Modern Farming A Way Towards Ensuring Food Security

Modern Farming A Way Towards Ensuring Food Security

Rahel Asgedom

One thing that distinguishes human beings from the rest of the animal kingdom is their ability to exert efforts in changing and modifying the nature-bestowed resources in accordance of their own needs and wants. Human beings are not limited to feed from the natural resources of the earth; they combine their efforts, knowledge and wisdom as to change and modify the natural resources to their benefits. Thus, we are distinctive from other kinds of species as such we are able to lead a civilized life comparing with other animals.

However, the development and evolvement of human beings is different from place to place hence their demands in numerous aspects especially their demands on food is different both in quality and quantity from each other. Some of the developed societies practice the modern farming method therefore they produce enough food for their respective society with an extra supply in stockpile. On the other hand, some practice traditional farming method leading to poor harvest which ultimately brings food shortage in the particular area or society.

Eritrea was among the first countries in Africa that had been practicing modern method of farming. Nevertheless, the continuous colonization that followed one after the other had resulted in destruction and backwardness which destroyed the then new method of farming consequently leading the country to financial crisis and poverty. This coupled with man-made problems was also f the obstacle that drove the country into deeper famine and poverty for the last 30 years. Using traditional farming methods was indeed a big challenge in producing ample food supply with the changing life style of the societies and with the increasing demand for food.

From the dawn of independence the government has been striving relentlessly in laying conducive ground for the development of the country in various aspects. Thus, as part and parcel of the policy the government of Eritrea has been exerting efforts in changing the traditional method of farming by creating awareness among the farmers and the society in general. Various trainings were offered to the farmers on how to use the land properly and on using the modern technology method of farming. Indeed, it has brought a change in the progress speed of the agricultural aspect of the country. The Hamelmalo Agricultural collage is playing a due role in producing professional students’ in different agricultural fields which in return helps the country to practice modern farming methods. Thus far, those graduate students have registered a number of achievements in their respective agricultural fields around the country. The wide- ranging modern agricultural lands across the nation are also the result of the endeavors taken by the government and people of Eritrea in securing food stability in the country and reviving the agricultural sector of the country.

Ensuring food security has been given a top priority in the development strategy of the government. As such, various endeavors were registered around the nation after independence and the outcome is indeed fruitful and satisfying. Understanding its worthiness to its people and the nation at large, the government has been encouraging the farmers through various supporting mechanisms for a success story in the sector of agricultural activities in the country.

During the Italian colonization period there was an extensive modern planation area in the country like Ala, Ghindea, Elabered and Mai-Aini .Those plantation areas were some of the then well established and very known areas in producing various kinds of fruits and vegetables. However, those plantation areas were owned by the foreigners and established to fulfill the interest and needs of the colonizers. The Eritrean people beyond improving their working habit on the fields had no satisfying or enough payment although they worked day and night. Therefore, through time the planation areas were destroyed due to various reasons and mainly the war waged for liberation.

Moreover, after independence the government put vigorous efforts focusing mainly on the development of agricultural aspects. Through the government’s motto of Self-reliance numerous irrigation-based agricultural area are widely introduced around the country. Nowadays, the public’s awareness in gardening is growing throughout the country thus fruit and vegetable farming’s are extending widely. As a result, many nationals are actively engaged in producing fruits and vegetables hence they create a working atmosphere for many citizens. Simultaneously, they are improving their living standard as well as satisfying the demands of their respective society. Therefore, the scores that are registered in the agricultural sectors are nothing other than the vigorous efforts taken by the people and government of Eritrea.

Every year dams have been constructing throughout the country; those dams have as well played a big role in irrigating the agricultural lands. The people are exploiting the agricultural infrastructures that are built with a huge amount of capital as per their benefits. The fruit and vegetable gardens below the dams are really beautiful and a sight for the sore eye and adequately satisfying for the demands of the people.

The two dams; Unaforo and Sesewe that are constructed in 2009 in the sub-zone of Mai-ayni are ensuring the irrigation farming development that has been in the area before. The sub zone of Mai- ayni has a broad and conducive agricultural plain land and some water catchment areas. The place is also full of various kinds of trees thus the people are not limited only in gardening but are also able to practice livestock’s.

Owing to the encouragement the Government made, Mr. Tesfamariam Teklay said that he invested in farming since 2001 resulting in encouraging harvest and aspect. He said “I am now cultivating around 5,000 plants of varied fruits.”

A group of five citizens in the semi-urban town of Mai-ayni have established a small group of association, which is actively engaged in agricultural activities. Currently, the association is registering numerous progresses using modern method of agriculture, producing fruits and vegetables, boost dairy and meat farm, animal farm (pig, sheep and chicken). Around 12.7 hectare of land is in use by the association. Hence, the number of farmers in Mai-ayni subzone has been gradually increasing. Moreover, Mr. Tesfamichel Micheal, a member of the association in Mai- ayni said “when we first started gardening we had a number of plans and now we are extending our activity to animal farming especially pig, and sheep and this is a sneak preview of the future of the agricultural aspect in Eritrea.”

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