Drought and refugee movements ruined much farmland. The economy began to improve somewhat after the war, but it was again disrupted during a border conflict between Eritrea and Ethiopia in the late 1990's. Farming and herding rank as Eritrea's chief economic activities. Farming is important in the central highlands, and herding is concentrated along the coast and in the western lowlands. The country's main farm products include barley, dairy products, lentils, millet, sorghum, and wheat.
Farmers also grow teff, a grain that is common only in Eritrea and Ethiopia.
Herders raise cattle, goats, and sheep. Eritrea's agriculture has suffered from recurring periods of drought. Irrigation, which was introduced during Italian rule, has relieved the problem somewhat. Commercial fishing in the Red Sea contributes to the country's economy. Asmara is the main center of production.