buruea of Agriculture, Raya University, Mekelle University, El Shadai Development organization, the Tigray Development Association, the Tigray Biotechnology center and private sector entities.