ASSESSMENT OF AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION NEEDS 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

Acknowledgements
I would like to recognize the following individuals and institutions for the information they provided as well as for their contribution of valuable ideas which has greatly enriched the study: Mebrhuto Eyasu, Director General of the Water Resource Department; Hailu Solomon, Head of Planning and Statistics Department Ministry of Agriculture; Mr. Morgan Haff, General Manager of Elabried Estate Farm; Filmon Tsegay, Information Officer of the (MOLWE);Dr. Goitom Woldemariam, General manager of EDIB; Ogabamicheal Abraha, Head of 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, Vision Eritrea; and Ahamed Osman Mohamed, Chairman, Sheab Farmers Association. Special recognition goes to Michael Powell for his comments as well as for his a significant role in editing this document. I am also greatly indebted for Christine Webster 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 relevant information on time.

List of Acronyms and Abbreviations

ADB AFAA ARD ARHRD ASR DINDA COMESA CSO CTA ECDF EDIB EGB ERRC EU FAO FAS FHH FMIS GDP GNP GoSE HA ICM ICRISAT IFAD IFS IGAD IIMI ILCA ILRI LRCPD MOFH MOEM MHH MOLWE MOA MOF MOH MOLG MWP MT MTI African Development Bank African Agricultural Association Animal Resources Department Agricultural Research and Human Resources Department Agricultural Sector Review Danish Development Agency Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa Central Statistical Office Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation Eritrean Community Development Fund Eritrean Development and Investment Bank Eritrean Grain Board Eritrean Relief and Rehabilitation Commission European Union Food and Agricultural Organization Farmers Advisory Service Female Headed Households Financial Management Information System Gross Domestic Product Gross National Product Government of the State of Eritrea Hectares Information and Communication Management International Crop Research Institute of Semi-arid Tropics International Fund for Agricultural Development Integrated Farming Schemes Inter Governmental Authority for Development International Irrigation Management Institute International Livestock Center International Livestock Research Institute Land Resource and Crop Production Department Ministry of Fishery Ministry of Energy Mines Male Headed Households Ministry of Land, Water and Environment Ministry of Agriculture Ministry of Finance Ministry of Health Ministry of Local Government Ministry of Public Work Metric Ton Ministry of Trade and Industry

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NARI NEPFP NFIS NGO NUEW PSD SMCP SPS TLU UN UNDP UNEP US$ WB

National Agricultural Research Institute National Economic Policy Framework and Program National Food Information System Non Governmental Organization National Union of Eritrean Women Planning and Statistics Department Saving and Micro-Credit Program Sanitary Phytosanitary Service Tropical Livestock Unit United Nations United Nations Development Program (UNDP) United Nations Environmental Program United States Dollar World Bank

Exchange rate {January March 2006}

Euro 1.00 Euro 1.00 US $ 1.00 = = = US $ 1.2879 Nakfa 18 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 2 INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................... 6 COUNTRY PROFILE- DESCRPTIVE OVERVIEW .................................................................... 8 2.1 AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FORESTRY ................................................................................. 10 2.1.1 Agriculture ............................................................................................................................ 10 2.1.2 Fisheries ............................................................................................................................... 12 2.1.3 Forestry ................................................................................................................................ 13 2.1.4 Pastorialism .......................................................................................................................... 13 2.2 INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION MANAGEMENT CAPACITY .............................................. 14 2.3 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 ..................................................................... 22 3.2 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 .............................................................................................................................. 33 4.1.1 Information Needs ................................................................................................................ 34 4.1.2 Capacity Building Needs ...................................................................................................... 37 4.1.3 Potential Beneficiaries and Partners .................................................................................... 38 4.2 RECOMMENDATION .................................................................................................................... 40 4.2.1 Capacity Building Needs ...................................................................................................... 40 4.2.2 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. II. III. IV. V. VI. VII. VIII.

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

B.
I. II.

SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROFILE ..................................................................................................... 60 TOTAL ACTIVE POPULATION, DEMOGRAPHIC BREAK DOWN ........................................................... 60 LITERACY LEVEL AND LANGUAGES ................................................................................................ 61

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III. IV.

ACCESS TO SERVICES ...................................................................................................................... 61 RURAL URBAN DRIFT ..................................................................................................................... 62 MEDIA AND TELECOMMUNICATION ..................................................................................... 63

C.
I. II. III.

NEWSPAPERS, PERIODICALS, MAGAZINES, RADIO STATIONS, AND TV CHANNELS. .......................... 63 TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICE ..................................................................................................... 66 COMPUTERS AND INTERNET ACCESS .............................................................................................. 69

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

I. II.

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

ANNEXES IV. LIST OF PERSONS INTERVIEWED........................................................................... 87 ANNEXES V. REFERENCES ................................................................................................................. 89

List of tables
1. 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).....57 11. 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 Boxes
Box 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;

Direct interview with directors and managers of 11 organizations

rural and agricultural

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.

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.

Recommendations Eritrea needs to create an enabling environment, increase awareness and gradually develop its ICM for institutional and overall rural development. At a macro level, it is recommended that Eritreas agricultural sector pursue the establishment of effective ICM systems based on conventional as well as electronic communication channels. CTA should be a leading partner in this development. Within this framework, steps should be taken to develop policies and strategies for information management and establish a mechanism for the coordination, collection, analysis and dissemination of agricultural data/information.

There is a range of specific information needs to which attention should be paid: Technical information such as packing , storage, crop varieties suitable for semi arid area, pest management, quality control, post harvest, crop improvement, soil fertility etc Economic information including market and market related information,

commodity profiles, international market and price of agricultural commodities General information such as international regulation related to trade, trade fairs, agricultural trade as well as workshops and conferences

Recommendations on specific capacity building needs focus on training, particularly in data/information management and related fields as well relevant information management equipment such as computers. Training need not necessarily involve

higher-level education. Each concerned institution needs to identify and prioritise its training needs.

Three institutions are identified as potential partners for CTA. They are the Planning and Statistics Department of the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) and Elabried Farm. Two possible approaches are suggested. One is that the three organizations work together to form an agricultural information service centre that will be responsible for overall

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.

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 (nongovernmental 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.

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 in Eritrea. 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.

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

nomadic or semi-nomadic. Agriculture, including animal herding, is the mainstay of the economy. In terms of age structure, the available data shows about 46% of the population are between the ages of 15-64, 32.6% are between 5-14 years, 15% are less than 5 years of age, while 6.3 % are between 65 and 80 years (Table 2.2.1.1).

9. Eritrea is a multi-ethnic society with nine ethnic groups speaking nine different languages and professing two major religions, namely Christianity and Islam. The most dominant languages are Tigrinya and Tigre, the former is spoken in the highlands while, the later is widely spoken in the lowlands and along the sea cost area of the country. All Eritrean ethnic groups in addition to their own dialect speak either one of the major languages.

10. Literacy in the country is about 51%. There is a significant difference in the literacy by sex. Overall 59% of males and 44% of females are literate. There are also marked differences in literacy levels by place of residence. Eight out of ten males and almost two-thirds of all females in urban areas are literate compared with less half (47%) of males and less than one-third (29%) of females in rural areas.

11. The war of liberation destroyed most of Eritreas infrastructure and devastated its economy and environment. This compelled Eritrea to reconstruct its social, economic and physical infrastructure entirely. In an effort to place the economy on a path of sustainable development, the government had targeted 1998-2000 to complete the transitional phase of rehabilitation and construction. However, in May 1998, war broke out with Ethiopia, in the context of a border dispute resulting in the occupation of some parts of Gash Barka and the Southern region. As a result of this war, Eritrean villages, town, bridges, power plants, water supply schemes, and other rural infrastructure as well as public and private buildings were destroyed. The impact of the war on the economy of the country is more visible in the rural areas and particularly in rural infrastructure. This has greatly affected rural development. Poverty remains a challenge in Eritrea. According to World Bank Rapid Survey

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 Development Strategy and Policy document is trying to address.

2.1.1

Agriculture

13. 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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meat being the preferred source of protein everywhere in the country except perhaps among the fishing communities along the coasts. 2.1.3 Forestry

19. Eritreas forestry resources are depleted to very large extent. Total forested area is 63,000 hectares (10,000 ha forest plantation and 53,000 ha disturbed forest), which accounts about 0.52 % of the total land area. Forestry contributed 3.1% to GDP in 1999. The existing forests/woods are three, namely highland conifer; acacia woodland; and riverine. The highland conifer forest composed of juniperus which once covered most of the highland is disappearing except the already mentioned 53,000 ha. The acacia is situated in higher rainfall areas and used to form closed canopy woodland while the riverine, which are located along the main rivers (Gash/Mereb, Setit and Barka), are quite often under threat because they occupy fertile, well watered and level sites suited to the development of commercial agriculture. Clearing of forest for agriculture and scavenging for firewood and housing construction have resulted in alarming reduction (from 30% to less than 1%) of forest cover in Eritrea just little over a century ago.

2.1.4

Pastoralism

20. According to a crude estimate by the World Bank and the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization, between 20-25% of the Eritrean population is considered to be either agro-pastoralist or nomadic pastoral, with latter category accounting for as much as 5%. They are mainly in the Gash Barka and to certain extent in the Southern and Northern Red Sea areas. For the agro-pastoralist, crops are secondary, albeit, an important activity. For pastoralists, animals are both a cash asset, through sales of male and older animals, and a subsistence asset, through the consumption of milk. The variability of food production and the paucity of markets and other infrastructure such as lack or little use of modern veterinary inputs as well as the competing pressure on land make the pastoral system difficult. Their life is characterized by isolation and unreliable access to even the basic economic

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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 training to 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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24. Currently, there is no specific policy in Eritrea regarding the management of agricultural information and communication, at the national or institutional level. However, the Eritrean National Agricultural Development Strategy and Policy, which is not yet finalized is likely to address the relevance of information and communication for the sector. At present, many of the selected institutions are at various stages of development; however, none has organized ICM systems to support their own function, their clients or other users.

25. Most of the government institutions have resources such as computers and Internet access required for their information and communication management. Lack of skills and financial resources is considered a problem to either upgrade or improve their information and management capacity. Additionally, there is little demand for information and hence no urgency exists for developing ICM systems.

26. The Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) is relatively organized in terms of information and communication management capacity. It has a Statistics Units, which collects, manages and disseminates agricultural data (production, types of crops, acreage, yields, market prices, etc). Agricultural data are gathered from Ministrys agricultural desks, regions, sub-region, branch offices and other relevant institutions and transferred for data processing, storing, analysis and dissemination to head offices. Another unit within the ministry is the National Food Information System (NFIS), which undertakes data collection, processing and interpretation to assist in the estimation of crops and livestock production, monitoring of household food security and nutrition, facilitation of market transparency and the provision of timely inputs food/relief management. NFIS Technical Unit publishes bulletins and various ad hoc documents such as training materials and technical documents.

27. MOA also has an Extension Division with extension service personnel stationed in the six regions and all sub regions of the country, providing advice, demonstrating agricultural practices and disseminating information to farmers. The approach is based on what the ministry calls Farmers Advisory Service (FAS) which is designed

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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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means of reaching rural areas. For example, during field visits within the context of this study, it was observed that the Ministry of Education conducts literacy classes in cooperation with the local communities. Both ministries (MOE and MOH) also have radio programs, which specifically target rural areas, the (MOE) on literacy and adult education and the (MOH) on health and sanitation.

2.3

Agricultural Information Services

30. The majority of institutions in Eritrea obtain their information through different channels depending on the specific information they are seeking. From the interviews and discussions, the main sources of information mentioned are: specific persons or organizations believed to have the expertise or the required information, sector reports, publications such as the CSO report, the Internet, e-mail or even telephone. It needs to be noted, however, that access to Internet in Eritrea is both costly and difficult. With respect to information sourced from organizations, MOA, MOFH, Asmara University and CSO were mentioned as the main sources of information inside Eritrea while outside the country; the main ones include FAO, World Bank, ADB, ILRI and ICRISAT.

31. There are also few instances, where specific information is obtained from newspapers, journals, radio and TV. Generally, however, the key institutions mentioned below source agricultural information from different organizations as indicated Table 1 below.

32. No one quoted CTA as a source of information and most of the people interviewed said that they have not heard about CTA. A few people at the MOA mentioned CTA and Spore.

