eritrea - assessment of agricultural information needs

8/6/2019 Eritrea - Assessment of Agricultural Information Needs

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ASSESSMENT OF AGRICULTURAL INFORMATIONNEEDS IN AFRICAN, CARIBBEAN PACIFIC (ACP) STATES FOR

CTAs PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

AFRICA

COUNTRY STUDY: ERITREA

FINAL REPORT

PREPARED BY:

ESTIFANOS ZERAI

On behalf of the

Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation(CTA)

Project: 4-7-41-207-5/c

30-07-2006


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Acknowledgements

I would like to recognize the following individuals and institutions for theinformation they provided as well as for their contribution of valuable ideas

which has greatly enriched the study: Mebrhuto Eyasu, Director General of theWater Resource Department; Hailu Solomon, Head of Planning and StatisticsDepartment Ministry of Agriculture; Mr. Morgan Haff, General Manager ofElabried Estate Farm; Filmon Tsegay, Information Officer of the (MOLWE);Dr.Goitom Woldemariam, General manager of EDIB; Ogabamicheal Abraha, Headof Finance and administration, Asmara and Surrounding Dairy Cooperatives; Dr.Tsegai Berhane, Acting Director, National Agricultural Research Institute;Afeworki Abraha, Program Officer, Norwegian Church Aid; David Gilmour,Country Director, Care International; Girmay Seyoum, Program Officer, VisionEritrea; and Ahamed Osman Mohamed, Chairman, Sheab Farmers Association.

Special recognition goes to Michael Powell for his comments as well as for his asignificant role in editing this document. I am also greatly indebted for ChristineWebster for her comments and wonderful cooperation.

Finally, the study would also like to acknowledge the role of the data collectors,who despite the difficult circumstances were able to gather all relevantinformation on time.


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List of Acronyms and Abbreviations

ADB African Development BankAFAA African Agricultural Association

ARD Animal Resources DepartmentARHRD Agricultural Research and Human Resources DepartmentASR Agricultural Sector ReviewDINDA Danish Development AgencyCOMESA Common Market for Eastern and Southern AfricaCSO Central Statistical OfficeCTA Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural CooperationECDF Eritrean Community Development FundEDIB Eritrean Development and Investment BankEGB Eritrean Grain BoardERRC Eritrean Relief and Rehabilitation Commission

EU European UnionFAO Food and Agricultural OrganizationFAS Farmers Advisory ServiceFHH Female Headed HouseholdsFMIS Financial Management Information SystemGDP Gross Domestic ProductGNP Gross National ProductGoSE Government of the State of EritreaHA HectaresICM Information and Communication ManagementICRISAT International Crop Research Institute of Semi-arid Tropics

IFAD International Fund for Agricultural DevelopmentIFS Integrated Farming SchemesIGAD Inter Governmental Authority for DevelopmentIIMI International Irrigation Management InstituteILCA International Livestock CenterILRI International Livestock Research InstituteLRCPD Land Resource and Crop Production DepartmentMOFH Ministry of FisheryMOEM Ministry of Energy MinesMHH Male Headed HouseholdsMOLWE Ministry of Land, Water and Environment

MOA Ministry of AgricultureMOF Ministry of FinanceMOH Ministry of HealthMOLG Ministry of Local GovernmentMWP Ministry of Public WorkMT Metric TonMTI Ministry of Trade and Industry


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NARI National Agricultural Research InstituteNEPFP National Economic Policy Framework and ProgramNFIS National Food Information SystemNGO Non Governmental Organization

NUEW National Union of Eritrean WomenPSD Planning and Statistics DepartmentSMCP Saving and Micro-Credit ProgramSPS Sanitary Phytosanitary ServiceTLU Tropical Livestock UnitUN United NationsUNDP United Nations Development Program (UNDP)UNEP United Nations Environmental ProgramUS$ United States DollarWB World Bank

Exchange rate {January March 2006}

Euro 1.00 = US $ 1.2879

Euro 1.00 = Nakfa 18

US $ 1.00 = Nakfa 15


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Table of contents

ACKNOWLEDGMENT.I

LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ................................................................................... II

LIST OF TABLES ...................................................................................................................................... VI

LIST OF BOXES ........................................................................................................................................ VI

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .......................................................................................................................... 1

1 INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................... 6

2 COUNTRY PROFILE- DESCRPTIVE OVERVIEW .................................................................... 8

2.1 AGRICULTURE,FISHERIES AND FORESTRY................................................................................. 102.1.1 Agriculture ............................................................................................................................ 10 2.1.2 Fisheries ............................................................................................................................... 122.1.3 Forestry ................................................................................................................................ 132.1.4 Pastorialism .......................................................................................................................... 13

2.2 INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION MANAGEMENT CAPACITY .............................................. 142.3 AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION AND SERVICES .......................................................................... 17

3 AN OVERVIEW OF ICM ISSUES IN AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT:CAPCITY, SERVICES AND NEEDS ...................................................................................................... 20

3.1 CURRENT AND PLANNED DONOR INTERVENTIONS..................................................................... 223.2 INFORMATION NEEDS ANALYSIS................................................................................................ 22

3.2.1 Information Needs ................................................................................................................ 22 3.2.2 Capacity Building Needs ...................................................................................................... 28

4 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS .......................................................................... 33

4.1 CONCLUSION.............................................................................................................................. 334.1.1 Information Needs ................................................................................................................ 34 4.1.2

Capacity Building Needs ...................................................................................................... 37

4.1.3 Potential Beneficiaries and Partners .................................................................................... 384.2 RECOMMENDATION.................................................................................................................... 40

4.2.1 Capacity Building Needs ...................................................................................................... 404.2.2 Information Needs ................................................................................................................ 41 4.2.3 Potential Partners and Beneficiaries .................................................................................... 43

ANNEXES I. TERMES OF REFERENCE .............................................................................................445

ANNEXES II. COUNTRY PROFILE ERITREA ................................................................................. 51

A. GENERAL AGRICULTURAL PROFILE ......................ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.

I. SIZE OF AGRICULTURAL POPULATION (MALE/FEMALE/YOUTH) ...................................................... 52II. FARMED LAND, FORESTS,FISHING AREA: ....................................................................................... 53III. AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS: .............................................................................................................. 53IV. AGRICULTURE IN THE ECONOMY: ................................................................................................... 55V. MAIN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE AND SECONDARY PRODUCTS ...................................................... 56VI. MAIN EXPORT MARKETS: ............................................................................................................... 56VII. TRADE AGREEMENTS INCLUDING AGRICULTURE: ...................................................................... 58VIII. SECTORAL POLICY RELATED TO AGRICULTURE,FISHERIES AND FOREST: ................................. 58

B. SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROFILE ..................................................................................................... 60

I. TOTAL ACTIVE POPULATION,DEMOGRAPHIC BREAK DOWN........................................................... 60II. LITERACY LEVEL AND LANGUAGES................................................................................................ 61


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III. ACCESS TO SERVICES...................................................................................................................... 61IV. RURAL URBAN DRIFT ..................................................................................................................... 62

C. MEDIA AND TELECOMMUNICATION ..................................................................................... 63

I. NEWSPAPERS, PERIODICALS, MAGAZINES, RADIO STATIONS, AND TV CHANNELS. .......................... 63II. TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICE ..................................................................................................... 66III.

