Ministry of Agriculture Newsletter

A Monthly Newsletter Prepared by the Public Relations Division, Issue No 65, Novomber 2023

Eritrea: Commemoration of World Food Day andInternational Day for the Eradication of Poverty
The 16th of October 2023 witnessed joint commemorationof World Food Day and International Day for the Eradicationof Poverty in Eritrea, under the respective themes:“Water is Life; Water is Food. Leave No One Behind” and“Dignity in Practice for All”. Early in the morning of theday, more than 250 participants of both events graced
the well-embellished traditional hall of the Undicesimo
Recreational Center in Emba-Derho, a village locatedabout 12 kilometers north of Asmara. The distinguishedparticipants included senior government officials; headsof United Nations’ (UN) agencies in Eritrea; and especiallythe joint organizers like –The Food and Agriculture
Organization (FAO); United Nations Development Program(UNDP); International Fund for Agricultural Development(IFAD); members of the diplomatic corps in Eritrea;
religious leaders; representatives of exemplary farmers
and invited guests, among others.

Dr. Martins Ovberedjo

problems. The speech further elaborated the relevanceof the theme, “Water is Life; Water is Food” in Eritreancontext, and the holistic approach the country is pursuing
towards ensuring a resilient future. “In recognizing thegovernment’s efforts in water action, I call upon all to
support Eritrea in achieving the 2030 agenda… In the spiritof unity, let us drive water action by transforming our

Representing Ms. Esther N. Lusepani, the Representative of
the FAO in Eritrea, Dr. Martins Ovberedjo, Representativeof the World Health Organization (WHO) in Eritrea, gavea briefing on the two-extreme global scenarios of waterrelated problems, and the coordinated international
interventions necessary to ensure solutions to the1agri-food systems, striving for the ‘Four Betters’: Better
Production, Better Nutrition, Better Environment, andultimately, a Better Life; ensuring no one is left behind,”Dr. Martin wrapped up the speech.

the UNDP’s readiness to remain committed in theendeavours thereof.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Aeneas C. Chuma, UN
Resident Coordinator in Eritrea, commended theSubsequently, a video speech on World Food Day 2023
by Mr. Qu Dongyu, the Director General of the FAO
in the UN, was displayed, where Mr. Qu said, “Rapid
population growth, urbanization, industrialization,
economic development and climatic crisis have all
taken a toll on global water resources, while increasing
floods and droughts further impacted agri-food systems– jeopardizing the livelihoods of millions of farmers.”
Stating that there is a hope for producing more andbetter with less water consumption, the Director Generalof FAO indicated the possibility of reducing water use
through prudent utilization and recycling of water. Mr. Qu
concluded his virtual message as follows: “We can reduce
agriculture’s water footprint by adopting a holistic andintegrated approach to water management.”

Mr. Aeneas C. Chuma,

Government of Eritrea’s commitment vis-à-vis thegrowing partnership with the UN system, and expressed
appreciation for the accomplishments registeredwith regards to ensuring sustainable water resource
management and poverty eradication by Eritrea.
“However”, he said, “This beautiful nation is not without
its challenges. We are aware of the prevalent water scarcity
that Eritrea is facing. [And] it is our shared responsibility
to work together to overcome these challenges.” Taking
into account that agriculture constitutes the largest
freshwater-utilizing sector in Eritrea, Mr. Chuma pointed
out the imperatives of transforming Eritrea’s agri-foodsystems to a more efficient, inclusive, resilient, andsustainable level in light of effective means of addressing
water scarcity. In this connection, he explained that Eritrea,
as a nation recognising the fundamental role of global
water security in achieving the 2030 Agenda and standing
united with the global community in this endeavour,
can take water action to the next level and ensure foodsecurity for all Eritreans on the basis of the Four Betters.
Concerning poverty eradication, Mr. Chuma asserted that,for Eritrea, fighting different forms of deprivation is justabout restoring dignity to every citizen. “I am glad to notethat Eritrea has a strong social protection strategy and ismaking appreciable progress. However, much more could
be done, and the UN development system stands ready toaccompany the country in these efforts,” he added.

