APPENDIX VI - COUNTRY CONTRIBUTIONS
Forestry Data Report on Eritrea
by
Forestry and Wildlife Division
Ministry of Agriculture
Asmara
Eritrea is located in the north eastern Africa and covers an area of 124,320 km2. It is bordered by Sudan on the west and north west, Ethiopia on the south, Djibouti on the south east, and the Red Sea on the east (FAO/ Sectorial review, 1994). Administratively, Eritrea is divided into six zones (zoba) namely: Makel, Debub, Gash-Barka, Anseba, Semenawi Keih Bahri, and Debubawi Keih Bahri. There are nine linguistic groups namely: Afar, Bilen, Tigre, Saho, Tigrigna, Kunama, Nara, Hidareb, and Rashaida (MoA, 1993).
Eritrea is a country of great topographical diversity. Through millennia, erosion, tectonic movements and subsidence have occurred and continue to occur accentuating the unevenness of the surface. Highland areas stretch between the eastern and western lowland plains. Altitudes range from the highest peak of Mt. Soira, 3,018 metres above sea level, down to the Denkel Depression, about 100 metres below sea level (MoA, 1994).
According to FAO (1994), Eritrea is divided into six agro-ecological zones: Central Highland Zone (CHZ), with altitudes over 1,500m with over 500mm of rainfall; the Western Escarpment Zone (WEZ), with altitudes between 750 and 1,500m and annual rainfall of 400 to 600mm; the South Western Lowland Zone (SWLZ), with altitudes between 600 and 750m, and annual rainfall of 500 to 700mm; the Green Belt Zone (GBZ), located between 750 to over 2000m, with rainfall from 700 to more than 1000mm; the Coastal Plains Zone (CPL), from below sea level to 600m, with less than 200mm rainfall; and the North-Western Lowland Zone (NWLZ), with an altitude from 400 to 1,500 m, and up to 300mm of rainfall.
Due to its geographic setting, Eritrea has diverse climates ranging from hot arid, adjacent to the Red Sea to temperate sub-humid in isolated micro-catchment within the eastern escarpment of the Highlands. About 72% of Eritrea is classified as very hot, with mean annual temperature exceeding 24oC, while not more than 14% is classified as mild or cool with mean annual temperature below 21.5 oC (FAO, 1996).
The majority of the country receives rainfall from the south-west monsoon, from April to September. Some rain falls in April/May, while the main rain season begins in June, with the heaviest precipitation in July and August. Only the coastal plains and the central part of the eastern escarpment of the central highland receive winter rainfall, November through March.
The rains are caused by the north and south-east continental air streams that carry some moisture until affected by the Red Sea. The total annual rainfall tends to increase from north to south, from less than 200 mm at the northern border with the Sudan to more than 700 mm in the south-western part of the country. The Green Belt Zone, receives the highest annual rainfall averaging about 900 mm (FAO, 1994).
Eritrean soils are complex. In the northern and southern sections of the Red Sea coastal plains, they are predominantly sandy desert soils. In other part of the plains, ortho-solonchaks, regosols, and andosols are to be found. In the Highlands, the predominant soils are chromic, eutric, and calsic cambisols of strong red colour. Other soils found in the Highlands are lithosols, xerosols and fluvisols. Soils in the western plains include vertisols and fluvisols (FAO, 1996).
The population of Eritrea is about 3.5 million out of whom 80% live in rural areas and derive their livelihood from agriculture.
Due to the prolonged liberation war, the economy of the country progressively declined. Between 1985 and 1990, real gross domestic production (GDP) declined by 0.7% per annum, but since independence it is rapidly increasing (e.g. in 1997 an increase of 8% was reported).
Agriculture is the most important sector of the Eritrean economy. It accounts for about 50% of the GDP, and most of the exports. More than 80% of the population earn their living from farming and livestock production. In view of this, the Government has made agriculture its top priority. All Eritreans, regardless of sex, above the age of 18 years have the right to land based on the usufruct principle. This is guaranteed by the Land Law enacted in 1994.
The agricultural environment is fundamental to the conservation of natural resources. There was an indiscriminate cutting of trees by Ethiopian troops during the war. Consequently, there was a fast decline of water infiltration and loss of soil cover. This in turn has caused a decline in harvest yields and forage, siltation of dams as well as water table imbalances that resulted in salinisation and alkalination of fertile soils.