33. Despite the many limiting factors, there are some few institutions that provide a reasonable range of agricultural information in Eritrea. Among the ones worth mentioning are Asmara University, the Department of Agriculture, the library unit of

17

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 1. Ministry of Agriculture (MOA): Division of Planning and Statistics 2. Ministry of Land, Water and Environment (MOLWE) 3.Ministry of Fishery(MOF) Source of Information CSO, FAO, ILRI, ICRISAT, WB Internet and various regional and international research institutions, journals etc IIMI, FAO, WB various regional and international research institutions, journals FAO, Internet, international organizations, different marine journals MOA, MOFH, CSO, NARI, FAO, WB, ADB and Internet Information Obtained International price of agricultural commodities, information on plant protection, rainfall, pest control satellite techniques of soil and water conservation Biodiversity, climatic data, land use and management, environmental information, water resource management Fishery resource assessment and management, fishery cooperative development, fishery ecosystem Information on major currency rates loan management, risk management, marketing intelligence

4. Eritrean Development & Investment Bank (EDIB)

Crop/livestock/Research organizations 5.Asmara and Surrounding ILCA, MOA, NARI, CSO, MTI Dairy Cooperatives 6. Elaberid Estate Farm: MOA, ARD, NARI, CSO, MTI different agricultural publications and journals 7. National Agricultural Research Institute NGOs 8. Norwegian Church Aid (NCA): 9. Care International 10. Vision Eritrea: Local NGO 11. Sheab Farmers Association FAO, ICRISAT, ILRI, WB various regional and international research Institutions MOA, MOLG, NARI, MOLG, CSO, other NGOs and consulting firms MOA, MOLG. Independent Research, Internet, other NGOs MOA, MOLG, NARI, CSO, other NGOs and consulting firms MOA, NARI, MOLG, CSO and NGOs

Milk quality, dairy cooperatives development Technical information on citrus production, packaging, fruit processing, transportation, pricing, quality control, market/potential importers of horticultural products Livestock improvement, animal disease diagnosis, extension methods, post-harvest control, pest management, crop improvement Micro credit, credit and rural development, rural finance, participatory rural development extension, crop protection Information on food security, micro credit for smallscale farmers, agricultural extension methods, Information on micro-finance, small scale business to supplement farm income, market development 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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Table 2. Services Available to Farmers and Fisherfolk

Type of Service Agricultural Input distribution Veterinary service Credit Pest control Training and extension Price information Fishery inputs Training Credit for fisherfolk Technical assistance Institution /Agency Providing the Service Ministry of Agriculture Other institutions providing services NGOs and private sector Private sector EDIB, NGOs private sector NGOs Grain board EDIB, savings and Credit associations FAO and UNDP Effectiveness of the service Fairly effective Remarks

Sometimes, there is a delay Very few animal health experts

Ministry of Agriculture Ministry of Agriculture Ministry of Agriculture Ministry of Agriculture Ministry of Agriculture Ministry of Fishery Ministry of Fishery Ministry of Fishery Ministry of Fishery

Weak Effective Weak Weak Effective

Few extension staff, not adequately trained

Reasonably Good Can be effective Good

It was good at the beginning, but Procedures are long and time consuming however

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AN OVERVIEW OF ICM ISSUES IN AGRICULTURE AND RURAL 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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3.1

Current and Planned Donor Interventions

40. There are a number of donors involved in the development of agriculture and rural development in Eritrea. The donors include international financing agencies like the European Union (EU), World Bank, (WB) and the African Development Bank (ADB), which are mainly involved in rehabilitation, and reconstruction of war damaged agricultural infrastructure such as the micro dams in the highland area of the country. International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), through the World Bank, has financed the design and construction of the Eastern Lowland Wadi Spate irrigation project and the Gash Bark Livestock Development. ADB financed the Central High land Horticultural Development. UN agencies such as the UNDP, FAO and UNICEF are also involved mainly in giving technical support and supplying technical materials for the farmers through the Extension Division of the Ministry of Agriculture. Danish Development Agency (Danida) financed the agricultural research, livestock development and dairy cooperatives. The Italian government is funding the Agricultural Research and Extension, which is being implemented under FAO/Government of Italy Cooperation Program. A number of NGOs including Norwegian Church Aid, Africa-Care, Oxfam and Care International are also involved in minor agricultural development activities with rural communities. However, so far none of the donors are currently involved in the development of ICTs.

41. Most of the above indicated programs and projects are ongoing. Although at this particular moment, there are no specific commitments, the same donors are also expected to continue their intervention in the future.

3.2 3.2.1

Information Needs Analysis Information Needs

41. The eleven institutions selected for interview, represented a broad cross section of the agricultural sector. The information needs for each institution were also diverse, reflecting the wide range of programs and projects undertaken in the country. In order

22

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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44. Almost all identified institutions expressed a need for technical and socio-economic data and at the same time clearly stated that a major problem is lack of skills on how to collect/interpret/analyse data. Furthermore, according to the respondents, even when information is analysed, it is important that it is set out in such a way that it is easily understandable and that it is disseminated to different levels - i.e to decisionmakers, experts, middle level technicians and farmers. The needs and interests of the institutions also vary. For example, NARI is interested in crop varieties,

livestock (nutrition, genetic improvement, combat of desertification), while Elabried Estate Farm was keen on the diversification of fruits and vegetables grading, packaging, storage, agro-processing and marketing data to promote its production.

45. The Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) expressed a need for technical and economic information, particularly on data management systems, development of agricultural statistics, techniques of soil and water conservation, crop diversification, soil fertility, livestock development and marketing intelligence. These are considered the priority information needs of the ministry

46. The Ministry of Fishery (MOFH), being a new institution, strongly stressed the need of information on almost every topic that touches the development of the fishery sector. Among the many topics considered relevant are the collection and analysis of socio-economic and scientific data, policy development, deep fishing techniques, fishery resource management, fish processing and fishery cooperative development. According to the MOFH, the availability of such information will help improve policy formulation and sector development.

47. The Asmara and Surrounding Dairy Cooperatives stressed training, workshops and seminars on dairy cooperatives. They also stressed their desire for the exchange of experience on dairy cooperatives development with developing countries, particularly in Africa.

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48. Sheab Farmers Association is a newly formed farmers association mainly benefiting from the IFAD/World Bank financed 5,000-hectare spate irrigation in the Eastern Lowland Wadi of the Northern Red Sea. They produce cereals as well as horticultural crops. Their information needs include extension methods, pest and disease control, post harvest technology, diversification of crops, and techniques of flood control.

49. Most NGOs stated that they do not have easy access to data/information and stressed that there is a need for generating awareness about the existence of data, information, products and even services that are available within the institutions involved in agriculture and rural development. Information on project formulation, monitoring, indicators of impact assessment, information on relief and vulnerable rural population are among the top priority information required by of NGOs. They also strongly expressed the need for information to be made available for not only academicians, researchers or people in higher positions, but also for farmers and the rural community at large.

50. With respect to socio-economic information, MOA, MOFH and Elabried Estate Farm were more interested in market and price-related data as well as the identification of foreign markets for agricultural and fishery products, while NARI was specifically interested in the socio-economic aspect of livestock particularly those related to the lifestyle of agro-pastoralists and pastoralists. The lack of knowledge on how to collect and interpret socio-economic data was mentioned several times in interviews with the MOFH and NARI as being one of the limiting factors. The MOFH further stressed that its staff needed a better understanding (through information and training) of the socio- economics of fishing ground protection in order for the country to effectively protect its fish resources.

51. Institutions are interested in how to improve their own information gathering capacities. NARI has expressed a need for information pertaining to conferences, meetings, workshops and seminars that would help its research work. Elabried

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Estate Farm also expressed an interest in conferences and trade fair related to horticultural products.

52. Given that the institutions perform different functions in line with their mandate, they generally sourced specific data and information from specialist and agencies. For example, Elabried Farm is interested in production and quality of horticultural products and foreign markets. NARI, as a research institute, has to relate to equivalent agencies and as a result sourced materials from organizations such as International Crop Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) ILRI, WB and various regional and international research institutions.

53. Most of the key institutions, source information mainly through publications and printed materials of the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) as well as trade and production journals. Very few institutions sourced information through the Internet.

54. Information needs of the key institutions identified on the basis of the discussions, interviews and a wide exchange of ideas, are summarized in the table below. It should be noted, however that firstly, information needs indicated here are not in sequence of priority and secondly, that some of these information needs are shortterm requirements for specific programs or projects, while others are meant for long-term planning.

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Table 3. Information Needs Identified by Institution

Name of the key institution Information Needs Data management (methods of data collection storing, analysis dissemination etc.) information on crop, vegetation, rainfall, maps, etc. satellite image, 1. Ministry of Agriculture (MOH): techniques of soil and water conservation, crop diversification, soil fertility, livestock development, marketing intelligence, irrigation particularly spate irrigation Information on water, land and environmental management, methods of collecting and analyzing hydro-geological data, hydrometric data, natural resource data, biodiversity, climatic data, land use and management, land 2. Ministry of Land, Environment (MOLWE) Water and classification, interpretation of aerial and photography and satellite imaginary, irrigation, ground water assessment, logging, yields, methods of collecting/analyzing socio-economic data relevant to water resource planning Data collection and analysis, fishery resource assessment and management, 3. Ministry of Fishery (MOFH) fishery cooperative development, fishery ecosystem management,

aquaculture, fish processing, maximizing sustainable yields (MSY) 4. Eritrean Development &.Investment Bank (EDIB) Data processing /information/management, agricultural statistics, marketing intelligence, information on different programs and projects that can be financed by the bank, currency daily exchange rates, 5.Asmara and Cooperatives Surrounding Dairy Techniques of milk collecting, packaging, processing transportation, pricing, quality control, market intelligence, development of dairy cooperatives in developing countries 6 Elabried Estate Farm Technical 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 7.National Agricultural Research Institute Database/information management system, information on crop yield enhancement in semi-arid zones, livestock improvement (nutrition. genetic improvement,) nutrition and fertilization, animal disease diagnosis, extension methods, information on how to combat desertification 8.Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) Information on best practices for small-scale agricultural projects, credit and rural development, micro credit for small scale farmers, agricultural extension materials, simple techniques of crop protection, pest control 9. Care International Information on food security, micro credit for small-scale farmers, agricultural extension materials, simple techniques of crop protection, simple materials for project design/appraisal

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Name of the key institution 10.Vision Eritrea: Local NGO

Information Needs Information on micro-finance, setting up small-scale business to supplement farm income, market development Extension methods, pest and disease control, technical information on

11. Sheab Farmers Association

horticultural production, disease identification, simple bookkeeping, market diversification

3.2.2

Capacity Building Needs

54. A brief analysis of the responses of the different key institutions reveals that they currently have no capacity to manage information effectively. It will take time for these institutions to build a capacity for ICM. At this stage, there is little demand for information. Technicians have not been trained to search for and analyze information and have not yet developed a culture of literature research and information usage. The lack of attributing value to information limits the desire or motivation for the institutions to develop the capacity for effective provision and management of information. Thus, the first step in capacity building would be to create a demand and understanding of the value of information from policy makers to technicians, managers and all those concerned. An environment needs to be created which values and benefits from information and where the information available is easily accessible and useful for a wide range of audiences. Gradually, there will also be a need for more computers, internet access as well as trained or skilled manpower for managing IT function.

55. There is need for a strong understanding among all stakeholders of the importance of ICM for accelerating socio-economic development. All development institutions involved in agriculture and rural development, regardless how big or small they may be, need to have strong awareness and understanding for ICM as an important tool and the best means to reach the rural areas.

56. Based on responses of the key institutions, it is evident that there are serious deficiencies in information and communications management. In addition to the already mentioned problems such as enabling environment and lack of policy for 28

development of ICM, these deficiencies are also due to lack of skills and financial resource. Most institutions interviewed reported that they do not have a designated information unit as a result; there is serious difficulty even in locating, collecting and disseminating information that is already available. Nearly all institutions reported the need for ICM training for staff, but did not elaborate on the specific type or level of training.

57. The MOA is the only institution, which has a relatively well staffed Statistics Unit and reasonably good data collection/analysis, but it has still not yet developed a data/information management system. NARI has just established an information unit to develop its information communication management system. It has already started to publish leaflets, newsletters and is planning to have radio program to disseminate relevant agricultural information Thus, the need for training to familiarize them with basic information and communication management skills is vital. Higher training may be required at a later stage.

58. The other institutions, The Ministry of Fishery (MOFH) and Elabried Farm stated that although, they do try to collect and store some crude agricultural information for their own purposes and needs from different available sources, they lack the skills to covert it into organized and relevant information and disseminate it for users. This justifies the need for some kind of skill training in information management, particularly for the Ministry of Fishery, which is a newly created organization.

59. The Ministry of Land, Water and Environment (MOLWE) which is one of the major institutions involved in agriculture and rural development has a serious shortage of skilled manpower not only in the field of ICM, but in a variety of disciplines. Among the disciplines in which the ministry would need training assistance include hydrogeology, soil science, land use and management, bio-diversity, environmental science, water law experts, GIS, and of course information management experts. Given the huge mandate of the MOLWE, its need for information is equally great.

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During the course of the interview, it was stressed that the Ministry would require upgrading the skills of its staff in information management, such as how to produce appropriate information packages and how to analyze and organize relevant information.

60. Almost all institutions particularly the line ministries, bank and the research institute expressed a need for advanced training (not necessarily degree level) in information management and application of communication technologies. The Asmara and Surrounding Dairy Cooperatives strongly stressed the need for training in cooperative development and financial management. The EDIB stated that its entire staff is computer literate, but emphasized the need for training to familiarize them with information management systems. NGOs have similar capacity needs and expressed the desire to train their staff in information management, if such an opportunity is available.

61. Generally, most of the institutions have been able to state their capacity building needs, as they perceive them. Some of the needs, however, are not elaborated and there may be a need to rationalize these needs and others from a national perspective. The challenge would be to continue to make these assessments over time once the gaps begin to be filled. It is obvious that in the future, Eritrea will need assistance to develop a strategic information policy not only to support work of these institutions, but also to support its overall development efforts. Furthermore, it is important to note that improving and developing ICM capacity would require increased resources for equipment. A specific equipment needs analysis by an expert in this area should form the basis for determining the ultimate need. The capacity building needs of each identified institution is listed in Table 4 below.

