Establishment
The center was established in 1986 GC as researche main sub stattion under Hawassa center by EIAR
Vision:
To secure food and nutrition security for the farming community in southern Ethiopia by enhancing sustainable agriculture through new technology generation, demonstration, multiplication of adapted ones.
Mission:
-Conducting demand- driven problem solving research on target crops like enset, natural resource management, livestock and socio-economic related agricultural production and productivity challenges.
-Generating, adapting, disseminating and multiplication of improved agricultural technologies suitable for small holder and commercial producers in the region.
To learn more about our ongoing projects and innovations, please visit the Areka Agriculture Research Center Activities page.
Jinka Agricultural Research Center (JARC) is one of the promising research centers of the former Southern Agricultural Research Institute (SARI) Proclamation 127/2002 in 1997. JARC re-established under South Ethiopia Agricultural Research Institute (SEARI) by Proclamation 64/2025 in 2024/25. It is located in the town of Jinka about 735 Kms south of Addis Ababa. It is found in Ari zone, the largest producer of maize and sorghum in the region and also known for its two big Irrigable farms surrounding Ari and south omo zone endowed with two national parks Omo vally and mago national parks including murule sunctuary. JARC was established to serve the whole Ari and South Omo Zones. It has two sub stations and a 1 main station distributed across the different agro-ecologies.
JARC is mandated for regional coordination and specialization in low to mid land maize, sorghum, cotton, cassava, banana, mango and apple, poultry, apiculture research as well as small scale irrigation. Besides its coordination roles, the center conducts technology generation, adaptation research on improving cattle for dual purpose by utilizing local cattle and Jersey breed, goats for meat production based on local woyito guji and Boar breeds and poultry.
JARC is collaborating closely with LLRP (F4F and CLM), AGP/FSRP, ICARDA, CALM, ATI and others.
Vision
JARC envisions to see that market oriented, modern agricultural technologies are widely used, natural resources conserved and developed and the livelihood of farmers and pastoralists in the region improved sustainably.
Mission
The mission of JARC is to adapt, generate, popularize & disseminate technologies that enhance rapid and sustainable growth of agricultural production and productivity and promote market competence of farmers & pastoralists of the region.
The Core objectives and strategic themes of the center are:
- Achieve its mission the institute identified the following three strategic themes, constituting the pillars of the research processes and institutional management.
- Increase availability of suitable agricultural technologies, information and knowledge
- Increase agricultural technology multiplication, promotion and transfer and,
- Enhance research management and institutional capacity.
- Provide improved agricultural technology to promote utilization of modern technologies by farmers: Strengthen farmers-research -extension linkages by establishing councils and Farmer Research Extension Groups (FREGs).
- Popularize improved technologies, multiplying breeder, pre-basic and basic seeds of improved crop varieties and livestock breeds
- Coordinate agricultural research (main stations and substations) to meet the demand for foundation technologies of the region
- Capacitate/train farmers, development agents (DAs), agricultural extension officers (AEOs), prototype manufacturers, researchers and other technology users.
The Key values of the center
- Farmers and Pastoralists First!
- Efficient & Effective use of Resources!
- High Ethical Standards of Research!
- Equity, Accountability & Transparency!
- Timely and High Quality Services!
- Transformational Attitude, Initiative and Leadership at All Levels!
- Governmental and Non-Governmental Institutions engaged in agricultural R&D
- Investors (producers, agro-Industries, technology multipliers, exporters)
- Communities engaged in urban agriculture
To learn more about our ongoing projects and innovations, please visit the Jinka Agriculture Research Center Activities page.
Arba Minch Agricultural Research Center (AMARC) is one of the promising research centers of the former Southern Agricultural Research Institute (SARI) Proclamation 127/2002 in 2011. AMARC re-established under South Ethiopia Agricultural Research Institute (SEARI) by Proclamation 64/2025 in 2024/25. It is located in the touristic town of Arba Minch about 500 Kms south of Addis Ababa. It is found in Gamo zone, the largest producer of maize and tropical fruits in the region and also known for its two big rift valley lakes (Abaya and Chamo) surrounding its capital (Arba Minch) endowed with huge amount of fishery resources (together with a large mass of crocodiles). AMARC was established to serve the whole Gamo, Gardula, Konso, Ale, Burji and Amaro Zones. It has five sub stations and a main station distributed across the different agro-ecologies.