COMPUTERS AND INTERNET ACCESS .............................................................................................. 69

ANNEXES III. PROFILE OF INSTITUTIONS ..................................................................................... 70

I. LIST OF INSTITUTIONS INVOLVED IN AGRICULTURAL AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES ...... 70II. SELECTED LIST OF KEY INSTITUTIONS INVOLVED IN AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT.... 74

ANNEXES IV. LIST OF PERSONS INTERVIEWED........................................................................... 87

ANNEXES V. REFERENCES ................................................................................................................. 89


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List of tables1. Table 1: Main Source of information for institutions interviewed 17

2. Table 2: Services available to farmers and fisher folk....18

3. Table 3: Information needs identified by institution 26

4. Table 4: Capacity needs identified by institution .. 30

5. Table: 2.1.2.1 Population Distribution 200451

6. Table 2.1.2.2 Land use Categories and area 2003 .52

7. Table: 2.1.3.1 Agricultural Zoning . ..54

8. Table: 2.1.4.1 Gross Domestic Product by Type of Economic

Activity 1993-199955

9. Table: 2.1.5.1 Crop Production in Eritrea, 1997-2004 (tones) .56

10. Table: 2.1.6.1 Exports by Commodity type 1992-1999 (in millions of Nakfa).....5711. Table: 2.1.6.2 Main Imports and Exports of Agricultural Products 1999-2002...57

12. Table: 2.1.8.1 Livestock Population by Species and

Distribution by region, 2003 59

13. Table: 2.1.8.2 Total Fish Landed (tons) 1998-2001.60

14. Table: 2.2.1.1 Population by Gender and age Structure.. 61

15. Table: 2.2.3.1 Health Indicators 61

16 Table: 2.2.3.2 Education Indicators (Ratios) . ..62

17. Table: 2.2.3.3 Electricity, Water and Sanitation Indicators (Percentage) .62

18. Table: 2.3.1.1 News papers ...63

19. Table: 2.3.1.2 Magazines .... 64

21. Table: 2.3.1.3 Periodicals . 65

22. Table: 2.3.4.1 Cost of Internet services69

23. Table: 3.1 List of Institutions involved in Agricultural and

Rural Development Activities. . 70

List of BoxesBox 1: Agro-Ecological Zones 54


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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Introduction

The Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA) works primarily

through intermediary organizations and partners (non-governmental organizations,

farmers organizations, regional organizations) to promote agriculture and rural

development in African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) States. The assessment of

agricultural information needs, the identification of appropriate partners and beneficiaries

for CTAs programs and services in Eritrea as well as the analysis of their information

and capacity-building needs is the main focus of this study, which is also being

conducted simultaneously in five other post-conflict African countries.

Objectives

The objectives of the study are follows:

To understand agricultural information needs that arise in post-conflict countries;

To develop a strategy for CTAs approach to post conflict countries;

To improve the effectiveness of CTAs support for post-conflict countries;

To compile baseline data on the status of ICM and ICTs in agriculture and rural

development in the six post-conflict countries.

Methodology

The methodology used for this study is a combination of qualitative and quantitative

repaid appraisal methods including:

Desk review of available literature and information sources including donor

interventions in the field of agricultural information and capacity (human and

physical) development;

Face to face interview with relevant stakeholders in order to get the required

information;

Focus discussion group with the farmers of Central region and Sheab farmers

association as well as random interview with different farmers;


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Direct interview with directors and managers of 11 rural and agricultural

organizations

Expected results

The results of the study will have the following elements:

An inventory of the status of agricultural information services, institutions and

their needs for capacity building;

An overview of the needs of potential partners for CTA activities and services in

terms of building capacity for information and communication management;

A short list of potential partners/beneficiaries for CTA activities and services;

Baseline data to facilitate subsequent monitoring activities.

Findings

Eritrea has a population of almost 4 million people. Average population density is 31

people per sq. km, however, there are considerable differences in regional densities

with high population concentration in the highlands. About 80% of the population lives

in the rural area of which an estimated 25% are nomadic or semi-nomadic. Poverty is

rampant with about 69% of the population living below the poverty line. Agriculture is

the mainstay of the economy and currently contributes between 18-20% to the GDP ,

about 70 % of the population rely on agriculture, livestock husbandry and fishing for

income and food. Agriculture accounts for about 20-30% of current physical exports.

Main agricultural products are sorghum, millet, barely, wheat, maize and teff, while

main agricultural exports include live animals, horticultural products and some cotton.

The 1998 border war with Ethiopia not only destroyed economic and social

infrastructures, but also displaced thousands of population and this coupled with the

current drought has greatly affected the economic recovery of the country particularly

the rehabilitation of institutions and relevant infrastructures of the rural area.


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At present, there is no specific policy in Eritrea regarding management of agricultural

information and communication, at the national or institutional level. Currently, many

of the selected institutions are at various stages of developing and have limited

knowledge on information and communication management (ICM) systems to support

their own functions or to provide relevant information to other users. Lack of skills is a

barrier to the development of ICM. Channels of communication to the rural areas, and

particularly to farmers are weak. These consist mainly of limited radio programs and

the extension activities of the MOA.

Conclusions

Data/ICM in Eritrea is in its infancy. Not all institutions have grasped the value and

importance of information management for the efficiency of their work and for

institutional rural development. Technical, economic and other general information is

seriously lacking. Even the limited information available is often outdated, difficult to

access and there are few mechanisms for dissemination.

The study has identified the problems related to information and communication

management (ICM), and the capacity needs of eleven key institutions. As a first step, to

gradually develop information management capacity, there is a need to address and

concentrate on the following identified aspects of capacity building:

Creating the necessary environment for the development of ICM;

Developing policies and strategies for the development of ICM;

Training and developing national information management skills;

Coordinating, collecting, analyzing, managing and disseminating Eritreas

agricultural data /information;

Creating the necessary infrastructure for a wider range of publications;

Establishing a system/access to market information.


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collection, coordination, storing, analysis and finally dissemination of agricultural

information. The justification for such a recommendation is that each of these

institutions has its own distinct strength and working together will make agricultural

management information easy and dependable. If, however, CTA were to decide or

prefer to have only one institution as partner, then the National Agricultural Research

Institute (NARI) has the distinct advantage of being the best partner as it is the leading

national research agency, is credible and relatively well aware of the importance and

value of an agricultural information management system.


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1 INTRODUCTION

1. The Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA) was established

in 1983 under the Lom Convention between the ACP (African, Caribbean and

Pacific) Group of States and the European Union Member States. Since the year

2000, it has operated within the framework of the ACP-EC Cotonou Agreement

2. CTAs tasks are to develop and provide services that improve access to information

for agricultural and rural development, and to strengthen the capacity of ACP

countries to provide, acquire, exchange and utilize information in this area. CTAs

programs are organized around three principal activities:

Providing an increasing range and quantity of information products and

services and enhancing awareness of relevant information sources;

Supporting the integrated use of appropriate communication channels and

intensifying contacts and information exchange (particularly intra-ACP);

Developing ACP capacity to generate and manage agricultural information

to formulate information and communication management (ICM)

strategies, including those relevant to science and technology.

3. These activities take account of methodological developments in crosscutting issues

(gender, youth, information and communication technologiesITCs, and social,

capital), findings from impact assessments and evaluations of ongoing programs as

well as priority information themes for ACP agriculture.

4. CTA works primarily through intermediary organizations and partners (non-

governmental organizations, farmers organizations, regional organizations) to

promote agriculture and rural development and to deliver its various information

products and capacity building services. Through partnerships, CTA seeks to increase

the number of ACP organizations capable of generating and managing information

and developing their own information and communication management strategies.


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5. CTA has therefore launched an assessment study focusing on agricultural information

needs of six African countries emerging from a prolonged conflict situation in ACP

Africa, namely: Angola, Mozambique, Guinea Bissau, Sierra Leone, Eritrea and

Rwanda. This particular report identifies agricultural information needs and the need

for building information and communication capacity inEritrea. The objectives of the

study are to provide:

An inventory of the status of agricultural information services, institutions

and their needs for capacity building in Eritrea ;

An overview of the needs of potential partners for CTA activities and

services in terms of building capacity for information and communication

management;

A short list of potential partners/beneficiaries for CTA activities and

services;

Baseline data on the status of ICM and ICTs in agriculture and rural

development.

6. This study is also expected to assist CTA to improve and better target interventions

and activities aimed at potential partners and beneficiaries as well as to better

understand their needs and thus aid in the development of a strategy and framework

for action.


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2 COUNTRY PROFILE DESCRIPTIVE OVERVIEW

7. Eritrea is located in the Horn of Africa along the Western Coast of the Red Sea. It

borders the Sudan to the North, Ethiopia to the South, Djibouti to the Southeast and

the Red Sea in the East. The coastline with the Red Sea is well over 1,000 km long.

