Eritrea is strengthening efforts to introduce a small and productive farm plots system in the Southern Red Sea Region, with authorities highlighting diversified agricultural production as a way to improve food availability and support farmer livelihoods.
The Ministry of Agriculture’s branch in the region reported the progress during a meeting held in the port city of Assab, where officials discussed the implementation of the programme and the importance of stronger participation from local administrations and other partners.
China-donated smart rehabilitation device begins use in Kyrgyzstan
The initiative is designed to increase the production of nutritious food by encouraging farmers to generate harvests in both greater quantity and quality. Authorities said the approach is expected to contribute to improved livelihoods while supporting local food production.
Ambassador Mohammed-Seid Mantai, Governor of the Southern Red Sea Region, called on administrations at different levels to strengthen their role in implementing the small and productive farm plots system.
The programme is intended to go beyond conventional crop production by incorporating several complementary agricultural activities. Mr. Yoel Yonas, chairman of the small and productive farm plot programme at the Ministry of Agriculture, said the initiative includes beekeeping, poultry farming and dairy production.
The combination of these activities could allow participating farmers to diversify their sources of food and agricultural output while making greater use of available resources. The programme also places emphasis on practical participation and cooperation among farmers, government institutions and other partners.
Yonas stressed the importance of strengthening the involvement of all stakeholders to ensure the programme is fully introduced. He also called on farmers who have developed successful agricultural practices to share their experiences with other farmers.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the exchange of practical knowledge is expected to help raise awareness among communities and encourage wider participation in the programme.
The initiative reflects Eritrea’s broader efforts to strengthen agricultural production and improve access to nutritious food, particularly through approaches that can combine different forms of farming at the local level.
As implementation progresses in the Southern Red Sea Region, authorities are placing emphasis on coordination between government structures and farming communities, while encouraging experienced farmers to contribute their knowledge to the development of the programme.