19th century

On 14 December 1895, Emperor Menilek's passed through Alamata on their way northwards against the Italians. Arbegnoch under British leadership, liberated the town from Italian control during the Second World War on 5 May 1941; it was at the southern edge of the Woyane rebellion of 1943.^[1] On 14 December 1895, Emperor Menilek's passed through Alamata on their way northwards against the Italians.^{[citation needed]}

20th century

Arbegnoch under British leadership, liberated the town from Italian control during the Second World War on 5 May 1941; it was at the southern edge of the Woyane rebellion of 1943.^{[citation needed]}

The first reports of crop failure in Wollo, were made in October 1971 by the chief municipal officer of Alamata; this report was handled very indifferently by his superiors who did not respond until July 1972, when they asked for a revised report.^{[citation needed]}

Alamata was garrisoned by the Derg during the Ethiopian Civil War. The Tigray People's Liberation Front captured the town in 1988.^{[citation needed]}

Location

Alamata is located in the southern zone of Tigray. It is situated 600 kilometres (370 mi) north of Addis Ababa and about 180 kilometres (110 mi) south of the Tigray Regional capital city, Mekelle.

Topography

Topographically, Alamata is divided into western highland and eastern lowland. The western part (Tsetsera and Merewa) is categorized under the northern highlands of Ethiopia, having an altitude range of 2,000–3,000 metres (6,600–9,800 ft). It is characterized by steep slopes, gorges and undulating terrain having scattered flat lands used for grazing livestock and farming. It covers 25% of the woreda. The topography of the area dominated by steep slopes has induced erosion. The eastern lowland with its eight tabias is generally plain in topography with an altitude ranging from 1,450–1,750 metres (4,760–5,740 ft). The plain landscape of this area makes the area suitable for agriculture and it covers 75% of the woreda.^[3]

Alamata is located in the endoreic basin of the Afar Triangle. The streams near Alamata do not reach the ocean.

Agriculture

A mixed farming system with the predominant of crop production is practiced in the district. The major food crops grown in the area are cereals (sorghum, teff, and maize), pulses, oilseeds, vegetables and root crops.^[4]

Electricity

A 458 kilometres (285 mi) high voltage transmission line was constructed to transport electricity from Alamata to Legetafo in central Ethiopia.^[5]