The country has six main agro-ecological zones namely:

(a)The Central Highlands with a warm to cool semi-arid, well over 500 mm

of rainfall and highly populated area;

(b)The Western Escarpment, warm to hot semi-arid climate, average annual

rainfall about 400mm;(c)The South Western with altitude ranges from 600 to 705, hot semi-arid

climate and rainfall is in excess of 400mmm;

(d)The Green Belt Zone altitude is 750 to 2000m and rainfall is well over

2000mm and supports permanent crops such as coffee;

(e)The Coastal Plain below sea level to 600 m and a hot desert like climate

with less than 200 mm of rainfall; and

(f) The North-Western Lowland Zone is hot arid climate with about 300 mm

rainfall and sustainable crop production is difficult without irrigation.

The overall rural development and particularly the performance of the agricultural

sector is influenced by features of these agro-ecological zones. Traditionally, the

main agricultural areas are situated on the high plateaus. Population pressure and

concomitant soil erosion and degradation have progressively forced more and more

people to seek opportunities in the often climatically hostile lowlands.

8. Eritrea has an area of about 122,000 km2 and a population of 3.9 million people.

Average population density is 31 people per km. However, there are considerable

differences in regional densities with high population concentration in the highlands.

About 80% of the population lives in rural areas of which an estimated 25% are


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Assessment (World Bank, 1996-97), poverty is rampant with 69% of the population

living below the poverty line, most of who are living in rural areas.

2.1 Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

12.Eritreas economy has a mixed economy, heavily based on agriculture (including

fishery, forestry and livestock). Agriculture forms the foundation of the productive

sector and the rural economy and continues to serve as a source of employment, a

provider of food and an important earner of foreign exchange. However, during the

last several years, agricultural production has been falling due to recurring drought

and environmental degradation. As a result, the country is now heavily dependent on

food aid. This is a major problem that the National Agricultural DevelopmentStrategy and Policy document is trying to address.

2.1.1 Agriculture13.Agriculture in Eritrea is broadly defined to include crops, livestock, forestry and

fishery and provides most of the value added in rural areas. With almost all 80% of

the rural population entirely dependent on agriculture and livestock activities, it is

also the dominant source of employment and income. It supplies practically all of the

raw materials for non-farm activities. It also indirectly through supply and demand

linkages, generates much of the off-farm employment for rural population. According

the latest national accounts data, the current share of agriculture including (forestry,

and fishery) to GDP is about 18-20%, however, during good rainfall, the normal share

of agriculture is close to about 35%. The contribution of other sectors is services

(about 50%) and industry (30%) of which about half originates from small-scale

industries. (Agricultural Sector Draft Review, World Bank, Asmara 2002)

14.Agriculture in Eritrea is based on smallholder production. According to the available

data at the Ministry of Agriculture, about 1.4 million persons or 77% of the total

economically active population of the country are currently engaged in agriculture

(Annex II, section 2.1.1). Average size of a smallholder plot is about one hectare,


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however, about one third of the farmers own holdings less than one hectare of

cropland. Smallholder production in the main cropping area of the country is

characterized as being based on rain-fed agriculture on small scattered, irregular

plots, making extensive use of land with low cultivation standards and yield levels,

using little or no fertilizer and suffering high field and storage crop losses. Yields are

low in the range of 0.6 to mt/ha 1.5 for cereals and for pulses and oil crops between

0.4 to 0.5 mt/ha thus, agricultural productivity is low. Eritreas peasant farmers

possess high levels of traditional agricultural skills, but lack adequate supporting

factors that promote optimum production, such as good marketing systems, accessible

roads, credit, extension and veterinary services, improved seed, fertilizer and other

farm inputs. Most farmers in Eritrea practice subsistence farming and often seek

outside employment to supplement their farm income.

15.The existing commercial farms use surface and drip irrigation for high value crops

mainly horticultural products for both domestic and export markets. These farms are

well organized and relatively well equipped in terms of machinery and skilled

manpower. Most of them are private, with a few government owned like the Elabried

Farm. Export products, mainly to the Gulf States, include bananas, onions, papaya,

tomatoes, oranges and flowers.

16. The agricultural sector faces a number of constraints among which the major ones

are:

Irregularity of rainfall which is characterized by low total amounts in most of

years and extreme variability;

High deforestation and soil erosion. The high level of soil erosion over the years

has led to low soil moisture retention and reduced soil fertility;

Limited infrastructure as indicated above;

Lack of human capital, particularly lack of management and technical personnel,

which is affecting the rate of implementing agricultural investments, the capacity

of the agricultural research and extension services, the coverage of veterinary


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services and plant protection services, and the capacity of other agricultural

support services. The other facet of this constraint is weak institutional capacity,

both at central and local level;

Insufficient policy incentive for the private sector. The main areas of concern

where incentives need to be addressed are: agricultural finance, agricultural

inputs, output markets, land tenure and pattern land ownership and inheritance of

land and livestock feed.

The combination of these factors has greatly hindered the development of the agricultural

sector

2.1.2

Fisheries

18.No systematic stock assessment has yet been carried out. According to a survey

conducted by a French marine research organization (1997-1998), Eritrea Red Sea

coastal waters are believed to have over 1000 species of fish and 220 species of

corals. These include demersal, coral demersal fish, small pelagic, large oceanic

pelagic, sharks, shrimp and lobsters. Estimates of aggregate Maximum Sustainable

Yield (MSY) for such species are between 70,000-80,000 metric ton. (Ministry of

Fishery, Massawa, Eritrea,1988). There are about 3,000 fishermen sparsely

distributed along Eritreas coastline and islands. Production is both for domestic and

export consumption. Due to a lack of modernization, production is limited. In 1999

the fishery contributed only 0.2% of GDP and export, which is mainly to Hong Kong

and Sri Lanka, has not gone beyond 10,000 tons annually. Reef fish such as snappers

groupers, emperors, job fishes, jacks and travallies make up 64% of total catch.

Pelagic fish such as mackerels, barracudas, tunas are about 20% of the catch , while

shrimp is 5% and the rest 11%. First grade fish such as snappers groupers, emperors,

grunts and shrimps are mainly for export markets. Domestic fish marketing is

undertaken by a limited number of private dealers at landing sites, the main marketing

outlet being the capital city Asmara, where the distribution channels are still limited.

Fish consumption in the country is traditionally very low (about 2 kg/capita/year),


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opportunities and social services, as a result their linkages or interactions with the rest

of the economy is also weak. There is increasing pressure to fully sedentarized.

2.2 Information and Communication Management Capacity

21.The Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) and the Ministry of Fishery (MOFH) are the

primary government agencies responsible for agriculture and fisheries policy

development, regulation and support. In addition to its lead role in the development of

the sector, the MOA has a wide range of activities including: input supply and

distribution, soil and water conservation, micro dam construction, terracing and

bunding, tree planting, prevention and treatment of livestock diseases, pest control,

etc. The responsibility of the MOFH includes giving technical assistance and trainingto fishermen, marketing and organizing credit.

22.The role of multilateral and bilateral organizations and NGOs is mainly to assist the

MOA and MOFH in providing funds and technical assistance. The private sector

through the chamber of commerce is engaged in marketing, particularly promoting

export markets. There are few private enterprises that distribute agricultural inputs,

operate and hire machinery and trade rural goods.

23.Eleven (11) institutions that are directly involved in agriculture and rural

development related to agriculture are identified as key institutions (Annex III.2).

They were selected using the criteria set up by CTA, namely on their specific role and

their relative contribution to the economy, particularly to agriculture and rural

development, current and likely future impact of their activities on the rural

population. The desire of the institutions to collaborate with CTA in providing data

and information was also important. These institutions have provided the relevant

information regarding ICM capacity in Eritrea. The information presented here in this

part of the report is mainly from the interviews and discussions held with these

institutions.


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to facilitate better use of the countrys natural resources and the farmers great

potential for increased agricultural production by empowering them to take an active

role in decision-making, co-financing and long-term sustainable development of

agriculture.