On the other hand, Ms. Nashida Sattar, UNDP Deputy
Resident Representative in Eritrea, stated that poverty
is a complex and multi-dimensional issue with no clear
solution, and referred the major global factors of its
prevalence. Pointing out that dignity is a key principle
upon which Eritrea is built, Ms. Nashida went on saying,“As we are gathered here, it is also pivotal that we reflect
and testify on the transformative vision, resilience, andcommitment of this country to tackle poverty and achieve
progress. In line with this, we are pleased to note efforts
by Eritrea to put people and sustainable prosperity at
the center of developmental programmes and policies.”
Furthermore, she emphasized that stepped-up efforts
needs to be exerted in terms of achieving the goals ofpoverty eradication and enhancing food systems, andpromoting climate resilience initiatives, as well as cleanwater and energy programs. Ms. Nashida finally reiterated

Equally worth mentioning is that, Mr. Michael Yosief, ina speech he delivered representing Mr. Mebrahtu Iyassu;
the Director General of the Water Resource Department in
the Ministry of Land, Water and Environment; elucidated
the National Water Resource Policy, and gave explanationon the achievements made with regards to ensuring
potable water outreach and sanitation.

Ms. Nashida Sattar

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The Policy promotes the principles of integrated water
resources management as a means of ensuring sustainable
management of national water resources, and emphasizes
the recognition of water as being both a social andeconomic good whose allocation gives maximum priority
to domestic and agricultural use. The key role players in all
water management and development activities are welldefined in the national water policy, which also addresses
gender issues, particularly women’s roles in this context.

varieties, packaged in a specially designed one-kilogram
box, are being displayed and tasted for the first time on
the joint event. He also disclosed that the crop is due tohave an upward trend in the next few years. In this regard,
it is to be noted that Eritrea has been acknowledged asa date-producing country during the 7th International
Date Palm Conference in Abu Dhabi, UAE. (Full content of
H.E. Mr. Arefaine’s key note address on the concurrently
commemorated international events constitutes the lastportion of this newsletter).
Moreover, a brief video show titled, “Eritrea: Towards
Achieving Safe and Nutritious Food” prepared by the
Public Relations Division of the Ministry of Agriculture(MoA) was displayed, followed by a video piece producedby the UNDP depicting date production activities in Eritrea.
On the occasion, a total of six exemplary farmers from fivedifferent administrative regions, received certificates ofappreciation and monetary award (five thousand Nakfa
each) from the MoA and FAO. A certificate of recognitionby the ministry was also handed to another farmer, while
three winners of date packaging design contest wereawarded monetarily.
Posters, various domestic food products, and locally
produced machines for food preservation and processing
were showcased through the exhibition at the jointcommemoration of the events. Among the othercommodities displayed, date, in several varieties, hadadded visibility. Appliances for cost-effective and energysaving cooling system; more viable small incubator; as

Mr. Michael Yosief
Mr. Michael additionally explained that Eritrea, which has
been exerting stepped-up efforts in surface and groundwater development since 1992, is gradually tackling thechallenge of having ground water as the main option of
meeting domestic, irrigation and industrial water demandboth in arid and semi-arid areas. “In the future, irrigatedagriculture is expected to dominate the other formsof water demand in this country, taking into accountthe growing trend in the number of irrigated projects,
coupled with the government’s sound policy and resolutecommitment towards ensuring food security,” he added.
He also emphasized the need that communities shouldstop taking water for granted and manage it wisely.
Succeedingly, H.E. Mr. Arefaine Berhe, the Minister ofAgriculture, delivered a key note address, where he
expressed a heart-felt gratitude to all those who honoured
the invitation to take part on the occasion. He then shedlight on the calamitous trend of global water shortage, incontrast with its reality in Eritrea, and went on remarking:“It is precisely for this reason that the government has
been launching serious programs on soil and water
conversation in general, and building different sizes ofdams in particular. The number of reservoirs constructedsince independence have grown by eight times. As aresult, crop production has increased by two times whilethat of vegetables and fruits increased by six times andseventy-one times respectively.” Before he concluded his
speech, H.E. Mr. Arefaine announced that Eritrean date

H.E. Mr. Arefaine Berhewell as crop threshing machine and combiner, all locallydeveloped; were also put on show on the day. Lunch,accompanied by traditional coffee ceremony, was theconclusive session of the event, but also served as a basis
for demonstrating the great taste of cassava stew and
cake.

