Nelly Bassily | January 26, 2009
Yemane Tekeste is a fruit and vegetable farmer in Gergef, western Eritrea. Not long ago, Gergef’s 10,000 villagers had to travel 15 kilometres or more to buy fresh produce. Now, farmers like Mr. Tekeste are meeting the local need.
Arefaine Berhe is Eritrea’s Minister of Agriculture. Speaking last December, he said the ministry’s focus is to support irrigation with the aim of achieving food security. The ministry provides farmer training, as well as market information.
For his part, Mr. Tekeste says he’s encouraged by the outcome of his farming endeavours. He plans to build on his success by striving to produce more agricultural products.