28.Main extension activities (which are also main communication means with farmers)

include training, field visits by both crop extension workers and assistant

veterinarians, organizing farmers days to expose farmers and to increase

awareness on different aspect of farming. From the interview conducted with the

Sheab Farmers association, however, it was seen that are constraints for the effective

dissemination of agricultural information. These constraints include among others:

Lack of adequately trained and experienced personnel at every level;

Poor outreach due to small number of extension staff;

Poor mechanism for linking major actors;

Poor coordination among extension, research and farmers;

Lack of adequate infrastructure;

Educational status of farmers, (literacy and numeracy rates among farmers

are very low), hence the efficiency in transferring new techniques

becomes low.

29.Many of the institutions related to agriculture and rural development have, although

not regular and systematic, some mechanism for disseminating information. This

includes radio and TV programs and very limited types of publications, such as

newsletters, bulletin, reports, etc. Agricultural information is also disseminated

through workshops and seminars. Currently, the channel by which the information

needs of farmers or pastoralists can be assessed and made known to service providers

is mainly through the limited extension work and a radio program (twice a week for

about 35 minutes) transmitted by MOA in cooperation with the Ministry of

Information (MOI). It should also be pointed out that other ministries, such as the

Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Ministry of Education (MOE), have their own


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the MOA, MOF and the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI), Central

Statistical Office (CSO) and to some extent the Eritrean Chamber of Commerce.

Table 1. Main Sources of Information for Institutions Interviewed

Policy Related

Organizations

Source of Information Information Obtained

1. Ministry of Agriculture

(MOA): Division of Planning

and Statistics

CSO, FAO, ILRI, ICRISAT, WB

Internet and various regional and

international research institutions,

journals etc

International price of agricultural commodities,

information on plant protection, rainfall, pest control

satellite techniques of soil and water conservation

2. Ministry of Land, Water

and Environment (MOLWE)

IIMI, FAO, WB various regional

and international research

institutions, journals

Biodiversity, climatic data, land use and management,

environmental information, water resource

management

3.Ministry of Fishery(MOF) FAO, Internet, international

organizations, different marine

journals

Fishery resource assessment and management, fishery

cooperative development, fishery ecosystem

4. Eritrean Development &

Investment Bank (EDIB)

MOA, MOFH, CSO, NARI, FAO,

WB, ADB and Internet

Information on major currency rates loan

management, risk management, marketing intelligence

Crop/livestock/Research organizations

5.Asmara and Surrounding

Dairy Cooperatives

ILCA, MOA, NARI, CSO, MTI Milk quality, dairy cooperatives development

6. Elaberid Estate Farm: MOA, ARD, NARI, CSO, MTI

different agricultural publications

and journals

Technical information on citrus production, packaging,

fruit processing, transportation, pricing, quality

control, market/potential importers of horticultural

products

7. National Agricultural

Research Institute

FAO, ICRISAT, ILRI, WB various

regional and international

research Institutions

Livestock improvement, animal disease diagnosis,

extension methods, post-harvest control, pest

management, crop improvement

NGOs

8. Norwegian Church Aid

(NCA):

MOA, MOLG, NARI, MOLG, CSO,

other NGOs and consulting firms

Micro credit, credit and rural development, rural

finance, participatory rural development extension,

crop protection

9. Care International MOA, MOLG. Independent

Research, Internet, other NGOs

Information on food security, micro credit for small-

scale farmers, agricultural extension methods,

10. Vision Eritrea: Local

NGO

MOA, MOLG, NARI, CSO, other

NGOs and consulting firms

Information on micro-finance, small scale business to

supplement farm income, market development

11. Sheab Farmers

Association

MOA, NARI, MOLG, CSO and

NGOs

Pest and disease control, crop diversification,

information on horticulture production

34.Regarding the specific services available to farmers and fisherfolk, Table 2 below

briefly summarizes the main services currently available and the institution or agency

providing the services.


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3 AN OVERVIEW OF ICM ISSUES IN AGRICULTURE ANDRURAL DEVELOPMENT: CAPACITY, SERVICES AND NEEDS

35.As indicated earlier, the concept of ICM in Eritrea is rather new and understanding of

and demand for it is limited. Many of the government and private institutions are at

various stages of development and have limited knowledge of ICM issues.

36.The Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) is the institution responsible for ICM in

agriculture and rural development in Eritrea. Currently, efforts are being made to

collect, store, analyze and disseminate relevant agricultural information. The MOA

has also a relatively better understanding of the importance of developing an efficient

ICM system. An overview of some ICM issues in agriculture and rural development

(capacity, needs and services) that need to be addressed include among others:

Field data (availability, access, fitness for use, etc.);

Institutional framework that include ICM

Technology issues (procedures and techniques, equipment and appropriate

computer software, skills analysis, etc.);

Financial and human resources;

Lack of skilled manpower;

Limited understanding of the importance of ICM.

37.With regard to the capacity, services and needs of the key institutions involved in

agriculture and rural development, it was observed that all the institutions are in the

embryonic stage of ICM. It seems also that some of the key institutions are

experiencing problems on how to develop their information and communication

management policy/strategy. During the interviews, a couple of resource persons

expressed their reservation whether each institution should have its own ICM system

or whether it should be left to the responsible line ministries. This indicates that some

of the institutions have not yet clearly grasped or understood the role of ICM.


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38.Regarding the overall rural development and particularly in terms of meeting needs

for information and services and for effective communication channels for farmers,

Eritrea has a long way to go. As indicated earlier, so far, the information needs of the

farmers/pastoralists are mainly met through the limited training and extension work

provided by the MOA and radio programs transmitted by the same ministry in

cooperation with the MOI. The MOA also conducts seminars, workshops and

meeting, but these are very rare, maybe once a year or once every two years. Some

private sector organizations and NGOs also provide limited information and services,

but it can hardly be called effective. The services provided to farmers are indicated in

Table 2.

39. There is lack of rural infrastructure such as roads, communications, storage facilities,

processing equipment. For example, grain mills were repeatedly mentioned by

extension workers and Sheab Farmers Association as one of the major problems that

need to be addressed in rural areas. There is practically no information on private

investment among subsistence farmers. Commercial investment in rural development,

particularly agriculture has been very limited due to a number of factors related to

incentives (see section 2.1.1). The rural financial institutions which are supposed to

play an important role in the development of rural areas are also weak. All these

factors combined together have greatly hindered the effective flow of information and

services to and from the rural areas. Hence, in order to meet the needs of the

farmers/pastoralists and to provide them with the desired level of services, it is

important that institutions involved in agriculture and rural development

(Government, private sector and farmers) join hands to create or develop an ICM

system that serves the rural communities of the country.


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to identify the information needs of the different institutions, an attempt is made first

to look at the existing information and communication related problems. The

identified problems are briefly summarized as follows:

There is no information policy or strategy to guide institutional information

management process;

There is a serious shortage of good quality agricultural information. Basic

information is missing. There is a lack of satellite images, agricultural maps (crop,

vegetation, rainfall maps etc.) and wide-coverage socio-economic and technical

data;

There is no systematic data collection process. Most data/information has been

collected on an ad-hoc basis;

There are no standard guidelines on data collection, and reliability of information is

not assured;

The value of information is under-estimated, and only felt when it is urgently

required for planning or decision-making. It is difficult to establish what

information exists, and where to locate information;

There is limited published information on agriculture and rural development;

The institutional framework is weak because Eritrea is a new state and most of the

institutions are in their infancy.

42. Although the problems indicated above are not exhaustive, nevertheless, to the

extent possible, they were taken into account when identifying the information

needs of each institution.

43. Information needs also vary depending on how institutions see the purpose, need

and relevance of information. Some consider the long-term need for information and

information management for efficiency, to improve an institutions sustainability or

to develop more effective polices, while others are interested in short-term

information to implement a specific program or project.


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Name of the Institution Capacity Building Needs

6.Elabried Estate Farm

Training in farm management, veterinary sciences and water management and

information management

Yield enhancement (fruits and vegetables)

Technical assistance in fruit and vegetable processing packaging and marketing,particularly foreign markets

7. National Agricultural

Research Institute

Strengthening the institutional framework.

Higher training geared towards research.

Technical and financial assistance for purchasing different equipment (computers,

digital camera, audiovisual materials, lab equipments).