Out of the total area of Eritrea, about 3.2 million hectares (26%) is suitable for agricultural use. Currently, approximately 12.5% (400,000 ha) of the potential is being cultivated. With proper studies and planning, large areas of land can be put under cultivation. There is a potential for irrigation in the lowland parts of the country.
Nearly 49% of the country is rangelands and supports over 75% of the people living on it. The people who occupy the rangelands are agro-pastoralists and pastoralists. In general, the animal resources and the rangelands have not been fully exploited.
1.4. Sectorial Economic Policy
Eritrea is a food deficit country. Rural poverty and food insecurity are dominant features of rural life on the countryside. The people and the Government are determined to reverse the situation.
Agriculture is expected to make the greatest contribution and as such the Government has accorded high priority to the sector. There is a desire by Government to achieve food security and socio-economic development largely through sustainable agricultural development programmes. Long-term objectives of the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA):
increase the level of food security by increasing the production of crops and livestock;
enhance employment and income levels of the rural population;
boost foreign exchange earnings through the export of high value agricultural and agro-industrial commodities;
increase the production of raw materials for domestic industries;
halt and where possible reverse the environmental degradation.
satisfy the demand of wood both for fuel and construction purposes on a sustainable basis; and
revitalise forestry and wild life resources.
To achieve these lofty objectives, the following strategies have been adopted:
promote productivity and farm income through modern farm inputs and practices, expand of cultivated areas with high productive potential (rainfed and irrigated), rehabilitate and expand existing commercial farms, and establishment of new agro-industrial estates;
increase livestock and poultry production by restocking with appropriate dairy, beef, drought animals and poultry breeds and adequate provision of veterinary services; and
protect the natural resources base through massive soil and water conservation practices such as terracing, afforestation and watershed treatment activities.
The primary role of MoA is to facilitate the development of the sector by providing technical know-how, modern farming-input and the basic agricultural infrastructure and services to the Eritrean farmer and pastoralist. It is not the intention of the MoA to involve itself in direct agricultural production, but to emphasise research, training, extension service, soil and water conservation practices, conservation and development of forestry, promotion of rural agricultural infrastructure development.
The existing land tenure system of "Dessa", involves the periodic redistribution of arable land and provides no incentive for the farmer to carry out permanent improvements. If the farmer does not exploit his trees, the next tenant certainly will. The promotion and extension of agroforestry, which is an important component of environmental restoration is difficult in this situation not viable. With the new Land Law (Proclamation No. 58/1994), it should be possible to maintain long-term projects in agroforestry.
Proclamation No. 58/1994 put into effect the intentions of the Macro-Policy regarding land tenure. It was designed to deal with the failing traditional system of Dessa tenure in the highlands. It declared that all land is owned by the State, and any right over land shall be effective upon Government recognition and approval; the right was to be recorded in a large register. The objectives of the new land policy are to establish a revised tenure system to encourage long-term investment in agriculture and prudent environmental management, assure women rights on land on an equal base with men, and promote commercial agriculture. The key points in the land policy were that the people would have access to the land for farming, pasture, housing and development purposes, and that these would be use of fructuary rights only.
Land granted in this manner would not be divisible, nor could it be old or otherwise divested. It was to be granted and registered in the name of the recipient use of fructuary and was for his/her lifetime only. The recipient had to begin using the land within two years (or lose the right to it) and could fence it and mark the boundaries. Although not inheritable, the use right could continue to be held by surviving spouse, or by the child or children if both were deceased. Partition of the land was prohibited, and it could not be sold or donated, although it might be leased. Where there were no children of the deceased, the land is to be reverted to Government.
The villages continue to use communal pastures and woodlands according to custom, and the government was empowered to issue general or special regulations and directives pertaining to use.
The livelihood of the majority of the rural population depends on land for food and livestock. The cash and industrial crops that are essential for the national economy are also produced on the land. It is important therefore that the land resources of the country be preserved. The absence of a land use policy during the long periods of foreign rule led to the destruction of vast areas of natural resources. This destruction was associated with the removal of natural vegetation for farming expansion, fuelwood, grazing, etc. This destruction of natural resources is now one of the main contributing factors to water shortages and low productivity of agricultural land in the country. Appropriate land use planning is necessary to rehabilitate and protect the country's natural resources.
