Areka Agricultural Research Center
The flagship research center of SEARI, leading national coordination of Enset crop research and serving as a hub for agricultural innovation in the region.
Vision & Mission
Vision
To be a leading center of excellence in agricultural research, contributing to food security and sustainable development in Ethiopia and beyond.
Mission
To conduct innovative agricultural research, develop improved technologies, and provide evidence-based solutions for sustainable agricultural development.
Key Research Areas
Enset Research
Crop Improvement
Soil Management
Livestock Systems
- Development of improved Enset varieties with enhanced yield and disease resistance
- Sustainable soil management practices for smallholder farmers
- Integrated crop-livestock systems for improved productivity
- Climate-smart agriculture technologies and practices
- Post-harvest handling and value addition of agricultural products
Achievements & Impact
- Released 15+ improved Enset varieties adopted by over 500,000 farmers
- Developed drought-tolerant crop varieties reducing yield losses by 30%
- Established seed multiplication programs benefiting 50,000+ households
- Published over 200 peer-reviewed research papers
- Trained 10,000+ extension agents and farmers in modern agricultural practices
Research Facilities
- •Modern laboratory complex with soil, plant, and seed testing capabilities
- •Greenhouse facilities for controlled environment research
- •Field research stations covering 500+ hectares
- •Tissue culture laboratory for plant propagation
- •Post-harvest technology center
- •Agricultural machinery testing facility
- •Library and information center