Report on the kick-off meeting of REVITAL-MU-ADU

The launch, held at Amdina Hotel, brought together academics, development professionals from government and NGOs, and community representatives. Dr. Haileslasie G. Mariam of the Institute of Climate and Society delivered opening remarks highlighting the project’s crucial role in supporting post-conflict recovery and addressing climate challenges in Tigray, particularly among vulnerable groups.

Dr. Fana Hagos, President of Mekelle University, officially opened the workshop. Representatives from BOKU University, Austria, Dr. Hans Sanden and Dr. Hafte Mebrahten, outlined the project’s objectives: restoring academic capacity and promoting peri-urban agroforestry as a means for environmental restoration, food security, job creation, and women’s empowerment.

Prof. Emiru Birhane, also from the Institute of Climate and Society, delivered a keynote address emphasizing agroforestry’s role in sustainable agriculture, its benefits in combating land degradation, enhancing soil health, and increasing climate resilience.

Mr. Binyam Fitsum from the GiRT project shared insights into gender-responsive research in post-conflict urban settings, drawing attention to the compounded effects of conflict and COVID-19 on women in informal settlements.

Project coordinators Dr. Zenebe Girmay (Mekelle university) and Dr. Haftay Gebreyesus (Adigrat university) presented the two-year implementation roadmap (2025–2027). The event concluded with an interactive session on collaborative strategies, followed by Dr. Hafte’s closing remarks outlining the next steps for stakeholder engagement and joint action.