Currently, thanks to the new land policy proclamation of 1994 that grants the government ownership rights to all state land eliminating the traditional village or family ownership systems, a lasting solution to the problem may be in hand. Under this proclamation the government is the ultimate owner of the land and retains the right to distribute land to the villagers who by right are entitled to a portion of land with a usufruct for life. The land cannot be sold or transferred and cannot be mortgaged. Land is also distributed according to family size. Also under this new policy the old boundaries between villages will be abolished rendering all the available land for redistribution among the neighbouring villages, with some privileges like (priority on the land that existed prior to the proclamation) retained to the natives of a village. This system is fair and creates an opportunity for the formation of co-operative farms that farmers can share resources such as irrigation facilities, machinery and other agricultural amenities are individually unaffordable.
Ultimately, if farmers take care of agricultural lands and components, the forest will take care of itself as there will be less intervention and time to recover. Implementation of the Land Law must not compromise natural resources of human ecology. The dismantling of traditional systems must not, as evidenced in other regions, compromise the environment or deny self-management and relative security for Eritrean farmers.
Table 1: Land Use Distribution and Land Cover Types
Land Use Type |
Area(ha) |
Share of Total Area (%) |
1,084,821 |
8.9 | |
Forest Land (including Riparian forest) |
293,900 |
2.4 |
Woodland and Bushland (including Grazing and Browsing land) |
9,347,500 |
76.9 |
Currently un-utilizable Land |
1,196,996 |
9.8 |
Currently unproductive Land |
243,780 |
2.0 |
Total |
12,167,697 |
100 |
8.3% (124,842 hectares)of total forest and woodland habitat type is Protected area.
Three major forest/woodland types are distinguished in Eritrea as: highland forests, Acacia woodlands and riverine forests. Originally the highland forests of Juniperus procera and Olea africana extended over much of the plateau, but have been largely destroyed or degraded; presently there are only remnants. On the lowlands and lower escarpments, Acacia woodlands occupy about a quarter of the country surface. Riverine forests fringe river systems of the Gash/ Mereb, Setit and Barka in the Lowlands, where Doum palm is prevalent. These forests are under the greatest threat as they occupy fertile, well watered and level sites - suited to development for commercial agriculture. But, they are also vital to the lives of the local population. On the coastal plains tree cover is sparse near the sea. Mangroves border the coast, the main species being Avicennia marina.
Natural forest cover has been classified according to six major vegetation types following international methodology:
Highland forest, composed of a mixture of coniferous species (Juniper) and broad- leafed species (African olive and associated species)
Mixed woodlands of Acacia and associated species, occurring mainly in the southern part of the western lowlands, but also in restricted areas elsewhere in the country;
Bush or shrub vegetation, which is the dominant cover in Eritrea;
Grasslands and wooded grasslands, which occur in many parts of the country;
Riverine forest, composed essentially of Doum palm, which is common in the Western Lowlands and is frequent in the Eastern Lowlands;
Mangrove occurring in many places along the coast and concentrated mainly around Assab and between Tio and Massawa.
The natural vegetation of the country constitutes 0.8% highland forest. Forest and woodlands, including riverine forest and mangroves cover 13.5% of the total area. The category "bush" is the dominant vegetation in Eritrea covering 63% of the total area. The riverine forests and mangroves play important ecological and economic roles for rural communities, and occupy 1.5% and less than 0.1%, respectively. The most recent national vegetation cover data are presented in Table 2.
Table 2: Forest/Woodland Type and Distribution
Forest Type |
Km2 |
Share of Total Area |
Forest |
0.8% | |
closed to medium forest |
591 |
|
Open forest |
410 |
|
Woodland |
11.3% | |
closed to medium closed woodland |
4533 |
|
open woodland |
9541 |
|
Bushland |
63.8% | |
Grassland/Wooded grassland |
25,577 |
|
Bushland |
53,824 |
|
Riparian forest |
1.6% | |
Riverine forest |
1,865 |
|
Mangroves |
64 |
(Source: Interpretation of Landsat TM by FAO project TCP/ERI/12 (July, 1997)).
