Seminar to Heads of National Organizations in Riyadh

Asmara, 17 December 2024 – The Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) delegation that participated in the Sixteenth Conference of Parties of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (COP-16, UNCCD) conducted a seminar regarding the progress of the agricultural sector in the country. The seminar was held on December 11 at the premises of the Eritrean Embassy in Riyadh and was attended by the heads of Eritrean Community; National Union of Eritrean Women; National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students, as well as heads of PFDJ organizations.

The seminar, conducted by Mr. Semere Amlesom, Director General of the Agricultural Extension Department, and Mr. Michael Berhane, Director of the Natural Resources and Irrigation Development Division in the same department, highlighted achievements, challenges, opportunities, and future programs of Eritrea’s agricultural sector.

The delegation explained that despite challenges posed by erratic rainfall, semi-arid agro-ecological conditions, and rugged landscapes, the Government and people of Eritrea have been working tirelessly to mitigate these effects and improve agricultural production. Efforts include soil and water conservation, construction of water reservoirs, horticultural and honey production, and veterinary services, among others.

Furthermore, the delegation emphasized the Government’s efforts to transform rain-fed crop production systems into modified and pressurized irrigation systems, noting that the outcomes on the ground are promising. Several initiatives aimed at improving dairy and poultry production were also discussed.

During the seminar, the delegation outlined the Ministry of Agriculture’s new strategic development plan and its implementation modalities under the roadmap for “Safe and Nutritious Food for Everyone, Everywhere!” The plan will be implemented in collaboration with relevant institutions and development partners, with strategies designed to include Eritreans in the Diaspora. The delegation also called on the Eritrean Diaspora to continue reinforcing their participation and utilizing their comparative advantage for the country’s benefit.

Participants of the seminar called for preserving Eritrea’s agricultural genetic resources, maximizing the use of water reservoirs for agricultural productivity, and creating conducive environments for the Eritrean Diaspora to invest in agriculture.

In conclusion, Ms. Weini Ghebreigziabiher, Charge d’Affaires at the Eritrean Embassy, praised the delegation for providing timely and first-hand information and affirmed that similar programs would continue to equip the Eritrean community with information regarding the country’s development programs.