Eritrea’s agricultural sector, which employs the majority of the population and accounts for over 10% of GDP, holds significant potential for further development. The country’s fertile soils and generally favorable climate make it well-suited to farming. However, with over 500,000 hectares currently cultivated, there is room for growth through intensification and irrigation expansion.
The country grows a variety of important crops, including coffee, sorghum, and cotton. Ensuring steady production and yields of these commodities through drought-resistant varieties and soil conservation techniques is crucial for food security and export earnings. Diversifying agricultural production also presents opportunities, such as high-value fruits and vegetables for domestic and regional markets, as well as untapped potential in aquaculture and apiculture.
Access to water is a priority, and expanding irrigation through small-scale pumps, cisterns, and watershed management could bring thousands more hectares into cultivation. Public-private partnerships and renewable energy solutions are seen as key enablers for this expansion.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been a key partner in Eritrea’s inclusive sustainable development, providing technical and financial support for integrated ecosystem management, renewable energy, and climate and disaster resilience. The UN’s investment in clean energy has benefitted thousands of households, contributing to quality social services and livelihoods diversification.
The UN’s support has also extended to reducing poverty and hunger, strengthening health systems, and investing in quality education. The UN’s partnership with the government has helped expand coverage of lifesaving health and nutrition interventions, improve the quality and access to education, and reduce poverty and strengthen food security, with a special focus on cash transfers to mitigate against COVID-19 and other shocks.
The Syngenta Foundation for Sustainable Agriculture has been involved in fostering agricultural and environmental research and monitoring in Eritrea, especially in soil and water conservation and plant breeding.
Additionally, the Tropical Agriculture Platform (TAP) has been contributing to the agenda of the Government of the State of Eritrea to transform the agriculture sector for inclusive and sustainable growth5.In conclusion, Eritrea’s agricultural sector holds significant potential for further development, and various organizations, including the UNDP, the Syngenta Foundation, and the Tropical Agriculture Platform, are actively supporting the country in realizing this potential. By focusing on sustainable farming practices, diversification, and the expansion of irrigation and renewable energy solutions, Eritrea is well-placed for sustainable growth and food security gains.