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Table 4. Capacity Building Needs Identified by Institution

Name of the Institution 1. Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) Capacity Building Needs Training of staff to strengthen the Statistics and Unit. Technical assistance for formulating national strategy/policy for ICT Improving linkages with national, regional and international institutions. Strengthen the existing library/documentation unit in terms of manpower Training of staff in wide range of agricultural disciplines Strengthen (NFIS), in terms of manpower and resource (both physical and financial) to undertake data collection, processing and interpretation to assist the estimation of crops and livestock production and monitoring Training is required in different discipline including water engineers, hydro geologists, soil science, land use and land management, environmental science, law, GIS 2.Ministry of Land, Water and Environment (MOLWE) 3. Ministry of Fishery (MOFH) 4 Eritrean Development & Investment Bank (EDIB) 5.Asmara and Surrounding Dairy Cooperatives Technical and financial assistance for formulating national strategy/policy for land, water and environment. Improving linkages with national, regional and international institutions. Strengthen the existing documentation units in the ministry, so that existing information is easily accessible Strengthening the institutional framework and operational mechanisms Develop data collection systems and data management Higher training in marine biology/fishery management/water, fishery ecosystem management Fishery policy development (resource management and utilization) Fishery cooperatives development Training in information management systems, financial management, loan administration, and international banking Training in network applications, advanced communication and documentation technologies Skills building in economic analysis of agricultural projects, and project management. Short-term training in cooperative development, training in bookkeeping and basic accounting, basic computer training and access to financial assistance

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Name of the Institution 6.Elabried Estate Farm 7. National Agricultural Research Institute 8. Norwegian Church Aid (NCA): 9. Care International (NGO)

Capacity Building Needs 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 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 Training in the design of questionnaires for baseline survey, impact assessment, elementary techniques of statistics 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 11. Sheab Farmers Association

Training in questionnaire design, data analysis, impact assessment, computer training Training in extension methods, soil management and conservation, post harvest, pest and disease control

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4
4.1

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

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 shows that 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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66. It was also stressed by the key institutions that, given the many limiting factors for the development of agricultural information management in the country, it would be appropriate to start with available resource-light publications such as newsletters, leaflets and then gradually develop the system. The idea here is that whatever institution is recommended to be the focal point, it will need to bring all the stakeholders together to develop their ideas. Within this framework, the focal point will be to start to publish a kind of newsletter or simple leaflet once in three or four months in the two major languages of the country. The material published should be simple and informative to the all stakeholders, particularly to the rural communities

4.1.1

Information Needs

67. The information needs of the key institutions vary in accordance to the mission statement/objective, field of specialization, program and target audience. Some of the institutions state their information needs in general form, while others were more specific.

68. Almost all the institutions expressed a need for technical, scientific and economic information. However, among the major information needs that are considered difficult to get include data/information such as the cost of production, marketing data, and consumption statistics. Information needs considered difficult to get, but specific to the key institutions are as follows:

(i)

Elabried Estate Farm: diversification of horticultural products, identification of markets, particularly export market and market-related data such as prices;

(ii)

NARI expressed a need for information pertaining to crop yield enhancement, livestock improvement, biotechnology, animal disease diagnosis, extension methods, desertification and participatory research involving farmers;

(iii)

MOA: forestry management, crop management and livestock management, value added in agro processing;

(iv)

MOF: policy development, fishery management.

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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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Under Communication Channels and Service Department

Problems Identified Limited contact among ACP stakeholders, and between the latter and experts from other countries and regions; Weak network service, such as news letter, websites, etc. Limited first hand experience of pertinent development in other countries or regions Limited use of ICT for network and dialogue. Failure to take full advantage of opportunities for using radio, TV and other non print media for communicating agricultural information To certain extent it is true, experience is limited, but the issue is not lack of opportunities, but lack of funds Correct, more awareness and understanding is required True, possibility exists to increase the Radio and Adult Education programs which have great potential for communicating with farmers, but these links have not been explored to the desired level. Comments& Observations Eritrea maintains with sister African an regional organizations such as IGAD and COMESA ,but

collaboration on joint projects is limited Correct

Under ICM Skills and Systems Department

Problems Identified Lack of expertise in the area of ICM skills Comments& Observations True and important issue that need to be addressed

Limited opportunities to acquire relevant ICT skills Weak ICM policies and strategies

Correct

So far, there is no policy on ICM

Limited knowledge of the design of costeffectiveness and participatory ICM systems Limited management techniques

Correct

Correct

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Under Information Products and Service Department Problems Identified by

Limited availability of publications that support decision making in the

Comments and Observations

Two major documents that point toward agricultural policy are available, namely the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) and National Agricultural Policy and Strategy (NAPS) which is in the final stage of preparation.

agriculture sector Shortage of relevant published

True, but it is not only a lack of publishing structure but also a lack of awareness on the importance of information.

information on agriculture and rural development, because of weak local publishing structure Limited access to locally and

True, but it is also due to inaccessibility even to the crude available information.

externally published information due to weak infrastructure Limited awareness of the existing local and external source of information and the type of product and service available

This issue is identified as a critical information management issue that needs attention

4.1.2

Capacity Building Needs

72. The capacity building needs of the institutions and agencies interviewed, like their information needs, also vary depending on the specific objectives and specialization of the respective institution. The capacity needs as indicated in Table 4 includes not only ICM related subjects but also a wide range of other disciplines. However, all institutions strongly expressed the need for training in the application of modern communication technologies as well as in the management of information. For details of the capacity, building needs for each institution (see Table 4). On the macro level, the points highlighted by all institutions and which are considered priority area are briefly summarized as follows: Creating awareness on the importance of ICM for development; Training and developing national information management systems; Developing policy and strategy for the development of ICM;

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 4.1.3

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. Potential Beneficiaries and Partners

73. 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. The criteria 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 resourcepoor 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, Elabried Estate 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,

39

CTA only require one institute as its potential partner, then the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) has the distinct advantage as it is the most important and relatively better staffed organization within the agricultural sector. Furthermore, it is aware of the value and importance of agricultural information management and has at least established an information unit to gradually develop its ICM.

4.2 4.2.1

Recommendations Capacity Building Needs

78. The recommendations stated here are based on the current stage of information and communication management in Eritrea, the related problems and the objectives of the study as well as the conclusions indicated in section 4.1. These recommendations are also linked to the corresponding capacity needs summarized in section 4.1.2.

79. The priority recommendation is to increase awareness and create the enabling environment for the gradual development of ICM and secondly to establish a program to improve the capacity of technicians to value and use information. All key institutions should collaborate to increase awareness and create the enabling environment and promote a clear understanding of the importance of ICM. It is suggested that these efforts could start with simple posters, brochures as well as by increasing radio and TV programs.

80. The following are the recommendations for capacity building needs. According to the CTA departmental responsibility, these recommendations fall within the Information and Communication Management Skills and Systems Department as well as within the Communication Channels and Service Department:

40

i. Assist in the formulation of a national policy and strategy for ICM (top priority); ii. In cooperation with other donors, provide assistance for the creation of a central unit or body that coordinates, collects, analyzes, stores and disseminates agricultural data and information (priority); iii. Promote greater awareness on the importance of ICM for development and improving organizational efficiency (over the next two years); iv. In cooperation with donors and the government, provide training in the application of ICM (the coming five years); v. In cooperation with donors and the government assist to create the necessary infrastructure such as printing facilities and mechanism for wider range of publications (within five years); vi. Support the creation of specific mechanisms to support grass root beneficiaries (within two years); vii. In cooperation with the government, assist the establishment of a system for better and improved access to market information (within coming five years)

4.2.2

Information Needs

81. There is an urgent need to increase and improve the availability of information as well as to create strong awareness on the importance of information in Eritrea. The recommendations indicated here are based on the analysis of the range of different topics highlighted in Table 3 and the conclusions indicated in section 4.1.1. These recommendations are considered representative of the needs of the key institutions in general.

41

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 water assessment, 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.

42

4.2.3

Potential Partners and Beneficiaries

83. As indicated earlier, three institutions are identified as potential partners for CTA. Each of these institutions more or less satisfies CTAs partnering criteria. Two possible options are forwarded or recommended for implementation. One is that the three organizations work together to establish an Agricultural Information Service Center (AISC) that will serve the entire agricultural sector of the country. Other organizations can join at a later stage and thus contribute their share for strengthening the center. AISC will be responsible for overall collection, coordination, storing, analysis and finally dissemination of agricultural information. Furthermore, it will provide a national publication center, producing simple newsletters, leaflets and gradually develop to use more modern information system. The justification for such a recommendation is that each of these institutions has its own distinct advantage and working together will make agricultural management information strong and dependable. Each one of them can form part of the information management network to serve the agricultural community

(beneficiaries) of their geographic area. It would also be more feasible to secure financial contribution from donors for AISC rather than for individual institutions. If, however, CTA decides or prefers to have only one institution as partner, then as indicated earlier, the best choice would be the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI).

43

ANNEXES

44

ANNEX I. TERMS OF REFERENCE ASSESSMENT OF AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION NEEDS FOR CTAS PRODUCTS AND SERVICES IN POST-CONFLICT ACP AFRICAN STATES
1. Introduction 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 2000, it has operated within the framework of the ACP-EC Cotonou Agreement. 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 produce, acquire, exchange and utilise information in this area. CTAs programmes are organised 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); and developing ACP capacity to generate and manage agricultural information and to formulate information and communication management (ICM) strategies, including those relevant to science and technology. These activities take account of methodological developments in cross-cutting issues (gender, youth, information & communication technologies ICTs, and social capital), findings from impact assessments and evaluations of ongoing programmes as well as priority 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) which is charged with the methodological underpinning of their work and monitoring the ACP environment in order to identify emerging issues and trends and make proposals for their translation into programs and activities. This current exercise, therefore, falls within the mandate of P&CS. 2. Background CTA works primarily through intermediary organizations and partners (non-governmental organizations, 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 seminars bringing 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.

45

rural development and to deliver its various information products and capacity building services. By partnering with these organizations, CTA seeks to increase the number of ACP organizations capable of generating and managing information and developing their own information and communication management strategies. The identification of appropriate partners is therefore of primordial importance. The Evaluation of the Implementation of the Mid-Term Plan (1997 2000) and the subsequent Evaluation of CTAs Strategic Plan and Framework for Action 2001 2005 emphasized the need for CTA to develop a more pro-active approach and elaborate criteria for decision-making with regard to the choice of partner organizations and beneficiaries. While the evaluations note the relevance of CTAs activities as demonstrated through the partners and beneficiaries appreciative responses, concern is expressed about: the extent to which CTAs activities are relevant to and reach the poor, gender awareness and how to identify potential partners especially in the independent sectors. As a direct response to these concerns, CTA undertook a series of needs assessment studies in 21 countries in the ACP Pacific and Caribbean in the 2003 2005. The third in the series of needs assessment studies will focus on the needs agricultural information needs of 6 countries emerging from prolonged conflict situations in ACP Africa, namely: Angola, Mozambique, Guinea Bissau, Sierra Leone, Eritrea and Rwanda. The results of these studies as well as those already conducted in the Caribbean and Pacific will feed into the elaboration of CTAs 2006 2010 strategic plan. 3. Justification and main issues to be addressed Institutions, economic, social and physical infrastructure a.o. are altered by conflict, depending on the scale, duration and type of war. At one extreme, formal political, social and economic institutions may be completely destroyed, while the importance and type of informal institutions may be changed2. This statement is largely true of the 6 post-conflict countries forming the object of this study (Angola, Mozambique, Guinea Bissau, Sierra Leone, Eritrea and Rwanda), which are also characterized by: Over 70% of the population in rural areas and dependent on subsistence agriculture for their basic needs; A high level of food insecurity; Important numbers of displaced populations; High numbers of de-commissioned soldiers who are in need of disarmament, social rehabilitation and re-insertion; Illiteracy and low school enrolment / attendance numbers; Poor access to basic services such as potable water and electricity not to mention information and communication technologies. These countries are presently at different stages of the post-conflict rehabilitation process with some being more advanced than others (e.g. Mozambique vs. Rwanda and Angola) and have been receiving support from various bi- and multilateral agencies in this regard. CTA has therefore commissioned this study in order to gain better insight into the agricultural
ARON, J., 2002. Building Institutions in Post-Conflict African Countries, Discussion Paper N 2002/124, University of Oxford, U.K.
2

46

information needs of institutions in these affected countries and the actions of other agencies in this area. 4. Overall objective To contribute to economic development through capacity building in the area of agricultural information management and knowledge sharing. 5. Specific objectives and scope of the study The 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 aimed at potential partners and beneficiaries (including women, youth, private sector and civil society organizations); to have a more informed picture of their needs and aid in the elaboration of a strategy and framework of action. The study should also highlight where there are specific needs for CTAs products and services thereby enabling improvement in the delivery of the same. 6. Methodology The consultant will use a combination of qualitative and quantitative rapid appraisal methods for the six countries including: The desk review of available literature and information sources including other donor 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 as and when needed in the future. 7. Expected results / output The expected results will include the following elements: An inventory of the status of agricultural information services, institutions and other actors and their needs as their relate to physical infrastructure, information availability and access and human capacity development; An assessment of the current and / or planned interventions of the government and bi- or multilateral agencies in the field of information for agriculture and rural development;

47

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. It is also expected that this study will provide the framework for CTA to develop a framework for action and fashion a strategy aimed at institutions in countries emerging from conflict situations and provide input into its 2006 2010 strategic plan. The direct output is one main report per country not exceeding 30 pages (excluding annexes) according to the following table of contents: Main report List of Acronyms 1. Executive summary 2. Introduction 3. Country profile summary structure and economic characteristics with particular attention to the agricultural sector (includes fisheries and forestry): 3.1 Summary of how agriculture, fisheries and forestry is organized in the country 3.2 Summary of the information and communication management capacity 3.3 The current source of agricultural information and services(synthesis of Annex 3) 4. Overview of ICM issues in agriculture and rural development: Capacity, Services and Needs 4.1 Current and planned donor interventions 4.2 Institutional needs analysis 4.2.1 Information needs 4.2.2 Capacity building needs (skills, training, media, ICT, equipment) 5. Conclusions and recommendations 5.1 Conclusions 5.2 Recommendations Annexes 1. Terms of reference 2. Country profile 2.1 General agricultural profile (from available documentation) 2.1.1 Size of agricultural population (male / female / youth) 2.1.2 Farmed land, forests, fishing areas 2.1.3 Agricultural systems 2.1.4 Agriculture in the economy (percentage GDP) 2.1.5 Main agricultural produce and secondary products 2.1.6 Main export markets 2.1.7 Trade agreements that include agriculture 2.1.8 Sectoral policy related to agriculture, fisheries and forests

48

3.