AMARC is mandated for assigned thematic areas and specialization in low land maize, cotton, cassava, banana, mango and apple, fisheries, poultry, aquaculture, apiculture research as well as small scale irrigation. Besides its coordination roles, the center conducts technology generation, adaptation research on improving cattle for dual purpose by utilizing local cattle and Jersey breed, goats for meat production based on local Konso goats and Boar breeds, poultry and apiculture. In natural resources management, it is a regional center of specialization and coordination for research on small scale irrigation,
AMARIC is collaborating closely with GIZ (F4F and CLM), IFAD, AGP/FSRP, ICARDA, Forage Genetics, Lives, PASSIDIP, CALM, KFAM, ATI, MUSA and others.
Vision
AMARC envisions to see that market oriented, modern agricultural technologies are widely used, natural resources conserved and developed and the livelihood of farmers and pastoralists in the region improved sustainably.
Mission
The mission of AMARC is to adapt, generate, popularize & disseminate technologies that enhance rapid and sustainable growth of agricultural production and productivity and promote market competence of farmers & pastoralists of the region.
The Core objectives and strategic themes of the center are:
- Achieve its mission the institute identified the following three strategic themes, constituting the pillars of the research processes and institutional management.
- Increase availability of suitable agricultural technologies, information and knowledge
- Increase agricultural technology multiplication, promotion and transfer and,
- Enhance research management and institutional capacity.
- Provide improved agricultural technology to promote utilization of modern technologies by farmers: Strengthen farmers-research -extension linkages by establishing councils and Farmer Research Extension Groups (FREGs).
- Popularize improved technologies, multiplying breeder, pre-basic and basic seeds of improved crop varieties and livestock breeds
- Coordinate agricultural research (main stations and substations) to meet the demand for foundation technologies of the region
- Capacitate/train farmers, development agents (DAs), agricultural extension officers (AEOs), prototype manufacturers, researchers and other technology users.
The Key values of the center
- Farmers and Pastoralists First!
- Efficient & Effective use of Resources!
- High Ethical Standards of Research!
- Equity, Accountability & Transparency!
- Timely and High Quality Services!
- Transformational Attitude, Initiative and Leadership at All Levels!
- Governmental and Non-Governmental Institutions engaged in agricultural R&D
- Investors (producers, agro-Industries, technology multipliers, exporters)
- Communities engaged in urban agricultural
To learn more about our ongoing projects and innovations, please visit the Arba Minch Agriculture Research Center Activities page.
The Yirgachefe Agricultural Research Center (YARC), established in the 2025 fiscal year, operates under the South Ethiopia Agricultural Research Institute (SEARI), a regional institution dedicated to advancing agricultural innovation in the South Ethiopia region. As one of two research centers created in 2025, YARC is strategically located in the Gedeo Zone, with a mandate to serve the agricultural needs of Gedeo, Amaro, and Burji Targate zones. The centre aims to address the unique agro-ecological and socio-economic challenges of these areas, contributing to enhanced food security, sustainable farming practices, and improved livelihoods for local communities.
Establishment and Context
The South Ethiopia Agricultural Research Institute (SEARI) was established to support the agricultural development of the South Ethiopia region, following the administrative reorganization of the former Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Region (SNNPR). SEARI oversees a network of research centers, including the Yirgachefe Agricultural Research Center, to promote localized, demand-driven agricultural research. YARC was created to capitalise on the Gedeo Zone’s global reputation for high-quality coffee production while addressing broader agricultural challenges in the Gedeo, Amaro, and Burji Targate zones, which feature diverse agro-ecologies ranging from midland to highland environments.
The establishment of YARC aligns with Ethiopia’s national agricultural transformation agenda, which emphasizes the development of climate-resilient, market-competitive technologies to boost productivity and sustainability. The center is positioned to leverage the region’s rich agricultural heritage, particularly in coffee, while diversifying research to include other crops, livestock, and natural resource management.
Objectives
The Yirgachefe Agricultural Research Center is guided by the following core objectives:
- Develop and Promote Agricultural Technologies: Conduct research to develop and adapt crop varieties, livestock systems, and sustainable farming practices tailored to the agro-ecological conditions of the Gedeo, Amaro, and Burji Targate zones.
