Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — [ September 5, 2025]
Alabaster International and Ethiopia’s Bio and Emerging Technology Institute (BETin) today announced the launch of a large-scale introduction of Enset in Northern Ethiopia. Known as the “Tree Against Hunger,” Enset is a drought-tolerant, perennial crop that sustains over 20 million people in southern Ethiopia but has largely disappeared as a staple crop in the north.
The initiative will begin with demonstration plots and community nurseries in Lalibela, and Gondar during the 2025 planting season, providing farmers with training and seedlings to showcase Enset’s adaptability. The initiative will be extended to Aksum during the 2026 planting season. The program targets drought-prone areas where traditional cereal crops are increasingly vulnerable to climate shocks.
“Enset will be introduced in the north, in regions historically devastated by famine,” said Shannon Fernando, Founder & CEO of Alabaster International. “By scaling Enset, we are planting resilience, ensuring families can feed themselves even when rains fail.”
“BETin is proud to lead this expansion,” said Prof. Kassahun Tesfaye, Director of BETin. “This initiative combines indigenous knowledge with modern science to transform Ethiopia’s food future.”
The project is a joint effort between BETin, local agricultural research centers, and Alabaster International. In its first phase, thousands of Enset seedlings will be introduced, supported by community trainings and farmer “Enset Ambassadors.” The long-term goal is to build a sustainable seedling supply system, expand Enset cultivation across northern Ethiopia, and strengthen food security for millions.
About Alabaster International
Alabaster International is a U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit empowering rural women and families in East Africa through healthcare, education, food security, and community-driven development. Its Enset Food Security Initiative is pioneering the first cross-border expansion of Enset to combat hunger and build climate resilience in Africa.
About BETin
The Bio and Emerging Technology Institute (BETin) is Ethiopia’s national research institute under the Ministry of Innovation and Technology. BETin advances biotechnology and emerging sciences to address food security, health, and sustainable development challenges.