4. 5.

2.2 Socio-economic profile (from available documentation) 2.2.1 Total active population, demographic breakdown 2.2.2 Literacy level and languages 2.2.3 Access to services (health, schools, electricity) 2.2.4 Rural urban drift 2.3 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 Profile of institutions 31. List of all local, national and regional institutions involved in agriculture and rural development activities, including private sector and civil society organizations, with name, 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 is considered a key actor List of persons / institutions interviewed Bibliography

8. Reporting The country reports will not exceed 30 pages (excluding annexes). The annexes should include 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. In addition, he/she should have at least 10 years experience in field of agriculture, rural development or social / economic sciences. He/she must have in-depth knowledge of the agricultural 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 an added advantage. The ability to communicate and write clearly in English or French is essential, 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 both English and French, have some knowledge of the six countries forming the object of this study, have demonstrated experience in coordinating studies with several consultants, and in producing synthesis reports.

49

The overall coordination will be carried out by Ms Christine Webster, Deputy Head, Planning and Corporate Services CTA. 11. Specific tasks The 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 consultants Documents 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
_________________________________

50

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 six Administrative Regions with 52 Sub-Regions and 2685 major villages and an estimated population of 3.9 million people. The country is predominately an agrarian society. Average population density is about 31 people per km. There are, however, considerable differences in regional densities. In the highlands, where two thirds of the total population is concentrated on one-sixth of the land area, densities range from 75 to 500 persons/km, while in most parts of the surrounding lowlands average densities rarely reach 15 persons/km. This is particularly true for the Southern Red Sea and Northern Red Sea Regions of the country. As always, this reflects the fundamentals of agricultural/pastoral potential. Still estimates of the population vis--vis agricultural potential 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 and results more from tradition and the undoubted benefits on health on the agreeable highland climate. About 80% of the population lives in rural areas of which an estimated 25% are nomadic or semi-nomadic. Agriculture including animal herding is the main stay of the Eritrean economy. Out of the total land area, an estimated 2.1 million hectares (1.5 million rainfed and 600,000 for irrigation) is believed to be suitable for agriculture of which only about 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, their contribution to the development of the economy is rather low. The environment and the natural habitat of the country has seriously deteriorated as a result of population pressure on land, poor water and soil management, and the rearing of livestock further aggravated by the persistent drought. Clearing of forest for agriculture and scavenging for firewood and housing construction have resulted in alarming reduction (from 30% to less than 1%) of forest cover in Eritrea during this century. To make matters worse, deforestation has contributed to constant erosion of fertile soil and has considerably changed the ecology. Obviously, these trends, therefore, have had a negative 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. Among the mineral deposits so far identified are gold, potash and copper as well as other various metallic and non-metallic deposits. Currently, the mining sector contributes a negligible fraction to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, it needs to be noted that in cooperation with foreign investors, a lot of effort is underway to develop and modernize the sector and so far, the results are encouraging.

51

Generally, the economic base of the country is low and backward with basic and heavy industries virtually non-existent and the existing small-scale industries are concentrated in two major towns (Asmara and Massawa). The manufacturing sector employs between 5-7% 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 to light industries, heavily dependent on imported goods and mostly producing consumer goods. In addition to its modest contribution to GDP, the manufacturing sector plays an important role in the economy as supplier of various industrial products to the domestic market, provides employment for a substantial number of workers, offers a market outlet for agriculture and other domestic raw materials and is a source of substantial government revenue through various taxes. The infrastructure of the country is not yet developed although a lot of improvements are being made through the rehabilitation and construction of new roads. Water supply and sanitation services particularly in rural area is very low, the same is true regarding telecommunication which is mainly in urban areas, however, the recent introduction of mobile phones is improving the communication and the flow of information II.1.1 Size of agricultural population (male /female/youth) Total population 2004 of which rural 2004 Population density 2004 Economically active population 2004 as % of total population 2004 female 2004 male 2004 Population economically active in agriculture 2004 as % of total economically active population 2004 female 2004 male 2004 3,900,000 inhabitants 80 % 31 inhabitants/km 1,811,000 inhabitants 46 % 48 % 52 % 1,394,470 inhabitants 77 % 50 % 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) Anseba Debub Gash-Barka Maekel N. Red Sea N of Subzobas (Subregions) 10 11 14 4 9 Population (000s) 571 1015 755 726 558 Rural population (000s) 456. 792 604. 596 435. Area in (km2 ) 22,120 8,349 33,358 1,400 33,178 Pop density 25.7 121 22.6 519.2 16.8

52

Zoba (Region) S. Red Sea TOTAL

N of Subzobas (Subregions) 4 52

Population (000s) 275 3,900

Rural population (000s) 219. 3,102.

Area in (km2 ) 23,384 121,789

Pop density 11.7

Source: 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 table below. Table 2.1.2.2 Land Use Categories and Area 2003 Land Use Approximate % of total Area 000 Hectares 417 3.4 22 0.2 53 0.4 10 0.1 673 6,967 57.2 4,047 33.2 (600) (4.92) (1,050) (8.61)

Current

Potential

Rained cultivated land Irrigated land Disturbed forest Forest plantation Wood land scrubland Browsing & grazing land Barren land Irrigable land Rain-fed land

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 species in the Red Sea and about 20% of them are endemic to the area. Important coastal and marine ecosystems of the Red Sea include coral reefs, sea grasses, mangroves and other coastal vegetations. Currently the annual catch in the country is about 13-14 thousand tons 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 practice on a fragmented plot of land using animal draught power (oxen, camel, donkey); and people as a main source of power, using very little improved seed and fertilizer or using none at all. These traditional systems can further sub-divided into: i. ii. Traditional agricultural farming; Agro-pastoralists.

53

The major characteristics of this traditional agricultural system are: The majority of work is by oxen and manual; No mechanization, only rain-fed, no improved seed and high harvest losses; Cereal cover about 80% of the rain-fed area; Acreage is limited; Primarily for subsistence; Yields are in the range of 0.2 to 1.5mt/ha.

These farmers produce mainly cereals, pulses and oilseeds on average farms of less than one hectare in the highlands and two hectares in the lowland. Few traditional agriculturalists also practice irrigation. Currently, about 28,000 hectares of land is under irrigated crops. Spate irrigation is the more common type and is frequently sown to sorghum on the escarpments. In the case of agro-pastoralists, livestock is associated with farming. Animals consume crop residues, fallows, and local pastures. Major characteristics of this system include: Mostly small scale producers; They supply manure and draft power to arable farms through integrated croplivestock system; Stocks do not usually move long distances for grazing; Mostly free grazing; Use of modern veterinary inputs is very limited.

The second agricultural system is commercial farming, not on large-scale but using relatively modern agricultural techniques including improved seeds and fertilizer. Commercial farmers use surface and deep irrigation for high value crops, mainly horticulture products. The major characteristics of this system are: Small and medium scale farmers; Mechanically prepared land with manual input; Located usually near river side for water The main produce are bananas, onions, papayas, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, citrus and mangoes; There is double cropping; Farmers can meet domestic needs for most vegetables and fruits and generate some surplus for export.

Another system worth mentioning is the modern dairying around the major cities of the country, mainly around Asmara, Keren Mendefera and Massawa. This involves specialized dairy production using improved animals, artificial insemination, concentrate feeds and management that is much more intensive.

54

Box 1. Agro-Ecological Zones AgroEcological Zones The overall rural development and the general features of the agricultural sector in Eritrea is basically influenced by climate, altitude, topography, soils and population density which are the bases for defining the agro-ecological zones. There are six agro ecological zones namely: (a) the central highlands; (b) the western escarpment; (c) the south western; (d) the green belt of the eastern escarpment of the high lands; (e) the coastal; and (f) the northwestern. The agricultural features of these zones is summarized in the table below

Table 2.1.3.1 Agricultural Zoning

Sub-Humid Escarpment
Location N.Red Sea, Central and Eastern Escarpment

Moist highland
Central and Southern Highlands, Upland plateaus of Rora & Hager

Moist Lowland
South Western lowlands, Upper Merab river (Hazemo, Mereb, Ubel, Aala)

Arid Highland
Northern Highland lands, except Rora & Hager Uplands, Mount Ramlo in Dankalia

Arid Lowland
N.Eritrea, Excluding coastal plains and extreme north west, lower parts of the eastern escarpment 4,179.6(3.4%)

Desert
Eastern coastal plains, including Denkalia; and area NW of Barka-Sawa Rivers

Area (000 ha)

103 (0.8%)

Up to 898 (7.4%)

1,970 (16.2%)

Up 310 (2.5%)

4,700 (38.8%)

Topography

Slopes, mountains and hills

Mountains Escarpment

Plains, small hills and plateaus

Mountains plateau

Undulating plains and small hills

Plains with small hills

Dominant Slope

8-100%

Altitude (m) 600- 1100 Rainfall (mm)

Mostly 3-30% but range between0100% 1600-2600 (max. 3018; mount Amba Soira 500-700

2-30% (range) 0-50%

2-100%

0-30 (range0-50)

0-50%

500- 1600

1600-2600

400-1600

100-1350

700-1100

500-800

200-500

200-500

200

PET (a) (mm) LGP (b) Days

1600-20000 60-210 Dependable; 90240- median, 2growing periods in most years

1600-1800 60-110 Dependable; 90120 median

1800-20000 50-90 Dependable 90-120 median

1600-1900 0-30 Dependable; 30-60 median

1800-2000 0

1900-2100 -

Source: Ministry of Land. Water and Environment, Eritrean Biodiversity Assessment 1999 a/PET is 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.

55

II.1.4 Agriculture in the economy: Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy: about 60 -70 % of the population rely on agriculture, livestock husbandry and fishing for income and food, it accounts on average for 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 Agriculture Crops Livestock Fishing Hunting Forestry Industry Min. and Quarrying Manufacturing Sm. Sc. Ind. & Hand Construction Electricity Water Distribution Whole sale & Retail Transport & Communication Other Service Banking & Insurance Pub. Administration Real estate & housing Education Health Domestic Services Others GDP at Current Factor Cost Plus: Indirect Taxes Less: Subsidies GDP at Current Market Price 1993 510.8 158.8 241.7 4.4 105.9 399.9 4.0 187.9 29.5 120.9 40.8 16.8 1034.6 642.5 392.1 561.9 43.5 309.0 71.1 53.9 29.7 3.4 51.2 2507.1 1994 778.0 341.5 284.4 10.6 141.6 439.9 4.0 172.5 37.1 164.4 44.1 17.9 1255.4 795.3 460.1 886.0 72.8 506.8 141.1 64.2 40.3 3.8 57.2 3359.4 Estimated Actual 1995 1996 1997 714.4 693.3 700.5 263.2 238.2 244.0 286.5 283.5 281.3 16.1 12.5 5.9 148.6 613.3 4.1 261.8 48.7 234.3 45.2 19.3 1393.5 898.0 495.5 1000.2 163.2 506.8 150.4 66.6 42.1 4.5 66.7 3721.4 159.0 847.3 4.1 286.7 66.1 412.5 57.5 20.5 1577.3 993.6 583.7 1109.8 223.1 538.0 160.3 69.3 43.5 4.8 70.9 4227.7 169.4 1033.1 8.8 308.2 127.9 514.2 52.0 21.9 1743.0 1106.8 636.3 1240.9 236.8 564.2 173.9 128.0 56.2 5.1 76.7 4717.5 1998 1412.6 916.5 306.6 8.2 181.2 999.4 6.8 283.6 121.5 510.4 53.5 23.6 1583.6 998.2 585.4 1395.4 255.7 653.7 189.6 145.1 60.3 5.7 85.3 5390.9 1999 1541.0 996.0 338.0 13.0 193.9 1086.6 7.5 305.2 130.8 562.5 55.4 25.3 1698.8 1090.0 608.8 1568.1 276.2 764.8 206.6 155.8 65.9 6.2 92.6 5894.5 1993 18.0 5.6 8.5 0.2 3.7 14.1 0.1 6.6 1.0 4.2 1.4 0.6 36.4 22.6 13.8 19.7 1.5 10.9 2.5 1.9 1.0 0.1 1.8 88.1 1994 21.0 9.2 7.7 0.3 3.8 11.9 0.1 4.7 1.0 4.4 1.2 0.5 33.9 21.5 12.4 23.9 2.0 13.7 3.8 1.7 1.1 0.1 1.5 90.8 Percent Share 1995 1996 1997 17.4 14.8 13.5 6.4 5.1 4.7 7.0 6.1 5.4 0.4 0.3 0.1 3.6 15.0 0.1 6.4 1.2 5.7 1.1 0.5 34.0 21.9 12.1 24.4 4.0 12.4 3.7 1.6 1.0 0.1 1.6 90.8 3.4 18.1 0.1 6.1 1.4 8.8 1.2 0.4 33.7 21.2 12.5 23.7 4.8 11.5 3.4 1.5 0.9 0.1 1.5 90.4 3.3 19.9 0.2 5.9 2.5 9.9 1.0 0.4 33.6 21.3 12.3 23.9 4.6 10.9 3.4 2.5 1.1 0.1 1.5 91.0 1998 24.3 15.8 5.3 0.1 3.1 17.2 0.1 4.9 2.1 8.8 0.9 0.4 27.3 17.2 10.1 24.1 4.4 11.3 3.3 2.5 1.0 0.1 1.5 92.9 1999 24.3 15.7 5.3 0.2 3.1 17.1 0.1 4.8 2.1 8.9 0.9 0.4 26.8 17.2 9.6 24.7 4.4 12.1 3.3 2.5 1.0 0.1 1.5 93.0

338.3

341.7

375.9

450.4

511.5 43.1 5185.9

464.7 54.5 5801.2

500.0 57.3 6337.2

11.9

9.2

9.2

9.6

9.9 0.8 100.0

8.0 0.9 100.0

7.9 0.9 100.0

2845.4

3701.1

4097.3

4678.1

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

Source: Ministry of Finance, Eritrea 1999/2000

56

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 the different 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) (ii) (iii) Pulses: chickpeas, field peas, horse beans, haricot beans and lentils, soybeans; Oilseeds: linseed, sesame, fenugreek, niger seed, cotton and groundnuts Horticultural products: tropical fruits and vegetables mainly papaya and oranges, water melons, lemon, potatoes, onions, peppers, eggplant, okra, citrus and mango; Industrial crops: tobacco and sisal.