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Brief Profiles of Awarded Farmers and Date Palm Packaging Design Award Winners• Mr. Yemane Teklezghi Tekle, from Asmara,Administration of the Central Region, is a versatile
farmer who is engaged in farming since 2009, andrecognized for producing vegetables and Taff, besides
multiplication of improved varieties of potato, wheat
and maize (hybrid)

Mr. Teferi Tesfay

Mr. Yemane Teklezghi• Ms. Nigisti Habte Araya, from Afhimbol, Dige Subzone of Gash-Barka Administrative Region, is a farmer
who started farming in 2012. From nine hectares ofland, which is known for production of vegetables
and taff, she attained harvest rates of thirteen
quintals per hectare and six quintals per hectare for
pepper and taff respectively• Mr. Abdella Osman Ahmed, from Hiebo, Segeneyti
Sub-zone of the Southern Administrative Region,
now on his late thirties, is a farmer who started
beekeeping at an age of fourteen years. Currently, heowns a total of 166 hives (100 traditional hives, 60
frame hives, and 6 top-bar hives). His average harvest
rate is 30 Kgs per hive per year

Ms. Nigisti Habte

Mr. Abdella Osman• Mr. Abdella Sweyleh, from She’ib Sub-zone,
Northern Red Sea Region, is a farmer who started
date production in 1996 based on direct seeding.
Three years later, he planted date seedlings he got
from the MoA’s National Agricultural Research• Mr. Teferi Tesfay Mrach, from Keren, Administrationof Anseba Region, is a farmer who launched a small
farming business based on four cows in 1998.
Currently, he owns 42 cows, 23 of which are milking.
Mr. Teferi is in a position to own genetically upgradedcows through artificial insemination, and equally basehis dairy farm on forage harvest from 1.5 hectares ofland. He produces 170 litres of milk a day
Mr. Abdella Sweyleh4to secure ten quintals as a result of it. In connection
with this, he was given opportunities to represent
his early produce at exhibitions in national festivals
in Asmara and Dekemhare at different times. He wasfurther provided with a land plot to produce Emmer,
thanks to a collaboration between the MoA and• Ms. Nigisti Awalom Weldeselassie, from Adi- the Administration of Debarwa Sub-zone thereof.
Segudo, Administration of the Central Region, is a Furthermore, pursuant to joint work by the MoA
farmer who was never left behind due to blindness, and the Ministry of Tourism (MoT) in 2015, he took
but rather emerged successfully by proving herself part in Milano International Farm Food Expo in Italy.
active in overall agricultural development. Ms. Nigisti Therefore, he was given certificate of recognition forhas been actively engaged in poultry and plant his longstanding and exceptional contribution. He
production, besides agricultural food value addition was granted a husking machine for Emmer processing
too.
Institute (NARI). Presently, Mr. Abdella is in a position
to secure around 700 fruiting and young date palms
in five hectares of land, and thus harvesting 50
quintals per year in average. He was rendered several
opportunities for exposure visits abroad• Mr. Abel Ghebray, first winner of the Date Palm
Packaging Design Award (Eight thousand Nakfa)

Ms. Nigisti Awalom• Mr. Daniel Kahsay Tsige, from Debarwa town,
Administrative of the Southern Region, is a farmer
who has been working in the development andintroduction of an old Emmer Seed (“Ales” in Tigrinya)
in Eritrea since 2003, when he ideated to bring fortha rich breakfast food (18% protein content of the
Emmer variety was confirmed later by the National
Animal and Plant Health Laboratory) out of justfive seeds, three of which were even consumed byhis backyard chicken. Then he multiplied the two
Emmer seeds, coming up with two Kgs of seed. He
took quarter a kilo of his petty seed harvest to NARI
for technical assistance, and eventually he was able

Mr. Abel Gehebray• Ms. Saron Habtom, second winner of Date Palm
Packaging Design Award (Five thousand Nakfa)• Mr. Naod Goitom, third winner of Date Palm
Packaging Design Award (Three thousand Nakfa)

Mr. Naod Goitom

Mr. Daniel Kahsay

5Personal Impressions of Some Key Participants of the Occasion
Mr. Asgedom Teklemariam

remain highly committed. After all, that is the case
why we are saying, “no one should be left behind.”
Everyone should know concerning how we are going
to produce; where we are going to focus; how we plan
to meet the demand; and what the supply is goingto look like etc. Otherwise, cherished goals would
be unattainable. We should broaden the scope ofcollective awareness, and then manage it very well.
Ms. Nashida Sattar

