Water Reservoirs Creating Significant Impact on Agricultural Development

Asmara, 08 May 2026 – The water reservoirs constructed over the past 35 years by the Government of Eritrea, have played a very significant role in agricultural development in general, and in vegetable and fruit production in particular, according to a report by the Public Relations Division of the Ministry of Agriculture.

According to the report, the number of dams, which stood at only about 130 at the time of independence, has now increased more than sixfold, reaching approximately 850. These water reservoirs—ranging from strategic large-scale dams to small and micro-dams, as well as diversion structures—have not only contributed to water supply for both humans and livestock but have also boosted vegetable production by more than sixfold and fruit production by more than 71 times.

Residents across the country who benefit from these dams also confirm that the reservoirs constructed after independence have had a major impact on improving livelihoods, supporting livestock, enabling the establishment of new farms, and expanding the production of vegetables and fruits.

Eritrea’s geographical location makes it highly vulnerable to drought and desertification. As a result, the Government and people of Eritrea have made soil and water conservation, as well as the construction of water reservoirs, among their top priorities and have been actively engaged in these efforts.

Accordingly, over the past 35 years, extensive soil and water conservation activities have been carried out. These efforts include treating more than 293,000 hectares of agricultural land and over 135,000 hectares of catchment areas, as well as constructing check dams with a total capacity exceeding 6.2 million cubic meters, as highlighted in the report.

Fonte: Shabait