(iv)

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

CEREALS 1997 Sorghum 55 316 Maize 6 406 Wheat 5 131 Barley 16 085 Pearl millet 4 332 Finger millet 3 156 Teff 4 150 Hanfez 4 504 Total 99 080 OTHER FOODCROPS Peas 175 Chick peas 492 Horse beans 176 Green peas 364 Haricot bean 0 Lentils 1 Total 1 208 1998 269 772 28 986 22 945 56 605 44 183 7 622 18 706 8 992 457 811 398 1 783 659 399 36 0 3 275 1999 207 197 15 899 19 010 31 835 17 829 5 402 13 147 8 508 318 827 581 2 793 3 301 718 36 272 7 701 2000 52 370 4 054 10 579 25 786 1 515 2 716 10 415 3 197 110 632 1 670 2 972 1 420 722 0 116 6 900 2001 78 759 9 051 25 423 44 934 18 174 12 093 19 551 11 067 219 052 1 130 8 284 4 022 2 730 36 211 16 413 2002 28 434 3 008 2 637 9 736 4 931 865 3 191 1 728 54 530 2 797 225 445 3 484 0 110 7 061 2003 64 061 4 456 3 442 8 576 11 748 5 187 7 161 1 313 105 944 60 1 600 600 N/A 0 100 2 360 2004 44 646 3 164 5 053 11 134 7 118 4 436 7 574 1 859 84 984 91 3 459 603 N/A 31 86 4 270

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 to European countries, mainly to The Netherlands and Italy.

57

Table 2.1.6.1 Exports by commodity type 1992-1999 (in millions of Nakfa)

Exports F.O.B Total Food And Live Animal Beverage And Tobacco Crude Materials Mineral Fuels Animals And Vegetable Oil Chemicals Manufactured Goods Machinery And Transport Equipments Misc. Manufactures Commodities And Transactions N.I.E Refined Petroleum Total 1992 2.51 4.02 34.71 0.00 0.02 0.29 2.37 1.18 1.02 0.00 0.00 46.12 1993 27.76 8.70 76.61 0.02 0.06 6.21 52.89 3.51 33.53 0.00 0.00 209.29 1994 117.72 9.24 132.11 0.00 0.01 7.53 67.83 11.67 51.09 0.00 0.00 397.20 1995 141.25 19.75 156.12 0.11 2.16 12.03 100.32 20.19 76.88 0.00 0.00 528.81 1996 92.42 26.19 123.00 0.25 2.61 13.35 88.29 27.71 146.61 0.00 0.00 520.43 1997 81.26 8.91 129.50 0.06 1.37 8.19 64.35 10.77 70.87 0.00 0.00 375.27 1998 57.87 0.26 88.49 0.09 0.02 4.03 25.93 4.62 13.74 0.00 0.00 195.05 1999 39.66 0.43 21.24 0.00 3.11 4.27 19.54 29.70 7.59 125.55

Source: Bank of Eritrea. 2000 Values; in 1999 include three quarters only.

Table 2.1.6.2 Main imports and exports of agricultural products 1999-2002

1000 MT 1999 2000 Trade Balance Agricultural Products Total Merchandise IMPORTS Total Merchandise Trade Agriculture Products Total Wheat Flour of wheat Oil of vegetable origin NES Sorghum Beans, dry Paste of tomatoes Dry whole cow milk Sugar, refined Malt of barley Maize EXPORTS Total Merchandise Trade Agr. Products, Total Flour of cereals NES Sesame seed Skins, dry-salted (sheep) Butter of cow milk Sheep* Lentils Flour of wheat Maize Millet * thousand heads 2001 2002 MLN US$ 1999 2000 - 25.3 - 480.6 506.9 27.1 50.0 17.0 0.0 6.0 0.0 1.5 1.2 11.0 4.0 0.0 199.1 51.7 0.0 21.9 0.0 3.2 2.0 8.9 3.2 0.1 252.3 23.5 21.1 25.3 0.0 2.8 2.0 7.7 4.5 11.0 127.1 41.1 9.8 33.0 1.6 3.8 0.9 7.9 4.5 11.0 8.5 3.1 0.0 1.1 0.0 1.4 2.6 3.1 1.4 0.0 - 48.2 - 434.6 471.4 49.7 16.6 8.5 0.0 4.0 0.0 2.3 4.6 3.0 2.5 0.0 2001 - 65.1 - 440.0 470.0 67.0 25.0 4.2 10.5 3.6 0.0 1.8 4.6 2.3 5.8 1.1 2002 - 56.1 - 420.0 450.0 57.6 19.6 9.6 4.9 4.8 3.8 3.2 1.8 1.6 1.5 1.1

26.3 1.9 0.3 0.1 0.1 0.1 30.0 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 3.0 0.5 0.0 0.1 1.6 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 3.0 0.8 0.0 0.1 1.6 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 3.0 0.6 0.0 0.1 1.6 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.6 0.1 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

36.8 1.5 0.8 0.5 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

30.0 1.9 0.8 0.9 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

30.0 1.5 0.8 0.3 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Source: National Bank of Eritrea and IMF Estimates: Asmara 2002

58

II.1.7 Trade agreements which include agriculture Eritrea benefits from trade preferences granted under the African, Caribbean and Pacific countries and the European Union (ACP-EU). At the continental level in Africa, Eritrea is a member of the Preferential Trade Area of the common market for Southern and Eastern Africa usually known as COMESA. Furthermore, it has bilateral trade agreements with Kenya, Yemen, Qatar and other the Middle East countries. II.1.8 Sectoral policy related to agriculture, livestock, fisheries and forests The Eritrean Government s critically reviewing its sectoral policy recognizing that increasing the productivity of agriculture is important to reduce rural poverty, enhance national food security, exports and support industrialization. The policy review, which also includes development strategy, is not yet finalized, however, from the on going discussions and crude draft documents, six main sectoral policies can be identified: i. Increasing land under cultivation: Eritrea has significant resource of underdeveloped land (estimated to be 1.6 million hectares) that is suitable for rain-fed and irrigated cultivation, but are not currently farmed, particularly in the western lowlands, where soil is fertile and stable, rainfall is more reliable and application of modern cultivation and management methods are possible; ii. Raising the yields of agriculture: This refers to the raising of yields by increasing the amount of land under irrigated cultivation by harnessing seasonal water flows, directing them to where they are needed, and storing water for use in seasons with low rainfall; iii. Encouraging the production of high-value crops and livestock products for export, production of goods that can be used as raw materials for industry and high-value cash crops for domestic consumption that can be substituted for imports through the construction of roads and storage facilities in suitable areas, and providing information and assistance on cultivation techniques, markets and prices; iv. Restoring the natural resource base and wildlife population and assuring their sustainable management; v. Strengthening the institutional capacity to provide effective support in marketing, trade research and extension as well as relevant education and training; vi. Supporting the provision of physical infrastructure such as feeder roads irrigation, storage and marketing facilities. Livestock: Livestock and livestock products provide about 4% of the GDP. Animal production is the only activity for the pastoral minority and is an important source of cash for agro-pastoralists. The main problems as related to livestock sub-sector are the degradation of rangelands from overgrazing and a weak system of disease control, as well as insufficient institutional capacity for sanitary phytosanitary services (SPS). In this regard, the policy for the livestock sub-sector is to:

59

Construct more water points, better land use planning, and developing more infrastructure (laboratories, quarantine stations) as well as train more veterinarians, 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 the different regions of the country.

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

Cattle Sheep Goats Camels Horses Donkeys Mules Poultry Region Maekel 40505 149927 23556 0 1188 23432 56 86425 Debub 490093 614069 706409 19382 3392 162987 7324 512776 Gash917344 675268 1745784 113263 493 174725 921 423898 Barka 4 Anseba 218023 124300 620023 25266 0 60580 1023 78247 5 S.K. 178532 462333 994596 107032 0 61140 0 26867 Bahri 6 D.K. 82060 103047 571417 53971 0 21198 0 6052 Bahri Total 1927457 2128944 4661785 318914 5073 504062 9324 1134265 Source: MOA, Animal Resources Department, Survey Of Livestock Number in Eritrea, 2003 SN 1 2 3 Bees hives 1370 19553 3439 1327 723 0 26412

Regarding forest: The main policy framework, which is expected to come out from the on going exercises, is to: (i) (ii) Increase a forestation and forest closures through increased plantation; Reduce fuel wood demand which is the main cause for destruction of forests by disseminating more efficient stoves and promoting stoves dependent on alternative sources of energy; Develop agro-forestry and fruits trees, declare reverie forest and wildlife areas as protected and strengthen research on forest and agro-forestry; Issue appropriate legislations and develop extensive awareness raising campaigns through mass media and local communities; Conserve and support the increase of natural forest as well as develop a forest management plan that will increase the capacity of the sector.

(iii) (iv) (v)

60

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 and marketing channels) as well as enforcing regulations; Encouraging and promoting sustainable fish production systems; Improving the management of the ecological systems and marine environment of fish habitats; Conserving marine biodiversity and protecting the ecosystem, habitats and species and supporting marine research by mobilizing financial and technical support; Organizing the fishermen into village level cooperatives and providing training in handling to reduce post-harvest losses and increase value through increased quality.

(ii) (iii) (iv)

(v)

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 table below. Table 2.1.8.2 Total fish landed (tons) 1998-2001 Year Artisanal Industrial Total 1998 900 57% 691 43% 1,591 1999 800 12% 5921 88% 6721 2000 1,100 9% 11512 91% 12,621 2001 1193 8% 14807 92% 16,000 Source 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 estimated to be 3.2% Rural population: 3.01 million, and growth rate about 2.7% Overall population annual growth rate 2.9% About 1.8 million or 46% of the population are between the ages of 15-64 years and are considered to be economically active, further break down of the data shows that 32.6% are between the age of 5-14 years, and 15% are less than 5 years of age, while 6.3 % are between 65 and 80 years.

Breakdown of the population by gender and age structure in shown in the table below:

61

Table 2.2.1.1 Population by gender and age structure

Age Group Female Total <5 5-9 10-14 15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65-69 70-74 75> Total 287,430 332,475 304,590 210,210 150,150 160,875 111,540 109,395 83,655 75.075 75075 60,060 68,640 38,610 38,610 38,610 2,145,000 13.4 15.5 14.2 9.8 7.0 7.5 5.2 5.1 3.9 3.5 3.5 2.8 3.2 1.8 1.8 1.8 100 297,350 338,715 296,595 203,580 73,710 52,650 49,140 42,120 52,650 45,630 63,180 47,385 59,670 40,365 36,855 50,895 1,755,000 Percentage Male Total Percentage 16.9 19.3 16.9 11.6 4.2 3.0 2.8 2.4 3.0 2.6 3.6 2.7 3.4 2.3 2.1 2.9 100 Both Sexes Total 584,780 671,190 601,185 413,790 223,860 213,525 164,680 151,515 136,305 120,705 138,255 107,445 128,310 78,975 75,465 89,505 3,900,000 Percentage 15 17.2 15.4 10.6 5.7 5.4 4.1 3.9 3.5 3.1 3.5 2.8 3.3 2.0 1.9 2.4 100

Source: Demographic and Health Survey 2002

II.2.2 Literacy level and languages According to the Demographic and Health and Survey of 2002, net primary school enrolment, middle school and net secondary enrolment was 63%, 21%and 22% respectively. Literacy is about 51%. There is a significant difference in the literacy by sex. Overall, 59% of males and 44% of females are literate. There are also marked differences in the literacy level by residence. Eight out of ten males and almost two-thirds of females in urban areas are literate compared with less half (47%) of males and less than one-third (29%) of females in rural areas. With regard to languages, Tigrinya, Tigre and Arabic are widely used. In primary school, children are taught in their mother tongue, however, starting from middle school, the medium of instruction is English. In urban and semi - urban areas, English and Italian are also widely used II.2.3 Access to services Table 2.2.3.1 Health Indicators
Women aged 14- 49 (women of child bearing age): Life expectancy at birth: Total fertility rate: Average fertility for urban area Average fertility rate rural area: Maternal mortality rate: Contraceptive prevalence rate: Average duration of breast feeding (months): Family circumcision rate: Median birth interval: about 60% 52 years 4.8% 3.5% 5.7% 725/100,000 about 8% 22 months 89% 33.6 months

62

Percentage of women aware of HIV/AIDS: 96 % Infant mortality per 1000 live birth: 48 Under five mortality per 1000 live births: 93 Physician (15,0000) population: 1 Nurse (3,000) population: 1 Daily per capita calorie intake (kg): 1750 Source: Demographic and Health Survey, 2002, Ministry of Education School Enrollment

Table 2.2.3.2 Education Indicators (Ratios)

Primary school age children attending school (age7-11) 63 Middle school age children attending school (age12-13) 21 Secondary school age youth attending school (age14-17) 23.5 Net attendance ratio for male at primary school 62.8 Net attendance ratio for female at primary school 59.4 Enrolment of girls as a % of total enrolment in pre-school 50.4% Enrolment of girls as a % of total enrolment in primary school 44.4% Enrolment of girls as a% of total enrolment in middle school 42.4% Enrolment of girls as a% of total enrolment in high school 36% Enrolment of girls as a % of total enrolment in special education School for Deaf and Blind People 42% Enrolment of girls as a % of total enrolment in technical education 21.8%. Enrolment of girls as a % of total enrolment in primary teacher education 6.5% Enrolment of girls as a % of total enrolment in adult education 55.3%. Source: Demographic and Health Survey, 2002, Ministry of Education School Enrollment

Table 2.2.3.3 Electricity, Water and Sanitation Indicators (percentage)

Electricity At national level access to electricity Access for urban area Access for semi urban area Access f for rural area Water Access to safe drinking water at national level Access for urban area Access for rural area Average distance traveled to fetch water in rural area Sanitation Own flush toilet Shared flush toilet Traditional pit toilet Ventilated improved pit latrine No facility, bush, field Source: Demographic and Health Survey, 2002 24% 86% 49% 3% 40% 47% 22% 1-2 kilometers 9.1% 7.5% 6.8% 2.2 74.3

II.2.4 Rural-urban drift There are no reliable data that indicate rural-urban drift; however, according some crude data it is estimated to be less than half percent.

