Empowering Farmers and Ensuring Food Security: Transforming Eritrea's Sustainable Seed Systems
From January 1, 2019, the European Union, in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture of Eritrea and the Eritrean Irish Development Partnership (EIDP), launched a transformative 48-month project to enhance food and income security for smallholder farmers. With an EU contribution of 400,000 Euros out of the 501,000 Euro budget, the initiative empowered 500 local seed-growers in Maekel, Debub, and Anseba regions. Focusing on wheat, sorghum, and potatoes, the project improved seed production, policy frameworks, and national capacities. Highlighted successes include model farmers like Mussa Omer and Elsa Gebrekidan, who saw significant increases in crop yields. By fostering community-based seed production and providing improved seed varieties, the project has boosted agricultural productivity and secured a brighter future for Eritrean farmers. Video link https://youtu.be/KSAIVOIETXo