Eritrea, a nation in the Horn of Africa bordered by Sudan, Ethiopia, and the Red Sea, is making significant strides in agricultural development, particularly in the Gash Barka region.
Known as the country’s breadbasket, Gash Barka plays a crucial role in Eritrea’s agricultural output, which primarily includes sorghum, millet, wheat, and a variety of fruits and vegetables.
Director General of Agriculture and Land, Abubeker Osman, noted that the Gash Barka region, endowed with abundant arable land and livestock resources, has shown notable improvement in agricultural productivity.
During 2024, over 8,700 cubic meters of dry organic fertiliser and 50,000 liters of liquid fertiliser were distributed to farmers. This contributed to an impressive supply of approximately 1.1 million quintals of vegetables and fruits to markets nationwide, further boosting food security across Eritrea.
Combating challenges and building infrastructure
Efforts to combat agricultural pests included pesticide spraying across 4,800 hectares to control tree locust infestations. Infrastructure development was also prioritised, with nine dams under construction and five already completed. Together, these dams provide a storage capacity of 1.2 million cubic meters of water, critical for irrigation and livestock needs.
Eritrea’s Minister of Agriculture, Arefaine Berhe, underscored the government’s focus on fostering small and medium-scale agribusinesses, alongside small-scale family agricultural initiatives.
“Coordinated participation is vital to sustaining and scaling these programmes,” said Berhe.
Ambassador Mahmud Ali Hirui, Governor of Gash Barka, credited the year’s abundant harvest to robust cooperation between farmers, local administrators, and agricultural experts, further aided by favourable rainfall. He encouraged sustained efforts to boost both the quantity and quality of agricultural outputs.
Calls for future improvements
Participants at the meeting discussed various challenges and opportunities, proposing solutions to ensure long-term agricultural success. Key recommendations included:
- Prioritising the production of green animal fodder.
- Expanding livestock vaccination programs.
- Implementing ongoing awareness campaigns for sustainable farming practices.
Eritrea’s agricultural sector, which employs a significant portion of the population, has faced challenges due to arid conditions and limited resources. However, innovative strategies like those in Gash Barka are helping the country realise its potential. The region’s strides not only strengthen Eritrea’s food security but also serve as a blueprint for neighbouring African countries aiming to achieve agricultural transformation.
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