Strengthening capacity in data management and dissemination

Training in agricultural information management systems

ICT for increased agricultural research work

8. Norwegian Church Aid

(NCA): Training in the design of questionnaires for baseline survey, impact assessment,

elementary techniques of statistics

9. Care International

(NGO) Training in project formulation, data collection systems and analysis design of

questionnaire for baseline survey, impact assessment, elementary techniques of

statistics

10. Vision Eritrea: Local

NGO Training in questionnaire design, data analysis, impact assessment, computer training

11. Sheab Farmers

Association Training in extension methods, soil management and conservation, post harvest, pest

and disease control


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4 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

4.1 Conclusions

62. Eritrea being a new country has very limited knowledge of information and

communication management. Firstly, the understanding regarding the importance

and use of information is rather limited. Secondly, there are very few people with

knowledge and skills in ICM and thus the capacity of the different institutions to

effectively manage and disseminate even the available data/information is limited.

During the interviews, it was clearly stated that some institutions generate limited

data/information, however, they are either not accessible, not publicised or there are

no means to know about the source or the possibility of access and dissemination.

63. The Ministry of Agriculture and particularly its technical arms, namely the Planning

and Statistics Department and the National Agricultural Research Institute are the

main sources of agricultural data/information in the country.

64. In general, whatever data /information is available, it is quite often outdated, lacks

consistency or incomplete and the outreach service is deficient. This clearly showsthat even the relatively organized and well-staffed institutions have difficulty in

organizing and disseminating whatever information they may have.

65. Generally, however, institutions are gradually understanding and recognizing the

importance of ICM for decision-making, planning and overall institutional

development. In this regard, it is believed that efforts will be made to address issues

related to the lack of skilled manpower, financial and other problems that are likely

to hinder the development of ICM. Such a step will greatly contribute toward the

improvement and eventually development of agricultural information management

systems.


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69. In order to see the needs of the rural communities, two focus group discussions were

conducted: one with the Sheab Farmers Association, which comprises both male

and female, and the other with a small group of carefully selected individual farmers

in the Central region. Some few random sample interviews were also conducted.

From these discussions and interviews, the following information needs were

clearly stated by both focus groups and from the random interview :

Information on rainfall and flood during the rainy season;

Timely supply of agricultural inputs, particularly improved seed and fertilizer;

Timely demonstration on improved variety of crops, particularly sorghum,

wheat and maize;

Pest control.

70. In summary, almost all the institutions expressed the need for systematic

data/information collection analysis and dissemination preferably through simple

and informative publications or any other possible outlets. The farmers, however,

prefer, if possible, to get information on the field through the extension agents. This

would give them the opportunity to raise questions and to have better understanding.Table 3 in section 3.2.1 provides details of the information needs of the key selected

institutions.

71. An attempt is also made here to discuss the conclusions within CTAs three

operational programs and the key problems that were previously identified as those

pertaining to ACP countries, but with particular reference to the findings in Eritrea

are indicated below. Thus, ICM problems identified by CTA and comments and

observations are briefly indicated on extent of these problems.


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Coordination, collection, analysis management and dissemination of Eritreas

agricultural, data /information;

Creating the necessary infrastructure for wider range of publications;

Establishing a system/access to market information.

4.1.3 Potential Beneficiaries and Partners73. According CTAs program of activities, its beneficiaries and partners are selected

from among:

Farmers organization, womens group trade unions, consumer group and

training institutions;

Exporters, chamber of commerce processors, distributors, etc.;

Researchers, extension services, rural broadcasters;

Ministries and policymakers;

Local service providers;

ACP regional offices or organizations.

74. Based on the above checklist, all those local national and regional institutions listed

in Annex III.1 which are directly or indirectly involved in agriculture and rural

development are the potential beneficiaries for CTA.

75. Potential partners are identified based on CTAs criteria for selecting partners. Thecriteria are:

The relevance of the partners work to CTAs ultimate beneficiaries;

Strong representation of women, the young and resource-poor farmers

among potential beneficiaries;

The degree of complementarily with CTAs programs;

The level of financial /or technical contribution to the venture;

The likelihood of a multiplier effect;

The ability to deliver service in a timely and effective manner as well as

the ability to maintain the service after CTAs exit.


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76. The National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI), The Planning and Statistics

Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Elabried Estate Farm more or less

satisfy the criteria and are identified as possible CTA partners. These institutions are

selected as the best potential partners for the following reasons:

They are the most important organizations of their kind in the agriculture

sector and their work is relevant to CTAs ultimate beneficiaries;

They work closely with the rural population through their agricultural

agents and there is a strong presence of women, the youth and resource-

poor farmers among the beneficiaries. The NARI through its different

program advises farmers on how to improving livestock production, while

the Planning and Statistics Department disseminate relevant agricultural

information both through its extension agents as well as through the

media;

Their program and activities are more or less complementary with CTAs

program;

There is significant opportunity for a multiplier effect as these are the

main agricultural organizations in the country; For example, ElabriedEstate farm, in cooperation with agricultural extension agents,

demonstrates best practices of horticultural products to neighbouring

farmers;

Regarding the ability to deliver service in a timely and effective manner,

capacity building will be required for each of the recommended

institutions.

77. It needs to be noted that regarding the level of financial contribution, these

institutions are not in a position to make financial contribution unless financial

support is obtained from elsewhere. Secondly, as indicated above, the ability to

deliver service in a timely and effective manner as well as the ability to deliver the

service after CTAs exit would require strong capacity building. Should, however,


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82. It is recommended that gradually some kind of mechanism needs to be created to

supply the following information needs.

Economic information

(i) Cost of production, market and market-related data, consumption statistics,

micro credit for small farmers, market development, commodity profile,

information on project assessment, project appraisal, financial management,

loan administration (For EDIB, NGOs and Sheab Farmers Association)

Technical information

(i) Information on crop, vegetation, rainfall, maps etc satellite imaging,

techniques of soil and water conservation, crop diversification, soil fertility,

livestock development spate irrigation (for the Ministry of Agriculture. and

NARI);

(ii) Hydro-geological data, hydrometric data, natural resource data, biodiversity,

climatic data, land use and management, land classification, interpretation of

aerial and photography and satellite imaginary, irrigation, ground waterassessment, logging, borehole yields. (For the MoLWE);

(iii) Information on irrigation practices in semi arid zones, citrus post harvest

technology, technical information on citrus production agronomy, packaging,

processing, transportation, pricing, quality control, yield enhancement, market

intelligence (For Elabried Farm, NARI and Sheab Farmers Association).

General Information

(i) Participatory methods, community participation, commodity profiles trade

fairs, trade regulations, information on websites, relevant conference,

brochures, newsletters and journals.


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ANNEX I. TERMS OF REFERENCE

ASSESSMENT OF AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION NEEDS FORCTAS PRODUCTS AND SERVICES IN POST-CONFLICT ACP

AFRICAN STATES

1. IntroductionThe Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA) was established in 1983under the Lom Convention between the ACP (African, Caribbean and Pacific) Group ofStates and the European Union Member States. Since 2000, it has operated within theframework of the ACP-EC Cotonou Agreement.

CTAs tasks are to develop and provide services that improve access to information foragricultural and rural development, and to strengthen the capacity of ACP countries toproduce, acquire, exchange and utilise information in this area. CTAs programmes areorganised around three principal activities: providing an increasing range and quantity ofinformation products and services and enhancing awareness of relevant information sources;supporting the integrated use of appropriate communication channels and intensifyingcontacts and information exchange (particularly intra-ACP); and developing ACP capacity togenerate and manage agricultural information and to formulate information andcommunication management (ICM) strategies, including those relevant to science andtechnology. These activities take account of methodological developments in cross-cuttingissues (gender, youth, information & communication technologies ICTs, and socialcapital), findings from impact assessments and evaluations of ongoing programmes as well aspriority information themes for ACP agriculture1.

CTAs activities are currently distributed among three operational programme areas /departments:

Information Products and Services Communication Channels and Services Information and Communication Management Skills and Systems.