My name is Asgedom Teklemariam. I work as an
Assistant to the FAO Representative in Eritrea. I workin the Programs Section. We carry out projects andprograms, and closely work with the implementing
partners. We do things according to the UNSDG’s,particularly in line with the objectives and programsof the government.
This is the most celebrated day in the UN System.
It is commemorated in more than 150 countries.
As the theme does remind us, nothing can be done
without water. At this time, water is being misused
and polluted by many people and sectors. It has beenabundant, but now already on the verge of depletiondue to imprudent usage. Agriculture, for example
is responsible for consuming 72% of global watersupply. So, I think we need to use water cleanly andefficiently, targeting more production with less water.
Speaking of Eritrea’s experience in this regard, thegovernment has been exerting continued endeavours
towards water harvesting since independence. Yet,putting up increased efforts is needed, particularly
with regards to enhancing efficient utilization of water.
Rain-fed and furrow irrigation farming methods need
to be substituted by water-saving alternatives. New
technologies are necessary to this effect. Primarily,
promoting awareness on water management, bothin the production and consumption sides, and evenbetween the supply value-chain domains, is anunavoidable pre-requisite for bringing about higher
impact by the national commitment. I presume
working on the awareness part should firstly befocused in famers. Then experts at all levels need to
be engaged fully in training and inspiring farmers,
while the partners in project implementation should

My name is Nashida Sattar. I am the Deputy
Representative of the UNDP in Eritrea. It is good totake part in this occasion where the MoA organizeda fantastic event, jointly commemorating both World
Food Day, and International Day for the Eradicationof Poverty. We have seen many senior government
officials, the diplomatic community, UN heads ofagencies, and most importantly farmers and otherpeople who work in the field to make this a reality.
We collaborate with the government in planning
processes and in achieving the SDG’s. But we also
have projects focusing on income generation andenvironment. This is how our entry point into thecountry looks like. We are very excited about the date
production initiative. We have been working jointlywith the MoA and FAO in this area. Date is climateresilient crop with the potential of export by Eritrea.
So, it can be a good source of foreign currency forthe country. It is a long-term initiative. We are on
early days as it is only five years since the project
was launched. So, we are literally enjoying the tasteof the first fruits today. There will be a big focus on
the part of the UNDP in providing assistance support
to the government in looking at the practical green
energy alternatives that Eritrean can access. And,6

within that umbrella, the issue of augmenting cleanwater sources can be addressed. Finally, I’d like toindicate that we are really happy to see the UNDP’s
work being impactful in this country. It contributes tomeeting the vision of the people and the government.
Mr. Aeneas C. Chuma
My name is Aeneas C. Chuma. I am the UN Resident
Coordinator in Eritrea. This global event is essential
in demonstrating the centrality of water to life,
coupled with the importance of preservation andefficient utilization of water, especially in promoting
agriculture. Water is needed for agriculture; andagricultural products for poverty reduction. Water isboth a source of food and livelihoods; and hence, theMr. Aeneas C. Chuma
importance of this day and the theme selected for of water –and other natural resources– efficiently
this year.
moves forward. I remain optimistic about this as long
Eritrea has really done commendable work in the as the government continues to play key leadershipconservation and management of its water resources, role; the ministry providing the required technicalparticularly in terms of ensuring water access in rural work; and we, as the UN, remain supportive to theareas, i.e. both for household consumption and for government.
economic activities. So, I think the country is wellpositioned to essentially further conservation andefficient utilization of water, as well as agricultural
production. Water is crucial for the entire sector, butalso equally necessary for generating food security,
both at national and household levels.
I can say that, for Eritrea, attaining food security visà-vis the SDG’s by 2023 is a real pursuit. Of course,
it doesn’t happen by itself. We have to continuously
work on it and maintain due diligence, ensuringthat more investments are made and management

The event also served as a demonstration for what
is possible and what is available. Some of the valueadded agricultural products that we came across at
the exhibition hall are very impressive. I think what isleft is: Just bringing them to the market at large scale.
If this is done, they would have an impact in improving
livelihoods in general. Finally, I’d like to testify thateverything went well today. It was a very successful
event. I commend the MoA and the leadership for
their key role in organizing it auspiciously.

7Dr. Abdalla Bin Abdalla
I am Dr. Abdalla Bin Abdalla, from Tunisia. I am an
International Consultant, especially for date palm.
I have worked for around 18 years and in different
countries with the FAO and the UNDP specializing ondate palm development. In Eritrea, we started in 2017
based on the government’s project in collaboration
with the FAO. We imported nine internationalvarieties and they started to bear fruits along theyears 2021 and 2022. We were more than happy to
see that date palm can appropriately be produced
here with internationally acceptable quality standard.
Our joint mission with the MoA is building date sector
in Eritrea, and enabling the country to be one of thedate-producing countries with remarkable capacity.
We are drafting a strategy for the MoA in cooperation
with the UN agencies: The UNDP, FAO and IFAD. The
plan is to reach plantation of around 300 thousand
date palms in the country by 2030. By then, we cantalk about Eritrea as a producer country that canprobably make substantial export. Date production
can enhance the economy of both the Northern Red
Sea and Southern Red Sea regions, which are very
appropriate for production of the commodity. We
were really excited by the result and its implication
for feasibility of mass production. The short-term
objectives are related to securing income for the
local families; and then making an impact on theregions’ food security. However, export production
can be assumed afterwards. It can be a source of hugeforeign currency. For example, Tunisia has an incomeof approximately USD 400 million from nearly 350
thousand tons of exported date.

