“The right to food, for a better life and a better future”
“Decent Work, Inclusive Growth, and the Eradication of Poverty”
The Ministry of Agriculture of the State of Eritrea in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Representative in Eritrea; and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) commemorated World Food Day (under the theme: “The right to food, for a better life and a better future”); and International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (under the theme: “Decent Work, Inclusive Growth, and the Eradication of Poverty) on Wednesday October 16, 2024 at Mai-Nefhi Hotel, Gala-Nefhi Sub-region of the Central Region.
During the commemoration of these dual events, the Minister of Agriculture of the State of Eritrea H.E Arefaine Berhe, delivered a keynote speech underscoring the importance of the country’s goal of producing safe and nutritious food which was closely similar with the 2024-message of FAO’s Director General mentioning the concepts of nutrition, affordable, accessible, safe and sustainable.
Minister Arefaine, outlining the synergy of the country’s strategic goals with that of FAO, said, “In 2022 FAO had formulated a 10-years strategy of four betters i.e. better production, better nutrition, better environment, better life to be achieved by the year 2031. Therefore, it is no wonder that the goal of the current five-year strategic plan of Eritrea’s agricultural sector 2024-2028 is safe and nutritious food for every Eritrean throughout the country. It is a very well-articulated strategy hinging on global and national experiences. Yes, it is ambitious but achievable if all sectors of the society i.e. government bodies, non-state actors and our development partners work seamlessly together.”
Finally, the Minister informed the august body that Eritrea is poised for a bumper harvest thanks to the hard work of the farming community, the government and the well distributed gracious rain.
Full Speech of the Minister can be accessed at: https://shabait.com/2024/10/16/speech-by-he- minister-arefaine-berhe-on-world-food-dayand- the-international-day-for-the-eradication-ofpoverty/
Besides, Mr. Keita Ohashi, UN Resident Coordinator ai in Eritrea, delivered his speech representing Ms. Nahla Valji, the UNRCO. Mr. Keita underscored the need for more sustainable, efficient and resilient food systems, both for nutrition and environmental sustainability; and said, “For us in the UN, this Day is special for several reasons. Firstly, we use it as a platform for individuals experiencing poverty to share their concerns and experiences. Secondly, these voices are essential in shaping and informing effective poverty alleviation and eradication strategies at global, regional and national levels. Thirdly, we use this event as an opportunity to remind ourselves that in 2015, 193 Member States of the United Nations unanimously adopted a bold global agenda to end poverty by 2030 and bring about transformative change to set the world on a path to sustainable development.”
Mr. Keita applauded the the Government of the State of Eritrea for its elaborate efforts to eradicate poverty, particularly through the agricultural sector. “Recognizing that agriculture is a cornerstone of the economy and a primary source of livelihood for many, the government has implemented various initiatives aimed at enhancing food and nutrition security and improving agricultural productivity. By investing in sustainable farming practices, promoting access to irrigation, and providing support for smallholder farmers, Eritrea is not only working to eradicate poverty but also fostering resilience within its communities. These efforts are critical in empowering farmers, improving nutrition, and driving economic growth, and ultimately contributing to a more sustainable future for the nation.” He said.
Concluding his remarks, Mr. Keita reminded that eradicating poverty is a shared responsibility and it requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders to create an Eritrean society where everyone has access to basic needs and opportunities for a better life. “Finally, let me take this opportunity to re-affirm the UN’s commitment to accompanying Government’s efforts in eradicating poverty in all its forms within the broad framework of Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and the Cooperation Framework. We stand ready to provide policy and technical support, innovative tools and solutions as well as building national capacity to respond to transformative food systems as part of the efforts to eradicate poverty in the country.” He concluded.
Mr. Mohamed Aw-Dahir, FAO Representative Ad- Interim to Eritrea in his 2024-World Food Day Speech mentioned that the current world’s farmers have the capacity to produce more than enough food to feed the global population, however this has not happened due to a number of reasons. He explained this reality saying, “Yet around 733 million people suffer from hunger, primarily due to conflicts, climate shocks, inequalities, and economic downturns. Over 2.8 billion people cannot afford a healthy diet leading to micronutrient deficiencies and increased rates of overweight and obesity.”