These operational departments are supported by Planning Corporate Services (P&CS) whichis charged with the methodological underpinning of their work and monitoring the ACPenvironment in order to identify emerging issues and trends and make proposals for theirtranslation into programs and activities. This current exercise, therefore, falls within the

mandate of P&CS.

2. BackgroundCTA works primarily through intermediary organizations and partners (non-governmentalorganizations, farmers organizations, regional organizations, ) to promote agriculture and

1 Priority information themes for ACP agriculture have formed the basis of various several studies, workshops and seminarsbringing together various stakeholders, organisations and institutions active in the field of agriculture and rural

development. The documents (or extracts thereof) will be provided to the consultants.


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information needs of institutions in these affected countries and the actions of otheragencies in this area.

4. Overall objectiveTo contribute to economic development through capacity building in the area of agricultural

information management and knowledge sharing.

5. Specific objectives and scope of the studyThe objectives of the study are as follows:

To develop a strategy for CTAs approach to post-conflict countries; To improve the effectiveness of CTAs support for post-conflict countries To compile baseline data on the status of ICM and ICTs in agriculture and rural

development in the 6 post-conflict countries.

The study should assist CTA to improve and better target interventions and activities aimedat potential partners and beneficiaries (including women, youth, private sector and civilsociety organizations); to have a more informed picture of their needs and aid in theelaboration of a strategy and framework of action. The study should also highlight wherethere are specific needs for CTAs products and services thereby enabling improvement inthe delivery of the same.

6. MethodologyThe consultant will use a combination of qualitative and quantitative rapid appraisal methodsfor the six countries including:

The desk review of available literature and information sources including otherdonor interventions in the field of agricultural information and capacity (human and

physical) development; The conduct of face-to-face interviews with relevant stakeholders / concerned

parties and if possible, group discussions; The limited use of questionnaires.

The rapid appraisal approach will allow a general overview of the key issues and company /organizational profiles on a per country basis and may give rise to more in-depth studies asand when needed in the future.

7. Expected results / outputThe expected results will include the following elements:

An inventory of the status of agricultural information services, institutions and otheractors and their needs as their relate to physical infrastructure, informationavailability and access and human capacity development;

An assessment of the current and / or planned interventions of the government andbi- or multilateral agencies in the field of information for agriculture and ruraldevelopment;


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2.2 Socio-economic profile (from available documentation)

2.2.1 Total active population, demographic breakdown2.2.2 Literacy level and languages2.2.3 Access to services (health, schools, electricity)

2.2.4 Rural urban drift2.3 Media and telecommunications (update / check)

2.3.1 Newspapers, periodicals, magazines, radio stations, television channels,2.3.2 Telecommunication services (fixed, mobile, etc.)2.3.4 Computers and Internet access

3. Profile of institutions

31. List of all local, national and regional institutions involved in agriculture and ruraldevelopment activities, including private sector and civil society organizations, withname, contact details, type and role of institution.3.2 Select list of key institutions involved in agriculture and rural development, with

extensive data and information on the institution, the problems faced and why it isconsidered a key actor4. List of persons / institutions interviewed5. Bibliography

8. Reporting The country reports will not exceed 30 pages (excluding annexes). The annexes shouldinclude the various sections mentioned above.

9. Timing Draft report of annex 2 to be submitted to CTA within 2 months after contract

signature. Complete draft final report is to be submitted within 4 months after contract signature

by CTA Final report due two weeks after receipt of comments from CTA.

10. Expertise needed

The national consultant should have a university degree or equivalent by experience. Inaddition, he/she should have at least 10 years experience in field of agriculture, ruraldevelopment or social / economic sciences. He/she must have in-depth knowledge of theagricultural sector in his/her country and be able to identify key players and institutions /organizations active in this area. Some knowledge of information sciences would be anadded advantage. The ability to communicate and write clearly in English or French isessential, while knowledge of at least one of the local languages for communication /interview purposes is an added advantage.

In addition to the skills above, the overall coordinator is expected to be fluent in bothEnglish and French, have some knowledge of the six countries forming the object of thisstudy, have demonstrated experience in coordinating studies with several consultants, and inproducing synthesis reports.


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The overall coordination will be carried out by Ms Christine Webster, Deputy Head,Planning and Corporate Services CTA.

11. Specific tasksThe national consultant is expected to undertake the following tasks in the specific

country: Desk review of available and relevant literature on agriculture and rural development; Conduct interviews with stakeholders in agriculture and rural development sector; Disseminate questionnaires and compile results obtained; Liaise with the overall coordinator and CTA throughout the process Write and submit draft final and final reports according to the stipulated table of

contents.

The overall coordinator is expected to: Supervise the national consultants; Guide and monitor their execution of the country studies; Answer technical queries from national consultants, review their reports and prepare

technical and editorial comments for the 6 countries; Prepare a draft and final overview report according to the stipulated table of contents.

12. Implementation schedule (CTA) Preparation/Finalization of ToR; Identification/ short-listing of (potential)

consultants; Call for offers: September mid November 2005; Selection of consultants & contractual arrangements: mid to end November 2005 Briefing: 23 27 January 2006 Start date of contract: 19 December 2005 Implementation period 19 December - 30 June 2006 End date of contract: 30 June 2006

13. Key documents to be made available to consultantsDocuments include: Cotonou Framework Agreement Excerpts of relevant sections of CTAs Strategic Plan and Plan of Action (2001-2005) Annual Reports Documents on priority information themes identified for the African region Documents on products & services provided by CTA

_________________________________


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ANNEX II. COUNTRY PROFILE ERITREA

II.1. General Agricultural Profile

The total land area of Eritrea is 124,300 km, with a coastline of more than a thousand

kilometers, and some 112 main islands in the Dahlia archipelago. It is divided into sixAdministrative Regions with 52 Sub-Regions and 2685 major villages and an estimatedpopulation of 3.9 million people. The country is predominately an agrarian society.Average population density is about 31 people per km. There are, however, considerabledifferences in regional densities. In the highlands, where two thirds of the totalpopulation is concentrated on one-sixth of the land area, densities range from 75 to 500persons/km, while in most parts of the surrounding lowlands average densities rarelyreach 15 persons/km. This is particularly true for the Southern Red Sea and NorthernRed Sea Regions of the country. As always, this reflects the fundamentals ofagricultural/pastoral potential. Still estimates of the population vis--vis agriculturalpotential show that the Central Highlands would be 3 to 5 times as densely populated as

the lowlands, which no longer reflects the relative carrying capacities of the soils andresults more from tradition and the undoubted benefits on health on the agreeablehighland climate.

About 80% of the population lives in rural areas of which an estimated 25% are nomadicor semi-nomadic. Agriculture including animal herding is the main stay of the Eritreaneconomy. Out of the total land area, an estimated 2.1 million hectares (1.5 million rain-fed and 600,000 for irrigation) is believed to be suitable for agriculture of which onlyabout 21% is currently under cultivation.

Eritrea has also substantial livestock and rich fishing resources, however, due to a lack of

investment and modernization of these sectors and consequent low productivity, theircontribution to the development of the economy is rather low.

The environment and the natural habitat of the country has seriously deteriorated as aresult of population pressure on land, poor water and soil management, and the rearing oflivestock further aggravated by the persistent drought. Clearing of forest for agricultureand scavenging for firewood and housing construction have resulted in alarmingreduction (from 30% to less than 1%) of forest cover in Eritrea during this century. Tomake matters worse, deforestation has contributed to constant erosion of fertile soil andhas considerably changed the ecology. Obviously, these trends, therefore, have had anegative effect not only on agriculture but also on the overall socio-economic

development of the country.

The mineral potential of the country is also substantial, but still underdeveloped. Amongthe mineral deposits so far identified are gold, potash and copper as well as other variousmetallic and non-metallic deposits. Currently, the mining sector contributes a negligiblefraction to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, it needs to be noted that incooperation with foreign investors, a lot of effort is underway to develop and modernizethe sector and so far, the results are encouraging.


