World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought Commemorated

Asmara, 17 June 2026- World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought was commemorated today, 17 June, at the National Confederation of Eritrean Workers Hall in Asmara through a national workshop held under the theme “Rangelands: Recognize. Respect. Restore.”, the Public Relations Office of the Ministry of Agriculture reported.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Kahsay Negash, Acting Head of the Agricultural Extension Department at the Ministry of Agriculture, stated that the objective of the day is to raise public awareness on combating desertification and drought and their adverse impacts, as well as to encourage greater community participation in addressing these challenges.

He further explained that the expanding problems of desertification, drought, and degradation of natural resources at the global level have also affected Eritrea. He noted that the identification of existing rangelands in different parts of the country and appropriate initiatives for their conservation and sustainable utilization are already in progress.

Referring to the major factors that hinder the sustainable use of the country’s natural agricultural resources, Mr. Kahsay noted that climate change, recurrent drought, the decline in rangeland productivity, and traditional livestock management practices that emphasize quantity rather than quality, among others, are significant challenges. He emphasized that addressing these issues requires integrated initiatives and collective efforts from all relevant sectors, with a shift from a quantity-based approach towards quality-oriented and sustainable systems, as well as improved drought preparedness and investment in sustainable land management.

In his concluding remarks, Mr. Kahsay presented statistical information on the extensive soil and water conservation programs undertaken in Eritrea since independence, including the construction of water-harvesting structures and the establishment and distribution of energy-saving stoves.

During the seminar, various experts presented papers on Eritrea’s commitments and experience in combating desertification, land degradation and drought; rangelands and pastoralism; Eritrea’s rangelands; biodiversity conservation in relation to rangelands and ecosystems; forages for agricultural production and catchment protection; geospatial assessment of agricultural land use and land cover analysis; and assessment of rangeland development interventions. The presentations were followed by extensive discussions.

The seminar was attended by senior officials and experts from the Ministries of Agriculture and Land, Water and Environment; the Forestry and Wildlife Authority; higher education institutions; as well as representatives from various partner organizations and associations.