Ending Poverty in Tigray Through City Farm Dev't

The Adigrat City Farm was launched in the summer of 2015 in the city of Adigrat, Tigray regional state.

The once-derelict land in a deprived neighbourhood is now home to 150 apple trees and a whole host of vegetables - carrots, tomatoes, cabbages, green pepper, salad, pumpkins - which are grown, and sold, across 4000 square metres of blossoming gardens. In addition to that over 80 sheep and 3 cows are raised, and crop production is underway by hiring land from two school compounds.

The aims of the project are threefold:

1. Empowerment of the households of 500 HIV/AIDS orphans economically, socially and psychologically

2. Promotion of healthy eating within the local communities by encouraging them to buy and eat fruits and vegetables

3. Maintaining the eco-system of the city of Adigrat by creating green space and environment friendly farmland

Our goal is to build a business, educational and recreational hub with more job opportunities from an open market of stalls, recreation facilities, window shops and a café onsite.

We have linked the farm to potential local buyers, such as Adigrat University, Adigrat General Hospital, and a variety of hotels.

Our bigger dream is to reclaim land from the huge river gorge which passes through the middle of Adigrat City. During rainy seasons floods carry away soil, wood, animals, and humans along with it. The reclaimed land could create jobs for thousands of young people who could develop their own city farms and cafés along the river.

You can make a difference by donating today to WHEAT Mentor Support Trust.