In the above table, it shows that Eritrea has an important vegetation cover composed of woodlands riverine forests and mangroves, in addition to the Juniper-Olea forest. The total area of these formation constitutes 13.7 % of the total landmass of the country.
The main causes of forest destruction in Eritrea are: expansion of agriculture and unwise land use, overgrazing, traditional house construction, fuelwood and charcoal, and excessive logging for timber production.
Prior to liberation (before 1991), though few accurate records were maintained, tree planting was concentrated within 6 major catchment (namely, Anseba, Nefhi, Damas, Mereb, Ferendyt and Leghede) as part of a soil and water conservation strategy, based on Food-for-Work. In this way over 10,000ha of plantation were planted, mainly consisting of Eucalyptus cladocalyx, but also E. globulus, E. camaldulensis, Acacia saligna, A. decurrens, A. mearnsii, etc. Such work was nearly always combined with physical terracing operations. Due to the lack of subsequent maintenance, few of these plantations remain.
In the years leading up to liberation, tree planting by farmers appears rarely to have taken place. Tree planting for amenity by municipalities has obviously taken place in the past, to good effect, but due to the uncertainties prevailing over latter years, existing trees have been damaged, or have died, and there has been little management or replacement.
This tree planting was based on approximately 31 nurseries, located principally within territory held by the Ethiopian Government.
Following liberation (1991 - 1997) about 65 million seedlings have been planted on 124,480 ha. An area was closed to allow natural regeneration of totally destroyed areas. Details of major activities are tabulated below:
Table 3: Achievements of Afforestation Programme (1991 - 1997)
No |
Activity |
Unit |
Achievements |
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 |
Hillside terrace con. Check dam con. Micro basin con. Seed collection Seedling - production Planting & Replanting Road - construction Spot weeding & cultivation Nursery establishment Planted area Peasant training |
ha km nr kg nr nr km ha nr ha nr |
17,200 2,000 1,084,200 21,700 75,904,800 65,248,100 240 1,300 47 124,480 4,440 |
The survival rate of the planted seedlings, is about 30 - 40% in the Lowlands and 60 - 70% in the Highlands.
Since Liberation, there has been an upsurge of interest in tree planting by individuals, communities and organisations with large numbers of seedlings collected from nurseries, free of charge. Since 1994 the Eritrean students, have been participating in afforestation and soil conservation campaign during summer vacation, in the whole country, which is organised by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Agriculture. Since then, about 19,000 students have participated every year and planted about 5.8 million tree seedlings.
The main afforestation programme is directed at soil and water conservation. There has been a major and commendable commitment by the Government to continue a programme which evolved as an instrument of international food assistance. The old model of FFW or CFW was successful to the extent that it engaged community participation in the short term. But, it has no mechanism to engage them beyond that because they are unable to identify with the objectives and outputs, hence the government is assessing the cost-effectiveness of continued investment along these lines.
3. FOREST PRODUCTS PRODUCTION, TRADE, AND CONSERVATION
During the Italian colonial era, logging in Eritrea was intensively carried out. Up to 1947, 55 sawmills and small wood processing firms were established in the country. (Aldo, 1947, cited in MoA,1994).
The major tree species exploited by the logging companies were Juniperus procera, Olea africana, Hyphaene thebaica, Balanites aegyptiaca, and Acacia albida/Faidherbia albida/. Sawlogs were transported by trucks and, in areas where access was difficult, cable was used (Ramanatan, 1978, cited in MoA, 1994). At this time, except about four old sawmills, all sawmills were closed due to a lack of sawlogs (personal observation).
Currently the country has no domestic supply of timber. It is estimated that around 60,000 cubic metres of sawn timber and semi-finished wood is imported annually. The landed value of timber is currently around US$ 332 per cubic metre. (FAO, 1997). Transmission poles and scaffolding are also imported. Matches are produced in Asmara from imported splints.
Undoubtedly Eritrea has an expanding need for construction grade softwood timber, spurred by an expanding population and expectations of rapid development.
A small project has been proposed to re-establish timber plantations on a modest scale, leading to the establishment of some 500 ha over 5 years, and the establishment of more extensive species and provenance trial (in all potential areas). Species used in the project would include softwoods proven in Ethiopia and Kenya.