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Generally, the economic base of the country is low and backward with basic and heavyindustries virtually non-existent and the existing small-scale industries are concentratedin two major towns (Asmara and Massawa). The manufacturing sector employs between5-7% percent of the labor force and contributes about 30% to the GDP, of which close to

50% originates from small scale industry and handicrafts. The sector is largely limited tolight industries, heavily dependent on imported goods and mostly producing consumergoods. In addition to its modest contribution to GDP, the manufacturing sector plays animportant role in the economy as supplier of various industrial products to the domesticmarket, provides employment for a substantial number of workers, offers a market outletfor agriculture and other domestic raw materials and is a source of substantialgovernment revenue through various taxes.

The infrastructure of the country is not yet developed although a lot of improvements arebeing made through the rehabilitation and construction of new roads. Water supply andsanitation services particularly in rural area is very low, the same is true regarding

telecommunication which is mainly in urban areas, however, the recent introduction ofmobile phones is improving the communication and the flow of information

II.1.1 Size of agricultural population (male /female/youth)

Total population 2004 3,900,000 inhabitants

of which rural 200480 %

Population density 2004 31 inhabitants/kmEconomically active population 2004 1,811,000 inhabitants

as % of total population 2004 46 %

female 2004 48 % male 2004 52 %

Population economically active in agriculture 2004 1,394,470 inhabitants

as % of total economically active population2004

77 %

female 2004 50 %

male 2004 50 %There is no specific information on the number of youth involved in agricultural activities

Table 2.1.2.1 Population Distribution by Region (2004)

Zoba(Region)

N of Sub-zobas (Sub-

regions)

Population(000s)

Ruralpopulation

(000s)

Area in(km

2)

Popdensity

Anseba 10 571 456. 22,120 25.7

Debub 11 1015 792 8,349 121

Gash-Barka 14 755 604. 33,358 22.6

Maekel 4 726 596 1,400 519.2

N. Red Sea 9 558 435. 33,178 16.8


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Zoba

(Region)

N of Sub-

zobas (Sub-

regions)

Population

(000s)

Rural

population

(000s)

Area in

(km2

)

Pop

density

S. Red Sea 4 275 219. 23,384 11.7

TOTAL 52 3,900 3,102. 121,789Source: Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Land and Environment 2003, Ministry of Local

Government 2000

II.1.2 Farmed land, forest and fishing areas

Farmland and forest or current and potential land use categories are indicated in the tablebelow.

Table 2.1.2.2 Land Use Categories and Area 2003

Source: FAO /World Bank 2001 Vol. 1, Asmara, Eritrea

Fishing areas

Eritrea has 1,200 kilometers of coastline. It is estimated that there are 1,000 fish speciesin the Red Sea and about 20% of them are endemic to the area. Important coastal andmarine ecosystems of the Red Sea include coral reefs, sea grasses, mangroves and othercoastal vegetations. Currently the annual catch in the country is about 13-14 thousandtons per year; however, the potential is close to 80,000 tons.

II.1.3 Agricultural systems

There are two main agricultural systems in Eritrea: one is the traditional farming practiceon a fragmented plot of land using animal draught power (oxen, camel, donkey); andpeople as a main source of power, using very little improved seed and fertilizer or usingnone at all. These traditional systems can further sub-divided into:

i. Traditional agricultural farming;ii. Agro-pastoralists.

Land Use ApproximateArea

000 Hectares

% of total

Current Rained cultivated land 417 3.4

Irrigated land 22 0.2 Disturbed forest 53 0.4 Forest plantation 10 0.1 Wood land scrubland 673 Browsing & grazing land 6,967 57.2

Barren land 4,047 33.2Potential Irrigable land (600) (4.92)

Rain-fed land (1,050) (8.61)


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Box 1. Agro-Ecological Zones

AgroEcological Zones

The overall rural development and the general features of the agricultural sector inEritrea is basically influenced by climate, altitude, topography, soils and populationdensity which are the bases for defining the agro-ecological zones. There are six agroecological zones namely: (a) the central highlands; (b) the western escarpment; (c) thesouth western; (d) the green belt of the eastern escarpment of the high lands; (e) thecoastal; and (f) the northwestern. The agricultural features of these zones is summarizedin the table below

Table 2.1.3.1 Agricultural Zoning

Sub-HumidEscarpment

Moist highland

Moist Lowland Arid Highland Arid Lowland

Desert

Location N.Red Sea, Centraland EasternEscarpment

Central andSouthernHighlands, Uplandplateaus of Rora &Hager

South Westernlowlands, UpperMerab river (Hazemo,Mereb, Ubel, Aala)

Northern Highlandlands, except Rora &Hager Uplands, MountRamlo in Dankalia

N.Eritrea,Excluding coastalplains and extremenorth west, lowerparts of the easternescarpment

Eastern coastal plains,including Denkalia;and area NW ofBarka-Sawa Rivers

Area(000 ha) 103 (0.8%) Up to 898 (7.4%) 1,970 (16.2%) Up 310 (2.5%) 4,179.6(3.4%) 4,700 (38.8%)

Topography Slopes, mountainsand hills

MountainsEscarpment

Plains, small hills andplateaus

Mountains plateau Undulating plainsand small hills

Plains with small hills

DominantSlope 8-100% Mostly 3-30% butrange between0-100%

2-30% (range) 0-50% 2-100% 0-30 (range0-50) 0-50%

Altitude (m)600- 1100

1600-2600 (max.3018; mountAmba Soira

500- 1600 1600-2600 400-1600 100-1350

Rainfall(mm) 700-1100 500-700 500-800 200-500 200-500 200

PET (a)(mm)

1600-20000 1600-1800 1800-20000 1600-1900 1800-2000 1900-2100

LGP (b)Days

60-210Dependable; 90-240- median,2growing periods

in most years

60-110Dependable; 90-120 median

50-90Dependable90-120 median

0-30Dependable; 30-60median

0 -

Source: Ministry of Land. Water and Environment, Eritrean Biodiversity Assessment

1999

a/PETis potential Eva transpiration, a measure of water consumption by plants.

b/LGP is length of growing period, a measure of the time in which crop production is

possible without irrigation.


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II.1.4 Agriculture in the economy:

Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy: about 60 -70 % of the population rely onagriculture, livestock husbandry and fishing for income and food, it accounts on averagefor about 16-20% of Eritreas GDP and about 20-30% of its current merchandise export.The main agricultural exports are live animals, horticultural products and some cotton

Table 2.1.4.1. Gross Domestic Product by Type of Economic Activity 1993-1999

Commodities Estimated Actual Percent Share1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999

Agriculture 510.8 778.0 714.4 693.3 700.5 1412.6 1541.0 18.0 21.0 17.4 14.8 13.5 24.3 24.3Crops 158.8 341.5 263.2 238.2 244.0 916.5 996.0 5.6 9.2 6.4 5.1 4.7 15.8 15.7

Livestock 241.7 284.4 286.5 283.5 281.3 306.6 338.0 8.5 7.7 7.0 6.1 5.4 5.3 5.3

Fishing 4.4 10.6 16.1 12.5 5.9 8.2 13.0 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.3 0.1 0.1 0.2

Hunting

Forestry 105.9 141.6 148.6 159.0 169.4 181.2 193.9 3.7 3.8 3.6 3.4 3.3 3.1 3.1

Industry 399.9 439.9 613.3 847.3 1033.1 999.4 1086.6 14.1 11.9 15.0 18.1 19.9 17.2 17.1Min. andQuarrying

4.0 4.0 4.1 4.1 8.8 6.8 7.5 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.1

Manufacturing 187.9 172.5 261.8 286.7 308.2 283.6 305.2 6.6 4.7 6.4 6.1 5.9 4.9 4.8Sm. Sc. Ind. &Hand

29.5 37.1 48.7 66.1 127.9 121.5 130.8 1.0 1.0 1.2 1.4 2.5 2.1 2.1

Construction 120.9 164.4 234.3 412.5 514.2 510.4 562.5 4.2 4.4 5.7 8.8 9.9 8.8 8.9

Electricity 40.8 44.1 45.2 57.5 52.0 53.5 55.4 1.4 1.2 1.1 1.2 1.0 0.9 0.9

Water 16.8 17.9 19.3 20.5 21.9 23.6 25.3 0.6 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4