Mr. Mohammed commended Eritrea’s commitment by highlighting the Ministry of Agriculture’s clear vision and goal of achieving Safe and Nutritious Food for Everyone, Everywhere; its initiative to enhance youth involvement in agriculture as well as its new TV program on promoting balanced diet.
After expressing FAO’s commitment to further foster its engagement with the government of Eritrea, he called upon for joint efforts to building efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems that guarantee everyone’s right to nutritious foods, and said; “Together, we can advance towards achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by transforming agrifood systems for better production, better nutrition, better environment, and better life—leaving no one behind.”
Mr Pa Lamin Beyai, the UNDP Resident Representative, on his part, said that even though countries and international bodies have been steadfast in their attempts to eradicate poverty, the stark reality is that around 8% (648 million) of the world’s population still struggles with extreme poverty of less than $2.15 per person per day.
“A well-planned and implemented agricultural transformation programme, amongst others, can lead to: increase yields of crops and livestock; food security and improved nutrition; economic growth and new economic opportunities; job creation for agriculture and related sectors; increased income for rural farmers; environmental sustainability; potential for competitiveness in the global markets; technological innovation; and research and development capabilities.” He outlined.
Mr. Pa Lamin commended Eritrea for its commitment to social justice, to fulfilling its obligations to the social protection of its people by leaving no one behind; and said “As we observe the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty today, we should acknowledge the ongoing efforts, including that of the Ministry of Agriculture, to improve livelihoods and food security in the country.”
After mentioning the progress made in health, education, and other Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as decisive strides toward achieving inclusive socio-economic growth, focusing on the most vulnerable, he underscored the importance of collective and sustainable strategies to address the several challenges linked to poverty in Eritrea. He, then, reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment in this regard by saying, “On our part, UNDP remains committed to accompanying the government in strengthening food systems, enhancing climate resilience, and facilitating the transition to clean energy and water solutions.”
During the event, a number of exemplary farmers were awarded for their extra-ordinary contribution towards providing safe and nutritious food.
Mr. Hienok Ghebrehiwet, chairperson of the technical committee of these events, briefed this newsletter on how the committee selected these farmers saying; “As we all know, the Ministry of Agriculture is exerting commendable efforts to transform all farmers into exemplary farmers. To this end, on the occasion of the commemoration of World Food Day and International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, it was planned to award exemplary farmers in 8 commodities namely:- soil and water conservation; crop production; vegetable production; fruit production; dairy farming; poultry farming; bee production and agricultural products processing.”
He further outlined that the formats for the farmers’ selection criteria were developed by the respective experts of the eight commodities and sent to the six zobas of the country for nomination of exemplary farmers. “Based on the specified criteria, a total of 31 farmers and processers were nominated by the 6 Zobas; and 8 farmers were selected for recognition by the committee” he indicated.
The events also included an extensive display of items focused on a number of food-related objects (a total of 14 items) and agricultural innovations (a total of 8 items). The exhibitors included, but not limited to, the Ministry of Agriculture; Ministry of Marine Resources; Ministry of Health; Ministry of Defence; Ministry of Education; Eritrean Women in Agri-business Association as well as private companies and individual innovators.
According to Mr. Hienok, in this year’s commemoration of World Food Day and International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, a foot ball tournament was also organized among seven government and non-government institutions namely; Ministry of Agriculture; Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ministry of Finance and National Development; Sawa Construction Development; Harat Transportation Share Company and Asmara International Airport; and Sembel Wood and Metal Works Company from 20 September to 11 October 2024 in Asmara. Finally, Sawa Construction Development Company won the tournament. “In addition, a seminar, under the title “The role of proper diet in sports”, was conducted on 14/10/24 at the National Confederation of Eritrean Workers conference hall by the MoA nutrition and food safety experts to all sportsmen who participated in the tournament.” Mr. Hienok concluded.
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