4. NON-WOOD FOREST PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
Fig.: Status of exported NWFP in Eritrea (in tonnes)
Year |
Production Of Gum Olibanum |
Production Of Gum Arabic |
Production Of Dom Palm Leaf |
1992 |
152* |
30 | |
1993 |
167* |
14 | |
1994 |
52* |
374 | |
1995 |
152* |
526 | |
1996 |
463 |
117 |
709 |
1997 |
543 |
49 |
2.064 |
1992-1997, 1,578 tonnes of Gum olibanum and Gum arabic were produced and exported under MoA licence. Since 1992, about 800,000 seedlings of Acacia senegal and 500,000 seedlings of Boswellia papyrifera have been planted at national level.
Significant non-wood products are gum arabic (Acacia senegal), gum olibanum (Boswellia papyrifera) and dried doum palm leaves (Hayphaene thebaica). Both gum arabic and gum olibanum are traditional non-wood products of Eritrea. Although world prices exhibit fluctuations, there exists a preference in final markets for the natural products rather than synthetic substitutes. There are many tree and shrub species used as food, medicine, fodder, etc. (Bein et al, 1996).
5. OTHER FORESTRY PRODUCTS AND ROLES
Fuelwood consumption is one of the serious detrimental demands on ecology. Wood fuel is the major source of household energy in the country. The national fuelwood consumption is estimated at 1.29 million metric tonnes annually. The rural communities and most urban households including some commercial enterprises depend on biomass fuel for energy, but the supply has dwindled. Hence, the rural people who enriched farmlands with animal manure and agricultural residues have minimised their traditional practice, not out of choice, but need. Instead, they are using such by-products for fuel due to the scarcity of fuel-wood. This is causing environmental deterioration and the reduction of soil fertility.
Significant non-wood products include gum arabic, gum olibanum and dried doum palm leaves. Both gum arabic and gum olibanum are traditional NWFP of Eritrea. Although world prices show fluctuations, there exists a preference in final markets for the natural products rather than synthetic substitutes. In 1996, 463 tonnes of gum olibanum and 117 tonnes of gum arabic and in 1997, 542.6 tonnes of gum olibanum and 49 tonnes of gum arabic were produced under MoA licence.
The most promising direction for afforestation is the re-establishment of the productive resource base for gum arabic and incense production in those areas of natural occurrence. Eritrea already enjoys a comparative advantage in the environmental requirements of the species and has marketing, processing, and trade outlets. An afforestation programme needs to be accompanied by the introduction of principles of sustainable management, improved harvesting techniques and community participation in benefits. There is a need for continuing research on these aspects.
The cactus plant (Opuntia spp.) grows profusely in Eritrea, and has adapted perfectly to the semi-arid zones of the country characterised by droughty conditions, erratic rainfall, and poor soils subject to erosion. It covers about 10,000ha in Eritrea and thus contributes to drought responses, serving as a life saving crop to both humans and animals. Cultivation is primitive, benefiting from neither control has also bred a negative response to the crop generally given its potential to threaten some of the local plant genetic resources. However, careful selection of species, suitable farm management and defined cropping systems are not carried out due to the lack of local experience.
While there are no exact numbers, a substantial amount of cactus pear fruit is produced each year. Fruit is sold mainly on the road side from baskets, both in the villages where they are produced and in the urban areas. As the harvest season coincides with the school holidays, children find selling the fruit a means of obtaining income for school needs. Fruit is produced and consumed in fresh form in large quantities, but the surplus is wasted due to lack of knowledge of its full utilisation and processing potential.
It is clear that the full benefits of the plant, including its role in sustainable agricultural systems, will only be realised with the long-term rational development of the crop. This in turn will depend on the cultivation and control of useful species, and the full utilisation of the cactus pear.
The government of Eritrea is considering the possibilities of the cactus plant and fruit in Eritrea, particularly its potential for development and use, and the applicability of technologies developed elsewhere for exploitation of the crop. It intends also to incorporate into agricultural production vast areas which are currently unproductive and where cactus pear is a priority crop and a valuable ecological alternative for arid and semi-arid lands. In particular, such an examination will assess the contribution the plant can make to sustainable an agricultural system; thereby to improved food security. The major implementation difficulty is lack of sufficient and appropriate expertise.