63

II.3 Media and Telecommunication II.3.1 Newspapers, periodicals, magazines, radio stations, and TV channels. Currently, there are two newspapers (Arabic and Tigrinya) published daily with the exception of Monday. One (1) English language newspaper, Eritrean Profile is published every Wednesday and Saturday. There are also some magazines and periodicals that appear from time to time, some every three months others once or twice a year. There are no private newspapers, radios or television in Eritrea. The following list provide additional details on the newspapers and periodicals Newspapers Hadas Eritrea Item Ownership

Remarks Government owned. Printed and published by the Ministry of Information in Tigrinya. Focus on all current It covers current events including some aspect of rural events development Circulation 10, 000 daily except Monday Delivery outlets Shops, coffee houses and subscribers (www.shabaiet.com) Contact information Ministry of Information, P.O. Box 242 Asmara Tel 291-1- 12 7748

AL-Haddis Item Ownership

Remarks Government owned. Printed and published by the Ministry of Information in Arabic Focus on all current It covers current events and sometimes rural development events related topics Circulation 5, 000 daily except Monday and Sunday Delivery outlets Shops, coffee houses and subscribers (www.shabaiet.com) Contact information Ministry of Information, P.O. Box 242, Asmara Tel 291-1-127748

Eritrean Profile Item Ownership Focus on all current events Circulation Delivery outlets Contact information

Remarks Government owned. Printed and published by the Ministry of Information in English every Saturday and Wednesday It covers domestic, regional and national news 1000 every Saturday and Wednesday Shops, coffee houses and subscribers (www.shabaiet.com) Ministry of Information, P. O. Box 242 Asmara Tel 291-1-12 7748

64

Magazines Hadiri Item Ownership

Remarks Owned by the ruling party i.e. Peoples Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ). Printed and published by PFDJ every month. Focus on all current It covers political issues activities of the front, domestic, political events regional and national news Circulation 500-1000 copies Delivery outlets Shops and coffee houses and subscription Contact information PFDJ, P. O. Box 1081 Asmara Tel 291-1- 127052

Mensey or Youth Magazine Item Ownership Remarks Owned by the Youth and Students Associations of Eritrea. Printed and published by Eritrea Youth Association every three months. and It covers political issues and activities ruled to youth and and students About 500 copies Shops and coffee houses and subscription Youth and Students Associations of Eritrea, P.O. Box 1042 Tel 291-1-201397/122904

Focus on youth students activities events Circulation Delivery outlets Contact information

People and Police Item Ownership Remarks Owned and published by the Police force every four months

Focus on the role of It covers issues related to the role police plays in the society police and the relation of and attempts to educate society on the relation that should police and society exist between people and police. Circulation About 250 Delivery outlets Shops and coffee houses and subscription Contact information Police Head quarters P.O. Box 1223, Asmara Tel 291-1-127799

65

Sport Magazine Item Ownership Remarks Owned and published by the Sport Commission every four months Focus on sports and It covers issues all domestic sports activities as well as limited news regional and international sport news. Circulation About 250 Delivery outlets Shops and coffee houses and subscription Contact information Police Sport Commission P.O. Box 1500, Asmara Tel 291-1-161704 Periodicals Early Warning Item Ownership Remarks Owned and published by the Ministry of Agriculture every three months It covers issues on agriculture such as crop production, food supply, vegetation cover, climatic & meteorological data, and the price of agricultural commodities.

Focus on agriculture particularly food production, weather forecast and other related matters Circulation Delivery outlets Contact information

About 100 Shops and coffee houses and subscription Ministry of Agriculture P.O. Box 1048, Asmara, Tel 291-1-181042

Radio Stations Eritrea has a single government-owned radio station, which operates on two frequencies, the Voice of the Masses and Radio Zara. Voice of the Masses broadcasts all days of the week in the nine languages of the country. The station operates about 14 hours per day. Signals are received in all parts of the country with the exception of Saturdays and Sundays, which is far greater about 19 hours. There is half hour coverage on agriculture, rural development and other related topics on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in the Tigrinya program. The other radio frequency (FM) known as Radio Zara, is mainly an entertainment program and operates everyday from 9 p.m. to midnight.

66

Another radio station owned by the Ministry of Education is Radio Bana which operates about 22 hours per week including Saturdays and Sundays. Its main mission is adult education and broadcasts in five languages (Tigrinya, Tigre, Saho, Bilen and English).

There are no reliable data that show the number of households having radio however; crude survey shows that there is one radio in every 3-4 household. Television Channels There is one single TV station with two channels. The first channel operates 8 hours per day from Monday to Friday and 15 hours each on Saturday and Sunday. The programs include different development activities such as health, education, regional news, sport and entertainment. Moreover, there is a special coverage on agriculture and rural development twice a week for about one hour.

The second channel operates only from Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. up to 2 p.m. and mainly concentrates on entertainment programs that include movies, sports, and music. According to different source such as the World Bank Internatonional telecommunication Union, between 12 to 13 percent households own a television set in Eritrea II.3.2 Telecommunication services Eritreas country code is 291. This code is followed by a seven-digit number for all areas of the country. Direct dialing is also available from Eritrea to any country in the world. Eritrean Telecommunication Authority is the only institution that provides the service. Relevant data, regarding telecommunication service obtained from different sources such as the World Bank and UNDP and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) as well as the Eritrean Telecommunication is indicated below.

67

Fixed telephone

Number of fixed telephones in the country: Telephone lines per 1000 people: International voice traffic: Number of rural telephones: Rural telephone distribution: Cost of telephone (local for three minutes): Inter urban calls: Call to Africa, Asia, and Latin America, average cost for three minutes:

38,000 9 7 3,750 0.09 per 1000 people Nakfa 0.60 (US$ 0.04) cents Nakfa 2.70 (US$ 0.18) cents

Nakfa 53.20(US$ 3.55 )

Mobile phones Total number of mobile phones: Mobile subscribed(per 1000 people): Overall distribution of mobile phones: Population served by mobile telephone %: Calls within the city: 40,000 1.02 1.02 per 100 people NA Nakfa 1.50 (US$ 0.10) cents

ICT sector structure(2004) Separate telecommunications regulator Status of main fixed-line operator Level of competition: international long distance Level of competition: mobile Level of competition: Internet service provider Government prioritization of ICT Quality Telephone faults (per 100 main lines per year) Broadband subscribers (per 1,000 people) International internet bandwidth (bits per person) Yes Public M C C (scale 1-7)

51.1 0.0 0

68

Affordability Price basket for fixed line (US$ per month, residential) Price basket for mobile (US$ per month) Price basket for internet (US$ per month) Price of call to United States (US$ per 3 minutes) Institutional efficiency and sustainability Total telecommunications revenue (% of GDP) Total telephone subscribers per employee Total telecommunications investment (% of revenue)

4.9 15 22 3.55

2.8 56 5.2

ICT applications ICT expenditure (% of GDP) E-government readiness index (scale 0-1) Secure Internet servers (per 1 million people) School connected to the Internet (%) Note: NA indicates data are not available. C =competition GDP = gross domestic production product; ICT= information and communication technology M = monopoly; Sources: Economic and social context: UNDP and World Bank and ITU

NA 0.00 NA NA

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II.3.3 Computers and Internet Access Computers are available mainly in the major cities (Asmara, Massawa, Keren, and Mendefera) in almost all government and private offices. The semi urban areas also are gradually being equipped with computer facilities. There is no data on the number of computers in the country, however, according to an estimated crude data, personal computers per 1000 people is two. Internet Access Internet services in the country are available from four main Internet Service Providers. Eri-Tel and Asmara University government institutions, while the rest Ewan Technology, Tfanus Enterprise, privately owned. Through these providers, walk in Internet access is provided by Internet cafs which open for long hours. Over the last two years in particular, Internet cafs have became very popular, particularly amongst youngsters.Although there is no accurate data regarding internet users some crude data indicate that internet users for 1000 people is two. The cost of Internet service differs slightly from one provider to another. It is categorized into the line and hourly service. Costs increase almost every six months. The current average costs are stated in the following next tables. Table 2.3.4.1 Cost of Internet services Type of Service Unlimited line service 20 hours line service 10 hours line service Internet service caf Monthly rate Nakfa 331 (US$ 22) Nakfa 198 (US$ 13) Nakfa132 (US$ 9) Nakfa 10 (USD 0.66 per hour) Additional cost per hour Nakfa 10 ($USD$0.66) Nakfa 10 ($USD$0.66 Nakfa 10 ($USD$0.66 -

Source: Eritrean Telecommunication Service, Asmara 2005

70

ANNEXES III. PROFILE OF INSTITUTIONS

III.1 List of Institutions involved in Agricultural and Rural Development Activities
Table 3.1. List of Institutions involved in Agricultural and Rural Development Activities
Sn 1 Name Ministry of Agriculture Division of Planning and Statistics Postal address 1048 Asmara Eritrea Tel (291-1) 181042 182225 Fax (291-1) 181759 E-mail
sol@eol.com. er

Type GOV

Role PP, IN,

Remarks Early Warning Projects, program planning Monitoring and Evaluation and Socioeconomic studies and policy formulation Crop improvement, livestock, Agr. engineering, Natural resources MGT research and human resources development

National Agricultural Research Institute

Halhale P.O 1048, Eritrea

Asmara,

159845 159801 159804 159843 116761 159256 159841 159844 121844 126777

159803

GOV

RD

3 4

Commercial Bank (CBE) Investment & Development Bank (EDIB) Rural Enterprise Unit (REU)

219, Asmara, Eritrea 1266, Asmara, Eritrea

121849 201976

gm.cbr@gem el.com.er edib@gemel.c om.er rueal@reu.org .er

BNK BNK

FS FS

6651, Asmara, Eritrea

124799

202549

OT

OT

Type = bilateral cooperation Role= Technical assistance

Asmara and Surrounding Dairy Farmers Cooperatives Dekemhare Dairy Farmers Cooperative Dubarwa Dairy Farmers Coop Mendefera Dairy Farmers Cooperative Sutur Dairy Farmers Cooperative

C/o MoA office Zone Maekel 2996, Asmara Eritrea C/o MoA Office Zone Debub Dekemhare, Eritrea C/o MoA Office Zone Debub Dubarwa, Eritrea C/o MoA Office Sub Zone Mendefera, Eritrea C/o Moa Office Zone Anseba Sutur, Eritrea

125039

AS-F

PS-P

641007

AS-F

PS-P

159835

AS-F

PS-P

610910

AS-F

PS-P

10

401078 401613

AS-F

PS-P

71

Sn 11

Name Anseba Dairy Association Asmara Meat & Dairy Products PLC Asmara Milk Factory Barka Plc Elabried Estate

Postal address C/o MoA Office Anseba Zone Keren, Eritrea 6843, Asmara, Eritrea 179, Asmara, Eritrea 2130, Asmara 213, Elabried, Eritrea 5328 Sawa, Eritrea

Tel (291-1) 401078 401613 120923

Fax (291-1) x

E-mail X

Type AS-F

Role PS-P

Remarks

12

123712

PRV

PS-M

13 14 15

115908 125791 123840 202474 125728 X

120904 123489 201776

asmaramilkf@tse.com.er

PRV PRV PRV

PS-M PS-M PS-M, PS-P PS-P PS-P

asmaramilkf@tse.com.er

16 17

18

Aligider Estate Sawa and Afhimbole Agro Industry Sheab Farmers Cooperative Prime farms Asmara Brewery Factory Dubarwa Animal Feed Factory Eri-feed

X X

X X

TE TE

19 20

1048 C/o MoA Wadi Labca Project, Asmara X 407, Asmara, Eritrea 3333, Debarwa, Eritrea P 5611, Decemhare, Eritrea 7612, Adisegdo, Eritrea 886, Dekemhare, Eritrea 1106, Asmara, Eritrea 1990, Asmara, Eritrea 1188 Asmara, Eritrea 773, Asmara, Eritrea 973, Asmara, Eritrea 860, Asmara, Eritrea 7681, Asmara, Eritrea 5571, Asmara, Eritrea