- Enhance Coffee Production and Quality: Strengthen research on coffee, a key economic crop, to improve yield, disease resistance, and market competitiveness while maintaining Yirgachefe’s global reputation for premium coffee.
- Ensure Food Security: Increase agricultural productivity and diversify crop production to support food security and nutrition in the region.
- Promote Sustainable Resource Management: Develop practices for soil fertility, water conservation, and agroforestry to ensure environmental sustainability.
- Foster Community Engagement: Collaborate with farmers, cooperatives, and extension services to facilitate technology transfer and adoption.
- Support Regional Economic Growth: Contribute to the socio-economic development of the South Ethiopia region through innovative agricultural solutions.
Research Focus Areas
YARC’s research activities are structured around three primary areas, reflecting SEARI’s broader mission:
- Coffee and Crop Research: Focus on improving coffee varieties, particularly Yirgachefe’s renowned Arabica coffee, through research on disease resistance (e.g., coffee berry disease), climate adaptation, and post-harvest processing. Additional crop research includes staples like maize, teff, and root crops, as well as high-value horticultural crops suited to the region’s highland and midland agro-ecologies.
- Livestock Research: Development of improved livestock breeds and management practices, focusing on small ruminants, poultry, and apiculture, to enhance productivity and support the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and agro-pastoralists.
- Natural Resources Management: Research on soil conservation, water management, and agroforestry systems to address challenges such as soil erosion, water scarcity, and deforestation, promoting sustainable land use in the region’s diverse landscapes.
Infrastructure and Capacity
Located in Yirgachefe, the heart of the Gedeo Zone, YARC is equipped with modern research facilities, including experimental farms, coffee processing laboratories, and training centers. The center employs a multidisciplinary team of researchers specializing in agronomy, coffee science, livestock management, agricultural economics, and environmental science. YARC collaborates with national and international partners, including the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), Jimma Agricultural Research Center (national coffee research coordinator), CGIAR institutions, and regional universities, to access expertise and resources.
Community and Stakeholder Engagement
YARC adopts a participatory research approach, engaging local farmers, coffee cooperatives, and women’s groups in the design and testing of agricultural technologies to ensure relevance and adoption. The center works closely with regional agricultural bureaus, extension services, and private sector partners, particularly in the coffee value chain, to disseminate research outputs. Training programs, field demonstrations, and farmer field schools are organized to build capacity and promote knowledge sharing among farmers and extension workers.
Strategic Importance
The establishment of YARC in 2025 strengthens SEARI’s capacity to deliver localized agricultural research in the Gedeo, Amaro, and Burji Targate zones. By focusing on coffee as a flagship crop alongside other agricultural priorities, YARC supports Ethiopia’s position in the global coffee market while addressing local challenges such as climate variability, soil degradation, and market access. The center plays a pivotal role in enhancing agricultural resilience and driving economic growth in the region.
Future Directions
Looking ahead, YARC aims to:
- Expand research on climate-smart coffee production to ensure resilience against climate change impacts.
- Develop digital tools, such as mobile-based decision support systems, to provide farmers with real-time agronomic advice.
- Strengthen partnerships with international coffee research networks to enhance technological innovation and market linkages.
- Promote value addition in coffee and other crops through research on processing and quality standards.
- Establish a robust data management system to archive research findings and facilitate knowledge sharing
The Yirgachefe Agricultural Research Center is a vital component of the South Ethiopia Agricultural Research Institute’s efforts to advance agricultural innovation in the Gedeo, Amaro, and Burji Targate zones. By leveraging the region’s coffee heritage and addressing broader agricultural challenges, YARC is well-positioned to contribute to sustainable development, food security, and economic prosperity in South Ethiopia.
To learn more about our ongoing projects and innovations, please visit the Yirgachefe Agricultural Research Center Activities page.
The Sawla Agricultural Research Center (SARC), established in the 2025 fiscal year, operates under the South Ethiopia Agricultural Research Institute (SEARI), a regional institution dedicated to advancing agricultural innovation in the South Ethiopia region. As one of two newly created research centers in 2025, SARC aims to address the unique agro-ecological and socio-economic challenges of the Goffa Basketo and Melo area, contributing to food security, sustainable natural resource management, and improved livelihoods for local farming communities.