Dr. Abdalla Bin Abdalla

based on its fruit size. What we are producing now
constitute medium to large fruit sizes. With moreexpertise and technical assistance, we can quickly
and easily move to jumbo-size production. This is ourgoal. Barhi, which is among the fresh fruit varieties,
is also performing very well. It is recognized by
the international market as an expensive one like
Majul. Khalas, Saudi’s variety, too has demonstrated
very good results in Eritrea. We are working withspecial focus on three to four varieties in particular,
expanding plantation more and more, till the number
date palms reaches the set goal of 300 thousand.

I have worked in many countries: Namibia, Saudi
Arabia, Yemen, Burkina Faso, Jordan, Egypt, Iraq etc.
I can say that Eritreans are very hard working andhighly dedicated. With them, I think it is very easy
to realize the cherished goal. We are working with
the MoA’s research and extension staff at different
levels, farmers, and households, in training equipping
More than four of the nine imported varieties have them with the necessary technical capacity for date
performed very well in Eritrea. Among these is Majul, palm production. The mission is not very difficult but
which is the best variety in the world. It has different requires thorough work.
categories such as the standard, large and jumbo,8

Exhibition Highlights and Photo Tour
Tsin’at Berhane

Women in Agri-bussines Association (EWAA).
Products from national ministries related to the foodsector were also incorporated in the exhibition. In thisconnection, the MoA has been working to introduce
cassava in Eritrea, and some of the food items it
displayed are demonstrative to the undertaking;of course, in addition to sweet potato and millet
products, as well as medicinal herbs.
The Ministry of Marine Resources (MoMR) and theMinistry of Education (MoE), on their part, included
dry fish-based food items and granules, as well ascomplementary food for children respectively.

My name is Tsin’at Berhane. I am tasked with thecoordination of this exhibition. With regards to theitems staged for exhibition, date has occupied afront area in this exhibition, and we can say that it
has shined in this year’s World Food Day. As we havealready been informed, date production by Eritrean
exemplary farmers has already started. The datevarieties displayed here comprise samples of theirproduce, and we have received reassuring feedbacks
concerning them. Dairy-producing agri-businesses
make up another category of the exhibitors, inaddition to women who displayed sweet potato,
pumpkin and top-bar hive representing the Eritrean

Likewise, as part of their research projects, somestudents from Hamelmalo Agricultural College(HAC) presented processed cactus pear products,
and Abrehe, a soft drink made from pearl sorghum
and millet. Another integral corner of this exhibition
introduced innovative and adapted design ofagriculture-related appliances. So, ultimately, we arein a position to note down many constructive andencouraging feedbacks. I am hopeful that we willkeep the merits of this exhibition, as a stepping stone
to better work ahead.
Yonas Mengisteab
My name is Yonas Mengisteab. I am a member ofa crew that made this project a reality. The othermembers of my team are Henok Habteselassie andAmanuel Michael. Our project is called SMART,

9meaning Synchronized Multipurpose Automatic
Refrigeration Technique. In the onset, our motivationin developing a project of this type was based on
an aspiration to bring about a solution on cold
storage in Eritrea. There is a global reality thataround one-third of the global agricultural produce
is wasted. Pursuant to the fact that cold storage isnecessary for agricultural products, starting fromtheir harvest all the way to their consumption, weended up planning to come up with something thatencourages post-harvest management. So, what we
did is: Synchronizing all the cooling components to acentral condenser. The cooling components include
refrigeration appliances for solid products, liquids
and cold store. All of them can depend on a single
Yonas Mengisteab
compressor. This is a key factor for reducing both costwith power alternatives. It can feasibly depend onof machines and electricity consumption. According
solar energy and biogas, a creative solution thatto our calculation, there is a decline of cost by 70%
we managed to incorporate recently. The latterand 30% respectively.
alternative is more ideal for milk producers. They
need refrigerators to keep their milk and they have
One of the elements of the project is fast refrigerator,
their animals’ droppings as a by-product, which canwhich is also adaptable as heater, just by shifting thein turn be a source of good biogas supply.
switch. It can exceptionally be valuable for making
yoghurt. Another component is the appliance for
We have displayed an incubator that has a capacity ofcold store. This is highly demanded by farmers who
accommodating 50 eggs too. It has an equal standard
produce fruits and vegetables, and big hotels forif compared to the modern ones. This incubator
storage of fish and other perishable food commodities.
demands only 300 Watt of electricity, which is not
The third part of the cooling system constitutes liquid
greater than that of household refrigerators or
refrigerator, which can be specifically more important
televisions. So, people can use it in rural setting based
for farmers to keep their milk and yoghurt well for aon solar energy. And our hope is that it encourages
longer time. Another merit of this project is flexibility
home-based incubation practice in our society.