181077

181274

AS-F

PS-P

126449 181966

126452 188503

X asbrew@tse.com.er

PRV PRV

PS-P PS-M

21

188620

159879

teclugg@eol.com.er

PRV

PS-M

22

641264

641264

erifeed@eol.com.er

PRV

PS-M

23 24 25

Shishai Co Red Sea Mills AFRICARE

159113; 159114 181525 182188

123240 641285

nice@eol.com.er X africare@eol.com.er

PRV PRV NGO

PS-M PS-M RU

26 27

ErCS, Norwegian Peoples Aid Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Mani Tese /COSV Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) Refuge Trust Ireland Vision Eritrea,

125000 121108

120070 151775

ercsec@eol.com.er ellen@eol.com.er

NGO NGO

RU RU

28 29 30 31

120275 116254 151811 121761, 123028

122529 150670 121221 123015

jan@lwf.org.er fikre@lwf.org.er manitese@eol.com.er ncaeri@eol.com.er refuget@eol.com.er

NGO NGO NGO NGO

RU RU RU RU

32

201397

vision@cts.com.er

NGO

RU

72

Sn 33 34 35

Name Catholic Relief Service ACCORD FAO Country Office, UNDP country office UN joint program on HIV-AIDS UNPF UNHCR UNCF WFP WHO World Bank UNCDF Ministry Of Fisheries Ministry of Education Ministry of Information Ministry of Land, Water and Environment Ministry of National Development Grain board Natural Resources Consulting Engineering Estan Consult PLC T- Consults Sheab Farmers Association

Postal address 8016 Asmara, Eritrea 5538 Asmara, Eritrea 4908, Asmara, Eritrea 5366, Asmara, Eritrea 5366, Asmara, Eritrea 5366, Asmara, Eritrea 1995,Asmara, Eritrea 2004, Asmara, Eritrea 1229, Asmara, Eritrea 5561, Asmara, Eritrea 4983, Asmara, Eritrea 5366, Asmara, Eritrea 373, Massawa, Eritrea 5610, Asmara, Eritrea 242, Asmara, Eritrea 976, Asmara, Eritrea 1386, Asmara, Eritrea 1234, Asmara, Eritrea 5260 Asmara, Eritrea 9300 Asmara, Eritrea 1420 Asmara,ER C/o Ministy of Agriculture Massawa, Eritrea

Tel (291-1) 151282 150511 184272 151753 150551 151166 151599 151166 126121 151199 184735 151613 124302 151166 551265

Fax (291-1) 150511 182121 151738

E-mail nford@crsertrea.org accord@gemel.com.er fao-er@fao.org

Type NGO NGO REG

Role RU RU RU

Remarks

36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45

151081 151600 151648 127255 151350 184886 151322 124309 151081 552184

X X X X X X X X X fidp@gemel.com.er

REG REG REG REG REG REG REG REG REG GOV

RU RU RU RU RU RU RU RU RU EX, IN,PP, RG, RU TR, RU IN EX, IN,PP, RG, RU RU

46 47 48

127808 123251, 201820 118021, 116603 124964, 120905 124722, 123969 120574

121913 124847 123285

X X X

GOV GOV GOV

49

126422

GOV

50 51

124229 120629

X X

GOV PRV

TM OT (consulting)

52

53 54

120235, 071255 79 126440

127358

stiffzerai@yahoo.com ateweldemedhin@yaho o.com

PRV

OT

PRV PRV

OT OT

(consulting, technical assistance) (consulting ) Assistance in agriculture

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Key - Type and Role of Institutions

AS-F Farmers association (includes co-ops) AS-W Womens association AS-Y Youth association BNK Bank or credit institution CCI Chamber of commerce and industry CHU Church-based group EDU Educational institution GOV Government department / ministry NGO Non-government organization PRV Private enterprise, company REG Regional organization or network STA Statutory body TE State enterprise OT Other (define) EX IN FS PP PS-E PS-M PS-P PS-S RD RG RU TR TM OT Extension and outreach Information services Financial services Policy and planning Exporter (fresh, frozen and dried produce) Manufacturer (e.g. tannery, bottler, refiner, roaster) Producer (e.g. commercial farm, fishing company) Supplier (e.g. chemicals, seeds) Research and development Regulation (compliance, standards) Rural Development Training (tertiary and vocational level) Trade and marketing (include development) Other (define)

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III.2 Selected List of Key Institutions Involved in Agriculture and Rural Development The following institutions are selected as a key institutions involved in agriculture and rural development in Eritrea: 1. Ministry of Agriculture: Department of Planning and Statistics 2. Ministry of Land, Water and Environment (MOLWE) 3. Ministry of Fishery (MOFH) 4. Eritrean Development and Investment Bank (EDIB) 5. Asmara and Surrounding Dairy Farmers Cooperatives 6. Elabried Estate: Horticultural crop and dairy 7. National Agricultural Research Institute 8. Norwegian Church Aid (NCA): International NGO operating in rural and 9. Care International l(NGO) 10. Vision Eritrea: Local NGO operating in rural and agricultural development 11. Sheab Farmers Association The selection of the above indicated key institutions is based on the following criteria: contribution to the economy; contribution to the rural economy; credibility or influence; development, adoption, use /delivery of agricultural information; the alignment to CTA themes as well as their desire/will to cooperate.

1. Name of the Institution: Ministry of Agriculture/Planning & Statistics Dept

Objective/mission statement: To contribute to the development of the agricultural sector through formulation of polices, programs, projects, mobilization of resources as well as through the collection and analysis of agricultural data Field of specialization: Policy formulation and planning in all aspects of agriculture Number of staff: Professionals 10; technical 5; general staff 3; (Note The staff stated here are only those of the Planning and Statistics Dept) Branches, other sites: The Ministry has branch offices in all six regions of the country Annual budget: Cannot be disclosed Source of funding, including main donors: The Government of the State of Eritrea, loan from ADB and World Bank; grants from DANIDA and technical assistance from FAO.

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Name of the Institution: Ministry of Agriculture/Planning & Statistics Dept

Program/projects undertaken: Among some of the projects Policy and strategy for the agricultural sector Strategy for natural resource management Sustainable horticulture production in the highlands Strategy for livestock development (Note: All the above indicated programs are on -going) Target audience: All farmers and rural population of the country Extent of interaction with CTA: Sometimes SPORE Magazine Extent of collaboration/interaction with other institutions (name and nature): International EU, World Bank, ADB, FAO, UNDP DANIDA, ICRISAT, ILCA and IIMI NGOs like Lutheran world Federation, Swiss Inter Church Aid, Care International Regional: IGAD, ILCA, East African Agricultural Research Institute National: Ministry of Land, Water & Environment, Ministry of Economic Development How information needs are currently met and from where or by whom: FAO, World, ADB - agricultural publications ILCA, ICRISAT and IIMI publications Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Land, Water and Environment Own research

Electronic Media: Internet/E-mails Others: Consultants; hard copies of documents Main information needs not satisfied: Policy development, soil type and classification, soil fertility, rainfall data, crop diversification, market intelligence, yield on horticulture crops, livestock (nutrition, genetic improvement) Main problems faced in terms of information and communication management: So far no agricultural census and survey Weak data /information, collection, storing and dissemination mechanisms No proper documentation on hardware like photography, audiovisual, library No or few trained personnel in information management systems Little awareness on the importance of data/information management for development

Why the institution is selected as key: The Planning and Statistics Dept is one of key departments of the Ministry in terms of policy development and strategy as well as for data collection storing and analysis

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2. Name of the Institution: Ministry of Land, Water and Environment /Water Dept
Objective /mission statement: To contribute to the socio-economic development of the country including agriculture through the proper management and planning of water resources. Field of specialization: Water resource management and planning Number of staff: Professionals 42; technical 25; general staff 53; (Note; The staff stated here are only those of the Water Resource Dept) Branches, other sites: It has branch offices in all six regions of the country Annual budget: Cannot be disclosed Source of funding, including. main donors: The Government of the State of Eritrea, UNICEF, NGOs such as Oxfam, Care International, Catholic Service, Concern Program/projects undertaken: Among some of the projects Policy and Strategy for the Water Sector Water resource management Inventory of rural water supply schemes Framework for water resource use and management Target audience: All farmers who use water for irrigation. Extent of interaction with CTA: None Extent of collaboration/interaction with other institutions (name and nature): International UNEP, ADB, FAO, UNDP DANIDA, ICRISAT, and IIMI and NGOs like Oxfam, Concern, CRS, Care international Regional IGAD, Nile Basin National Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Local Government, Ministry of Economic Development, National, Agricultural Research Institute How information needs are currently met and from where or by whom: FAO, World, ADB publication in water resource ILCA, ICRISAT and IIMI publications Ministry of Agriculture, /Regional Administrations, Ministry of Land, Water and Environment Own research

Electronic Media: Internet/E-mails Other: Consultants, hard copies of documents

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Name of the Institution: Ministry of Land, Water and Environment /Water Dept
Main information needs not satisfied: Information on water, land and environmental management, hydro-geological data, hydrometric data, data on spate irrigation, ground water assessment, logging, yields, methods of collecting/analyzing socioeconomic data relevant to water resource planning. Main problems faced in terms of information and communication management: Eritrea does not have an ICM policy thus far Little awareness on the importance of data/information management for development Culture for data/information, storing and dissemination mechanisms is not yet developed Very limited manpower on the field information management systems.

Why the institution is selected as key: The Water Department is responsible for policy and strategy of the water sector and interacts with the agricultural sector in the use/delivery of water and agricultural information and natural resource management.

3. Name of the Institution: Ministry of Fisheries

Objective/mission statement: To develop and manage the fishery resource of the country Field of specialization: Fisheries development, management and planning Number of staff: Management staff; 7 Professionals 24; technical 18; general staff 60, contract staff 21 Branches, other sites: It has liaison office in Asmara Annual budget: Cannot be disclosed Source of funding, including main donors: The Government of the State of Eritrea Program/projects undertaken: Among some of the projects are: Assessment of the marine resource sector Fishery resource management Infrastructure and marketing development Fishery cooperatives development Target audience: Fishermen in the coastal area of the country Extent of interaction with CTA: None Extent of collaboration/interaction with other institutions (name and nature): International ADB, FAO, UNDP Regional: None National: Regional administration, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Economic Development.

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Name of the Institution: Ministry of Fisheries

How information needs are currently met and from where or by whom: FAO, World, ADB publications on fishery development resource and own research

Electronic Media: Internet/E-mails Other: Consultants; hard copies of documents Main information needs not satisfied: Information on fishery resource assessment and management, fishery cooperative development, fishery ecosystem management, aquaculture, fish processing, maximizing sustainable yields (MSY) Why the institution is selected as key: The institution is responsible for the development and strategy of the fishery sector and interacts with the agricultural sector in the use of /delivery of agriculture information and fishery management.

4. Name of the Institution: Eritrean Investment and Development Bank

Objective/mission statement: Accelerating socio-economic development, particularly agriculture through financial support (loans) to farmers Field of specialization: Banking (Providing loans) Number of staff: Professional 15 ; technical 18 ;clerical 12; other 3 ( board members) Branches, other sites: Southern Region and Gash Bark Annual budget: Cannot be disclosed Source of funding, including main donors: Government and own fund from farmers Program/projects undertaken: Not known Target audience: Farmers all over the country Extent of interaction with CTA: None Extent of collaboration/interaction with other institutions (name and nature): National: Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Economic Development How information needs are currently met and from where or by whom: Organizations Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Trade and Industry, CSO

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Name of the Institution: Eritrean Investment and Development Bank

Main information needs not satisfied: Information on loan management Information on financial management Information on project management

Main problems faced in terms of information and communication management: Very little knowledge on data and data/information management Lack of knowledge and training on data collection and dissemination and

Why the institution is selected as key: The organization is a development bank supporting the agriculture sector by providing loans to farmers, thus contributing to food security

5. Name of the Institution: Asmara and its Surrounding Dairy Farming & Cooperative
Objective/mission statement: To develop and expand dairy farming and marketing in and around Asmara Field of specialization: Producing dairy products Number of staff: Professional 11; clerical 5; other 3 (board members) Branches, other sites: None Annual budget: US$ 820,000 Source of funding including main donors: Own fund from farmers Program/projects undertaken: Training on animal husbandry, marketing, quality control and accounting Target audience: Farmers (Male and Female) estimated 724 persons Extent of interaction with CTA: None Extent of collaboration/interaction with other institutions (name and nature): National: Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Central Region Administration How information needs are currently met and from where or by whom: Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Trade and Industry, CSO

Main information needs not satisfied: Information on international markets for milk and milk-related products Information on different medicines required for animal husbandry

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Name of the Institution: Asmara and its Surrounding Dairy Farming & Cooperative
Main problems faced in terms of information and communication management: No knowledge on data and data/information management

Why the institution is selected as key: The organization is the only dairy cooperative supplying dairy products for Asmara and its surroundings and is considered as a model for future dairy farmers cooperatives

6 Name of the Institution: Elabried Estate Farm

Objective/mission statement: To produce horticultural products for domestic and foreign markets, livestock and dairy production Field of specialization: Horticultural products (fruits and vegetables) dairy products Number of staff: Management staff 17; Professionals 37; technical 48; semi skilled 145 ; temporary 45 Head Office: Elabried (Liaison office in Asmara) Annual budget: Cannot be disclosed Source of funding, including main donors: Own funding Program/projects undertaken: Enhancing yields on fruits and vegetables Rehabilitating damaged infrastructure (on going). Land expansion Target audience: Primarily the community around the area Extent of interaction with CTA: No interaction at all. Extent of collaboration/interaction with other institutions (name and nature): International: None Regional: None National: Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), Ministry of Land, Water & Environment Ministry of Economic Development National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) How information needs are currently met and from where or by whom: Organizations: - Various national, regional and international sources - National agencies: Ministry of Agriculture, /Regional Administrations, Ministry of Land, Water and Environment,. Electronic Media: Internet/E-mails Other: Consultants, hard copies of documents

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Name of the Institution: Elabried Estate Farm