Distribution 1034.6 1255.4 1393.5 1577.3 1743.0 1583.6 1698.8 36.4 33.9 34.0 33.7 33.6 27.3 26.8Whole sale &Retail

642.5 795.3 898.0 993.6 1106.8 998.2 1090.0 22.6 21.5 21.9 21.2 21.3 17.2 17.2

Transport &Communication

392.1 460.1 495.5 583.7 636.3 585.4 608.8 13.8 12.4 12.1 12.5 12.3 10.1 9.6

Other Service 561.9 886.0 1000.2 1109.8 1240.9 1395.4 1568.1 19.7 23.9 24.4 23.7 23.9 24.1 24.7Banking &Insurance

43.5 72.8 163.2 223.1 236.8 255.7 276.2 1.5 2.0 4.0 4.8 4.6 4.4 4.4

Pub.Administration

309.0 506.8 506.8 538.0 564.2 653.7 764.8 10.9 13.7 12.4 11.5 10.9 11.3 12.1

Real estate &housing 71.1 141.1 150.4 160.3 173.9 189.6 206.6 2.5 3.8 3.7 3.4 3.4 3.3 3.3

Education 53.9 64.2 66.6 69.3 128.0 145.1 155.8 1.9 1.7 1.6 1.5 2.5 2.5 2.5

Health 29.7 40.3 42.1 43.5 56.2 60.3 65.9 1.0 1.1 1.0 0.9 1.1 1.0 1.0

DomesticServices

3.4 3.8 4.5 4.8 5.1 5.7 6.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1

Others 51.2 57.2 66.7 70.9 76.7 85.3 92.6 1.8 1.5 1.6 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5

GDP atCurrentFactor Cost

2507.1 3359.4 3721.4 4227.7 4717.5 5390.9 5894.5 88.1 90.8 90.8 90.4 91.0 92.9 93.0

Plus: IndirectTaxes

338.3 341.7 375.9 450.4 511.5 464.7 500.0 11.9 9.2 9.2 9.6 9.9 8.0 7.9

Less: Subsidies 43.1 54.5 57.3 0.8 0.9 0.9

GDP atCurrentMarket Price

2845.4 3701.1 4097.3 4678.1 5185.9 5801.2 6337.2 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

Source: Ministry of Finance, Eritrea 1999/2000


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II.1.5 Main agricultural produce and secondary products

The main crops in Eritrea may be classified into three principal groups, namely cereals,pulses and oilseeds. The type of agricultural products produced in the country reflects thedifferent agro-ecological zones, which are characterized by topographical and climatic

variation. The main types of agricultural products are summarized below.

Main products are cereals: sorghum, millet, barely, wheat, maize and teff Secondary products are:

(i) Pulses: chickpeas, field peas, horse beans, haricot beans and lentils,soybeans;

(ii) Oilseeds: linseed, sesame, fenugreek, niger seed, cotton and groundnuts(iii) Horticultural products: tropical fruits and vegetables mainly papaya and

oranges, water melons, lemon, potatoes, onions, peppers, eggplant, okra,citrus and mango;

(iv) Industrialcrops: tobacco and sisal.

Table 2.1.5.1 Crop production in Eritrea, 1997-2004 (tones)

Source: Ministry of Agriculture 2004

II.I.6 Main export markets

The main export markets are the Middle East countries and the Southern and Eastern

Africa Region known as COMESA. Very few products (flowers) are also exported toEuropean countries, mainly to The Netherlands and Italy.

CEREALS 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004Sorghum 55 316 269 772 207 197 52 370 78 759 28 434 64 061 44 646

Maize 6 406 28 986 15 899 4 054 9 051 3 008 4 456 3 164

Wheat 5 131 22 945 19 010 10 579 25 423 2 637 3 442 5 053

Barley 16 085 56 605 31 835 25 786 44 934 9 736 8 576 11 134

Pearl millet 4 332 44 183 17 829 1 515 18 174 4 931 11 748 7 118

Finger millet 3 156 7 622 5 402 2 716 12 093 865 5 187 4 436

Teff 4 150 18 706 13 147 10 415 19 551 3 191 7 161 7 574

Hanfez 4 504 8 992 8 508 3 197 11 067 1 728 1 313 1 859

Total 99 080 457 811 318 827 110 632 219 052 54 530 105 944 84 984

OTHER FOODCROPSPeas 175 398 581 1 670 1 130 2 797 60 91

Chick peas 492 1 783 2 793 2 972 8 284 225 1 600 3 459

Horse beans 176 659 3 301 1 420 4 022 445 600 603

Green peas 364 399 718 722 2 730 3 484 N/A N/A

Haricot bean 0 36 36 0 36 0 0 31

Lentils 1 0 272 116 211 110 100 86

Total 1 208 3 275 7 701 6 900 16 413 7 061 2 360 4 270


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Construct more water points, better land use planning, and developing moreinfrastructure (laboratories, quarantine stations) as well as train moreveterinarians, privatization of veterinary services;

Prevent and control animal diseases of economic and public health importance; Conduct regular national vaccination programs on high priority animal disease

and diffuse into the lower risk areas; Increase output through improved herd productivity and to a lesser extent

increased herd size;

Promote superior animal breeding system; Improve animal nutrition by allocating grazing lands in accordance with the

national land use plans;

Develop and establish effective fodder production extension strategies for thedifferent regions of the country.

Table 2.1.8.1 Livestock population by species and distribution by region, 2003

SN RegionCattle Sheep Goats Camels Horses Donkeys Mules Poultry Bees hives

1 Maekel 40505 149927 23556 0 1188 23432 56 86425 1370

2 Debub 490093 614069 706409 19382 3392 162987 7324 512776 19553

3 Gash-Barka

917344 675268 1745784 113263 493 174725 921 423898 3439

4 Anseba 218023 124300 620023 25266 0 60580 1023 78247 1327

5 S.K.Bahri

178532 462333 994596 107032 0 61140 0 26867 723

6 D.K.Bahri

82060 103047 571417 53971 0 21198 0 6052 0

Total 1927457 2128944 4661785 318914 5073 504062 9324 1134265 26412Source: MOA, Animal Resources Department, Survey Of Livestock Number in Eritrea, 2003

Regarding forest: The main policy framework, which is expected to come out from theon going exercises, is to:

(i) Increase a forestation and forest closures through increased plantation;(ii) Reduce fuel wood demand which is the main cause for destruction of forests by

disseminating more efficient stoves and promoting stoves dependent onalternative sources of energy;

(iii) Develop agro-forestry and fruits trees, declare reverie forest and wildlife areasas protected and strengthen research on forest and agro-forestry;

(iv) Issue appropriate legislations and develop extensive awareness raising

campaigns through mass media and local communities;(v) Conserve and support the increase of natural forest as well as develop a forest

management plan that will increase the capacity of the sector.


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Fishery Policy:

The main fisheries policies are as follows:

(i) Strengthening the sector through the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the

dilapidated infrastructure (land facilities, storages and warehouses andmarketing channels) as well as enforcing regulations;(ii) Encouraging and promoting sustainable fish production systems;(iii) Improving the management of the ecological systems and marine environment

of fish habitats;(iv) Conserving marine biodiversity and protecting the ecosystem, habitats and

species and supporting marine research by mobilizing financial and technicalsupport;

(v) Organizing the fishermen into village level cooperatives and providingtraining in handling to reduce post-harvest losses and increase value throughincreased quality.

The Eritrean fishery sector comprises three main functioning areas: production,processing and marketing. Participants in the market are artisan and industrial fisheries.The available data show that production has been increasing as indicated in the tablebelow.

Table 2.1.8.2 Total fish landed (tons) 1998-2001Year Artisanal Industrial Total

1998 900 57% 691 43% 1,5911999 800 12% 5921 88% 67212000 1,100 9% 11512 91% 12,621

2001 1193 8% 14807 92% 16,000Source Ministry of Fishery, Industrial Division (1998-2001), Massawa, Eritrea

II.2 Socio-Economic Profile

II.2.1 Total active population, demographic breakdown

Total population: 3.9 million persons Urban population: 0.79 million and urban growth rate e