Establishment and Context
The South Ethiopia Agricultural Research Institute (SEARI) emerged following the restructuring of the former Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Region (SNNPR) agricultural research framework, adapting to the administrative reorganization of the region. SEARI oversees multiple research centers, including the well-established Areka Agricultural Research Center, known for its national coordination of Enset crop research. In 2025, SEARI expanded its network by establishing the Sawla Agricultural Research Center to enhance localized research and technology dissemination in the Goffa Zone, where Sawla is located.
SARC was created to address the specific agricultural needs of the Goffa Zone, characterized by diverse agro-ecologies ranging from lowland to midland areas, with unique climatic and soil conditions. The establishment of SARC aligns with Ethiopia’s broader agricultural transformation agenda, which emphasizes demand-driven, market-competitive technologies to boost productivity and resilience in farming systems.
Objectives
The Sawla Agricultural Research Center is guided by the following core objectives:
- Develop and Adapt Agricultural Technologies: Conduct research to create and promote crop varieties, livestock breeds, and natural resource management practices suited to the Goffa Basketo and Melo  agro-ecological conditions.
- Enhance Food Security: Improve agricultural productivity to ensure sustainable food systems for local communities.
- Promote Sustainable Practices: Focus on environmentally sustainable approaches to soil, water, crop, livestock and biodiversity management.
- Strengthen Community Engagement: Collaborate with farmers, extension services, and local institutions to facilitate technology adoption and knowledge transfer.
- Support Regional Development: Contribute to the economic and social development of the South Ethiopia region through innovative agricultural solutions.
Research Focus Areas
SARC’s research portfolio is structured around six primary areas, reflecting SEARI’s broader mandate:
- Crop Research: Development and testing of improved crop varieties, with a focus on staples like maize and cash crops like coffee and spice, sesame, and root crops, as well as regionally significant crops such as Enset. Research emphasizes climate-resilient and high-yielding varieties to address local biotic and abiotic stresses.
- Livestock Research: Improvement of livestock breeds and management practices, including poultry, small ruminants, and cattle, to enhance productivity and disease resistance, tailored to the needs of pastoral and agro-pastoral communities in the Gofa Zone.
- Natural Resources Management: Studies on soil fertility, water conservation, and agro forestry to promote sustainable land use and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
- Agriculture economics
- Agriculture extension and communication
- Seed science research
Infrastructure and Capacity
Located in Sawla town, the administrative center of Gofa Zone, SARC in equipment with modern research facilities, including experimental fields, laboratories, and training centers. The center employs a multidisciplinary team of researchers specializing in agronomy, animal science, agricultural economics, and environmental science. SARC collaborates with national and international partners, including the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), CGIAR centers, and regional universities, to leverage expertise and resources.
Community and Stakeholder Engagement
SARC prioritizes participatory research, engaging local farmers in the design and testing of agricultural technologies to ensure relevance and adoption. The center works closely with regional agricultural offices, extension agents, and community-based organizations to disseminate research outputs. Training programs and field days are organized to build the capacity of farmers and extension workers, fostering a knowledge-driven agricultural ecosystem.
Strategic Importance
The establishment of SARC in 2025 marks a significant step in decentralizing agricultural research in South Ethiopia, enabling targeted interventions in the Gofa Basketo and Melo. By addressing local challenges such as erratic rainfall, soil degradation, and limited access to improved seeds, SARC plays a critical role in enhancing agricultural resilience and supporting Ethiopia’s national goals of food security and economic growth.
Future Directions
Looking ahead, SARC aims to:
- Expand its research on climate-smart agriculture to address the impacts of climate variability.
- Strengthen partnerships with international research organizations to access advanced technologies and funding.
- Develop digital tools, such as decision support systems, to provide farmers with real-time agricultural insights.
- Enhance data management systems to ensure research outputs are systematically archived and accessible for future use.
The Sawla Agricultural Research Center represents a vital addition to the South Ethiopia Agricultural Research Institute’s network, bringing cutting-edge research and innovation closer to the farming communities of the Gofa, Basketo and Melo around. By focusing on localized solutions and sustainable practices, SARC is poised to make significant contributions to agricultural productivity, environmental sustainability, and the socio-economic development of the region.
To learn more about our ongoing projects and innovations, please visit the Sawla Agricultural Research Center Activities page.