Main information needs not satisfied: Post-harvest technology, technical information on citrus production agronomy, packaging, processing, transportation, pricing, quality control, yield enhancement, market intelligence Main problems faced in terms of information and communication management: So far very little awareness on data /information management No proper documentation of data or information Very limited capacity in human resources and techniques on information management systems

Why the institution selected as a key: Elabried Estate Farm is the leading, oldest and relatively well organized farm that produces fruits, vegetables and dairy products both for the domestic and foreign markets. It is an important entity in the use /delivery of agricultural information

7 Name of the Institution: National Agricultural Research Institute

Objective/mission statement: To contribute to the development of the agricultural sector, particularly food security through systematic agricultural research Field of specialization: Crop development (food security), livestock research (nutrition and breeding) natural resource management, irrigation and mechanization, natural resource management Number of staff: Professionals 12; technical 24; skilled 15; general staff 13 temporary 5 Head office: Halhale (Dibarwa),Lesions office in Asmara Annual budget: Cannot be disclosed Source of funding, including main donors: Government, own funds, DANIDA Program/projects undertaken: Livestock development (nutrition, breading, animal health) Horticultural crop development Natural resource management Soil conservation (degradation)

Target audience: The rural population of the country and particularly farmers Extent of interaction with CTA: No interaction at all Extent of collaboration/interaction with other institutions (name and nature): International: DANIDA, ILRI, ICRISAT, FAO, UNDP, NGOs Regional: East African Agricultural Research Center National: Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), Ministry of Land, Water & Environment, Ministry of Economic Development, NGOs

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Name of the Institution: National Agricultural Research Institute

How information needs are currently met and from where or by whom: Organizations: Various national, regional and international sources National agencies: Ministry of Agriculture, /Regional Administrations, Ministry of Land, Water and Environment, MOLG, CSO and different Associations. Regional agencies: East International agencies: DANIDA, UNDP, FAO, ILRI, ICRISAT Electronic Media: Internet/E-mails Other: Consultants, hard copies of documents Main information needs not satisfied: Information on genetic resource, post harvest, biotechnology, agronomy, biodiversity, soil degradation Main problems faced in terms of information and communication management: Weak data and information handling; no proper documentation on information, no training, lack of manpower, problem of funds, lack of books, lab equipment

Why the institution is selected as a key: NARI is the leading agricultural research institute contributing to the development of agriculture and has a great role to play in the agricultural information management system. It has already established small information unit.

8. Name of the institution: Norwegian Church Aid (NCA)

Objective/mission statement: To reduce rural poverty through long-term development and advocacy. Field of specialization: Food security, natural resource management, water management Number of staff: Professionals 7; technical 6; general staff 11 ; temporary 5 Branches, other sites: Plan to open branch office in Gash Barka region very soon) Annual budget: US$ 2 million on average Source of funding, including main donors: NORAD, Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Norwegian church aid own fund, from voluntary donors and individuals. Program/projects undertaken: Zula integrated Development Project (completed 2001). Shebah Integrated Agricultural project (on going).

Target audience: The rural community and particularly women: estimated target audience 100,000 people Extent of interaction with CTA: No interaction at all

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Name of the institution: Norwegian Church Aid (NCA)

Extent of collaboration/interaction with other institutions (name and nature): International Norwegian Government (NORAD), Hydro Institution of Norway OCHA, UNDP, UNICEF Lutheran world Federation, Oxfam, Care Regional: Norwegian church aid Nairobi regional offices. National: Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), Ministry of Labor & Human Welfare, Ministry of Health Ministry of Land, water & Environment, Ministry of Local Government How information needs are currently met and from where or by whom: National agencies: Ministry of Agriculture, /Regional Administrations, Ministry of Land, Water & Environment, Ministry of Labor and Human Welfare, Ministry of Health and different Associations. Regional agencies: Norwegian church aid Nairobi regional offices. International agencies: Norwegian Government (NORAD), Hydro Institution of Norway; UNDP, UNICEF Electronic Media: Internet/E-mails Other: Consultants, hard copies of documents Main information needed are not satisfied: Socio-economic data for project formulation, appraisal, impact assessment), Information on suitable micro credit programs, data on population ( by gender, women headed households by region and sub-region) Main problems faced in terms of information and communication management: Generally of concept on data and information management; no training on information management Why the institution is selected as a key: Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) is an international NGO mainly focuses on assisting the needy people in a agriculture, food security, and sustainable livelihood development. NCA is engaged on long-term development particularly food security.

9 Name of the Institution: Care International

Objective /mission statement: To help reduce rural poverty through long-term agricultural and rural development. Field of specialization: Assisting poor farmers to develop small-scale agriculture, food security, natural resource management, water management and micro credit for poor farmers Number of staff: Professionals 10; technical 7; general staff 1 3; temporary 8 Head office: Asmara, branch office in Gash Barka Annual budget: US$ 1.75 million on average Source of funding; USAID, contributions from American and European Governments and civil society, voluntary donors and individuals. Program/projects undertaken:

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Name of the Institution: Care International

Live hood improvement southern region; Small scale irrigation projects in Anseba Region; Micro credit program for small scale agriculture, particularly for poor farmers

Target audience: The rural community and particularly, poor farmers and women headed households Extent of interaction with CTA: No interaction at all Extent of collaboration/interaction with other institutions (name and nature): International OCHA, UNDP, UNICEF, Lutheran world Federation, Oxfam, Catholic Relief services National: Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), Ministry of Labor & Human Welfare, Ministry of Health Ministry of Land, Water & Environment NUEW (National Union of Eritrean Women), NUEYS (National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students) How information needs are currently met and from where or by whom: Organizations: Various national, regional and international sources National agencies: Ministry of Agriculture, Regional Administrations, Ministry of Land, Water and Environment, Ministry of Labor and Human welfare, Ministry of Health International agencies: UNDP, UNICEF, WHO Electronic Media: Internet/E-mails Other: Consultants, hard copies of documents and from partners. Main information needs not satisfied: Information (baseline data) needed for different development activities , Micro credit programs, data on population Data on live hood systems by region and sub region

Main problems faced in terms of information and communication management: There is no systematic collection and storing of data, even if available access is difficult Dissemination mechanisms are very weak Limited know-how on information management

Why the institution selected as a key: Care is an international NGO playing an active role helping poor farmers to improve their lives by providing improved seed, agricultural credit and meeting other agricultural need

10 Name of the Institution: Vision Eritrea

Objective /mission statement: To contribute to food security by providing poor farmers tools, improved seed help and advisory services. Field of specialization: Assisting poor farmers in agriculture

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Name of the Institution: Vision Eritrea

Number of staff: Professionals 5; technical 7; general staff 9 ; Head office: Asmara, branch office in Gash Barka Annual budget: Cannot be disclosed Source of funding: From different donors both local and foreign. Program/projects undertaken: Distribution of agricultural implements, micro-credit for poor farmers Target audience: The rural community and particularly, poor farmers and women headed households: estimated 70,000 Extent of interaction with CTA: No interaction at all Extent of collaboration/interaction with other institutions (name and nature): International: NGOs (Care, Oxfam, CRS, Save the Children, Mercy crop) National: Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), Ministry of Labor & Human welfare, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Land, Water & Environment, National Union of Youth and Students How information needs are currently met and from where or by whom: National agencies: Ministry of Agriculture, Regional Administrations, Ministry of Land, Water and Environment, Ministry of Labor and Human Welfare, Ministry of Health Electronic Media: Internet/E-mails Other: Consultants, hard copies of documents and from partners. Main information needed are not satisfied: Information (baseline data) needed for different development activities (population data) Micro credit programs, data on population Data on livelihood systems by region and sub region

Main problems faced in terms of information and communication management: No awareness of data management Dissemination mechanisms are very weak Limited human know-how on information management

Why the institution is selected as key: Vision Eritrea is a local NGO playing an active role by helping poor farmers to improve their lives by providing improved seed, agricultural credit and other agricultural inputs. It can play its role in the development of a national agricultural information system.

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11. Name of the Institution: Sheab Farmers Association

Objective /mission statement: To contribute cereals through spate irrigation and thus contribute to food self sufficiency in the country. Field of specialization: Producing cereals (sorghum, millet maize and to certain extent fruits and vegetables) Number of staff: Professionals 5; technical 7; general staff 3 (These are staff only extension of the MOA assigned to help the farmers) Head office: Sheab Annual budget: US$ 50,000 Source of funding: Own funding Program/projects undertaken: None Target audience: Estimated 10,000 farmers Extent of interaction with CTA: No interaction at all. Extent of collaboration/interaction with other institutions (name and nature): National: Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) Ministry of Land, Water & Environment How information needs are currently met and from where or by whom: National agencies: Ministry of Agriculture, Regional Administrations, Ministry of Land, Water and Environment, Ministry of Labor and Human Welfare, Ministry of Health Electronic Media: None Other: Consultants Main information needs not satisfied: Information on diversification of crops, enhancing yields, marketing Main problems faced in terms of information and communication management: No knowledge on data/information management Why the institution is selected a key: Sheab Farmers Association is a newly formed farmers association comprising nomads, but who have now settled to be farmers benefiting from about 5000 ha of spate irrigation in the Sheab area. The Association can play its role in the development of agricultural information system. As a new farmers association it is important that they start to be aware of the importance of agricultural information.

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ANNEXES IV. LIST OF PERSONS INTERVIEWED

1 Meberhuto Eyasu, Director General, Water Resource Department P.0 Box 1488, Asmara, Eritrea Tel 291-1-120404/119636 Fax 291-1-976 E-mail: NA Head of Planning and Statistics Dept. Ministry of Agriculture P.O. Box 1048, Asmara, Eritrea. Tel: 291-1 181042 Fax 291-1-18175 E-mail:sol@eol.com.er Information Officer Ministry of Land, Water and Environment P.O. Box 5713, Asmara. Eritrea Tel 291-1- 125887 /120311 Fax 291-1- 1260 95 E-mail: filmon1env@yahoo.com General Manager EIDB, P.O. Box Asmara, Eritrea Tel 291 -1Fax 291-1E-mail: NA Head Finance and Administration Asmara and Surrounding Dairy Cooperatives P.O. Box 2996, Asmara, Eritrea Tel 291-1-120539 Fax 291-1E-mail:NA General Manager Elabried Estate P.O. Box 213, Asmara, Eritrea. Tel 291-1-123840/202474 Fax 291 1-201776 E-mail: morganhoff@yahoo.com Director General National Agricultural Research Institute P.O. Box 4627, Asmara, Eritrea Tel 291-1-159802/159845 Fax 291-1-159803 e-mail : NA Program Officer Norwegian Church Aid P.O. Box 860,Asmara, Eritrea

Hailu Solomon

Filmon Tsegay

Dr. Goitom Woldemariam

5.

Ogabamicheal Abraha

6.

Mr. Morgan Haff

Dr. Eyassu Ghebretatios Dr. Tesgai Berhane

Afeworki Solomon

88

David Gilmour

10

Girmay Seyoum

11. Ahamed Osman Mahamed

Tel 291- 1-121761 Fax 291-1- 127718 E-mail: afwerkis@ncaeri.org.er Country Director Care International P. O. Box 6562, Asmara, Eritrea Tel 291-1-151371 Fax291-1- 151339 E-mail:gilmour@care.org.er Program Officer Vision Eritrea P.O. Box 5571, Asmara, Eritrea Tel 291-1-201397 Fax 291-1-127911 E-mail: girmaysey@yahoo.com Chairman Sheab Farmers Association c/o Dawit Tekea Northern Sea Dept. of Agriculture, Massawa, Eritrea Tel 291-1-540053 Fax 291-1-540792 E-mail: NA

Note: NA indicates that information is not available

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ANNEXES V. REFERENCES
1. Agricultural Sector Review, FAO/World Bank, Draft Paper, Asmara, Eritrea, 2002. 2. Central Statistic Office, Demographic Survey. Asmara, Eritrea,2002 3. CTA Priority Information Themes for ACP Agriculture, Wageningen, The Netherlands,1966. 4. Demographic and Health Survey, Asmara, Eritrea,2002. 5. Eritrea; Basic Education Statistics, Asmara , Eritrea,2002/03. 6. Ministry of Agriculture, Eastern Low Lands Wadi Development, Asmara,Eritrea,1999 . 7. Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Sector Review. Asmara, Eritrea,2002 8. Ministry of Agriculture Agricultural Sector Policy and Strategy Frame, Asmara, Eritrea ,2000 . 9. Ministry of Agriculture Annual Report, Asmara, Eritrea,2002 10. Ministry of Agriculture, Land Resource and Crop Production Asmara, Eritrea, 2003. 11. Ministry of Agriculture , Assessment of Crop production, Asmara, Eritrea, 2005. 12. Ministry of Agriculture, Eritrean National Agricultural Strategy and Policy, Volume, Part I, , Asmara, Eritrea, December 2005. 13. Ministry of Land and Water, Environment; State of Environmental Report, Asmara, Eritrea,2005 14. Ministry of Local Government; Socio Economic Study, Asmara, Eritrea, 2003. 15. Ministry Trade and Industry, Statistics Asmara, Eritrea, 1999-2000. 16. National Bank of Eritrea, Trade Statistical Bulletin, , Asmara, Eritrea,2004 17. Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation, Draft Programme of Activities, Wageningen, the Netherlands,2005. 18. Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation, Strategic Plan and Framework for Action (2001-2005), Wageningen, the Netherlands, October 2001 19. Technical Evaluation: Eastern Lowlands Wadi Development Project, Asmara ,Eritrea,2001 20. World Bank Report; Agricultural Sector Assessment, Asmara, Eritrea,2004. 21. World Bank, Agricultural Sector Review, Asmara, Eritrea,2003

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