10Ministry of Education,
Team of Nutrition Experts

HAC, Food Technology Department

HAC, Food Technology Department

Ministry Of Marine Resources, Team

SMAP, Dairy products

Asmara, Meat and Milk Processing

EWAA, Zac Milk And Milk Processing Plant

EWAA, Processed Food

EWAA, Pumpkin Value Addition

EWAA, Sweet Potato Group11

EWAA, Honey Products

EWAA, Top-bar Hive Honey Production

H.E. Mr. Arefaine Berhe’s Key Note Address on the Occasion of Joint Commemoration ofWorld Food Day and International Day for the- Eradication Poverty
Ms. Moderator!
Distinguished participants
Excellencies Ministers and Governors
The trend that I have described above is also true inHigh Government, PFDJ and Army Officials!
Eritrea. Because of deforestation and climate change
Dr. Martin Ovberedjo, Representing Ms. Esther our rivers, lakes and rainfall are constantly declining.
Lusepani, FAO Representative!
It is precisely for this reasons that the government
Mr. Pa Lamin Beyai, UNDP Representative!
has been launching serious programs on soil andAmbassadors, Senior Embassy Officials andwater conversation in general and building different
Honorary consuls!
sizes of dams in particular. The number of reservoirs
Heads of UN Agencies!
constructed since independence have grown by eight
Religious Leaders!
times.
Representative Farmers Present!
Ladies and Gentlemen!
As a result crop production has increased by twotimes while vegetables and fruits have increased by
To Begin with I would like to express my heart felt 06 times and 71 times respectively. The correlation
gratitude to you all for honoring our invitation.
between the increase in water holding capacity andproduction clearly demonstrates that water is alsoThis year’s World Food Day theme is, “Water is life. food.
Water is food”
Distinguished participants
As we address this important topic, we are touching Before I conclude I would like to announce thatthe fundamental aspect of our existence; a resource Eritrean dates packaged in a specially designed one
so precious and essential that it sustains all life on Kg. box will be displayed and tasted for the first time.
this planet. Water is not merely a basic necessity. It This crop will be on upward trend the next few years.
is the very foundation of our existence. It is a sourceof life and a symbol of purity, bringing both growth, Considering the preciousness of water and its
rejuvenation and vitality.
scarcity, the world is going through “drop per crop”
philosophy in order to utilize water judiciously. We
We often take water for granted assuming that it will are also following this trend by constantly shifting
always be readily available for us. However, the reality from furrow irrigation to pressurized irrigation.
is far from this. Our world is facing environmental
water crises, and it is our collective responsibility to In conclusion let me congratulate our partners andtake action.
especially the FAO and UNDP for working together
Distinguished participants
Water scarcity is not limited to a few remote regions
anymore. It is a global issue. Drought is becoming
more pronounced; rivers are drying up; and water
resources are depleting at an alarming rate. As
population continue to grow so does the demand forwater. Agriculture, Industry and our daily activities are
placing an unprecedented strain on water resources.
If we continue on this path, it won’t be long before
we face a severe shortage of water, jeopardizing ourvery survival.

to make the World Food Day and the World poverty
Eradication Day a success.
I also commend the organizing committee and the
management of this facility for a job extremely welldone!
I thank you for your attention!
16/10/2023***

Editor-In-Chief: Ermias Solomon, Director of Public Relations Division: Email:- ersohab@gmail.com, Tel: 182225/ 07143877
Assisstant Editor-In-Chief: Filmawit Measho Writer: Medhanie Tsegai
Photo Credit: Tomas Mehari, Habtab Andemariam, Aradom Berket, Abrham Berhane

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