Birth of a Lake – Part I
Birth of a Lake – Part I
By Kesete Ghebrehiwet | Eritrea’s resolve to develop and bring about social change has been seen in its Government’s determination to transform its agriculture hinged on building dams. The construction of Kerkebet dam, the largest dam in Eritrea, is a case in point.
Kerkebet dam was built along Barka River with a view to augmenting the water resources of Eritrea and changing the ecosystem of its surrounding. Barka River, the second largest seasonal river in Eritrea, flows from the highlands to the vast plains of the Gash-Barka region. Therefore, harnessing this river of a big magnitude required careful planning as any slight mistake could lead to flooding. Read more
Transforming Arid Zones into Wetlands
Transforming Arid Zones into Wetlands
By Kesete Ghebrehiwet | It is quite breathtaking to see human made lakes in areas that were once arid and dramatic change in the ecosystem and the lifestyle of people who live in such areas. The development endeavors have triggered a chain of transformations in infrastructure, which are obvious in the Gash-Barka region.
The Gash-Barka region is known for its hot climate. Fanko-Tsumu’e is a place in the region. Tsumu’e roughly means “arid.” Some places, including Fanko-Tsumu’e and Kerkebet, were hardly conducive for farm activities due to scarcity of water. This natural barrier has now been overcome with the construction of dams and soil and water conservation activities such as afforestation and the construction of water catchments. Read more
Kem Semai’n Meretn: Extending the Conversation...
Kem Semai’n Meretn: Extending the Conversation on Development Projects
By Dr. Fikrejesus Amahazion | The last edition of Eritrea Profile (published on Saturday 12 December) featured a very interesting article entitled, “Transforming Arid Zones into Wetlands”. Written by Kesete Ghebrehiwet and part of a larger series that explores major development undertakings in Eritrea’s Western Development Zone, the article is full of details and it sheds important light on a critical aspect of Eritrea’s national development efforts. I certainly found the piece to be highly informative and can only recommend that everyone takes a moment to read it when they have the opportunity. It is well worth your time. In the following few paragraphs, I offer a deeper look at some of the points raised in the recent article, sharing some general thoughts and hoping to extend the conversation. Read more
Praiseworthy select potato production
Praiseworthy select potato production
Mendefera, 12 December 2020- The farmers in Mendefera sub-zone that are engaged in cultivating select potato with the support of agricultural experts reported that they are collecting abundant harvest. Indicating that two types of selected potato seeds have been distributed to exemplary farmers, Ms. Senait Abedom, vegetables and fruits development expert said that the farmers have been able to produce from 200 to 300 quintals of potatoes per hectare. Read more
Electricity and Youth Empowerment: Eritrea’s...
Electricity and Youth Empowerment: Eritrea’s future Renewable Energy Supply Strategy
by Billion Temesghen | In previous editions of #UnderstandingEritrea we have seen that the water at the Logo Dam has been used as potable water and to irrigate small scale commercial farms, thereby improving the living standards of the communities in seven villages surrounding the dam.
In this edition, we will look at efforts being made to generate and supply solar energy to be used in modern farming, potable water distribution and households in villages, which is one of the goals of the Logo Developmental Pilot Project. The power plant also serves training centers, agricultural laboratories and a myriad of workshops, which all require adequate provision of energy. Read more