6. FORESTRY POLICIES, LEGISLATION, AND INSTITUTIONS
6.1. National Forestry Policy and Legislation
The pre-existing policy, and associated rules and legislation, is known as Forest and Wildlife Conservation and Development No. 192/1980 was inherited from the Ethiopian administration. The Government intends replace it with a revised proclamation, currently in draft since 1996, and likely to be re-drafted. This draft defines the following sub-sector objectives:
produce fuel wood and construction poles;
promote soil conservation through reforestation;
restore the ecosystem through natural regeneration;
promote the development of non - wood forest products; and
protect the existing known populations of endangered wildlife while undertaking a national reconnaissance of remnant habitats and associated communities.
The last clause of government's draft policy for the forestry and wildlife sub-sector has been shaped by its ratification of international agreements for trade in endangered species (CITES, 1974), and the Convention on Biological Diversity (COB, 1992).
Pursuant to these objectives, the following elements of a draft strategy have been put forward:
implementation of international agreements relating to forestry and wildlife;
establishment of national parks and other areas for the conservation and management of wildlife;
conservation, protection and establishment a system for sustainable use of the forests and wildlife of Eritrea;
development plans to protect current endangered wildlife and habitats in consultation with local land users;
production of fuel wood and construction materials in a sustainable fashion through private wood lots combined with increased royalties on existing forest lumber;
catchment protection by permanent and temporary closure, augmented where necessary by reforestation;
promotion of the use of multiple-use tree species and the development of agroforestry;
encouragement of the introduction and adoption of alternative energy sources;
promotion of participatory approaches for the protection and restoration of the environment;
ensure the sustainable exploitation of wood and non-wood forest products;
make tree seedling production financially sustainable by charging for seedlings; and
raise public awareness and commitment to general conservation issues as they affect Eritrea.
Policy development in Eritrea now calls for community participation in the management of natural resources. With the adoption of a policy of Food Security and the introduction of individual tenure, there should be greater opportunity to plant trees on sites with sufficient soil depth and moisture if the farmer so decides. Also, the process of land demarcation should offer a historic opportunity for Eritrean farmers to plant boundary trees of species of their choice.
The following international treaties and conventions which have already been ratified by the Government of Eritrea lay down principles and obligations concerning the forestry and wildlife sub-sector:
1994 Convention to Combat Desertification (October 1994);
1973 Convention on International Trade in Endangered;
Species [CITES] (January 1995); and
1992 Framework Convention on Climatic change (April and 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity (September 1995).
Ministry
Within the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) there are 3 Departments, and beneath them are listed the Divisions within each Department:
Land Resources & Crop Production |
Animal Resources |
Research and Human Resources Development |
- Crop production and Protection |
- Animal Health & - Animal Production |
- Agricultural Engineering - Crop Development |
- Irrigation & Soil |
- Livestock Development |
- Human Resources |
Conservation |
- Range lands & Nutrition |
- Forestry Development |
- Forestry & Wildlife |
||
- Survey & Design Develop. |
There is also an Administrative Division directly under the Minister which includes Supporting Units. Other institutions such as the Department of Environment from the Ministry of Land, Water and Environment and University of Asmara have direct relationship with the forestry sector in the Ministry of Agriculture.
Regional Administration
There are 6 Regions (Zoba) and 51 sub-regions (Sub-zoba). Although 8 of the sub-regions are cities, they are likely to have tree planting activities. The Ministry of Agriculture in the Regions still report to the MoA HQ at Asmara, although under the existing arrangements more autonomy exists in the Regions than formerly. The administrative structure in the Regions is similar to that at HQ, although somewhat simplified. There are two Sub-Divisions; beneath each are listed their respective Units.
Land Resources & Crop Production |
Animal Resources |
- Crop production |
- Animal Health & Protection |
and Protection |
- Animal Production |
- Irrigation & Soil Conservation |
- Rangelands & Nutrition |
- Forestry & Wildlife |
|
- Survey & Design |
Planning and programming are to be conducted independently in the Regions, which will submit their draft programmes and budgets annually to HQ. Licensing and control (including granting of agricultural concessions) is also entrusted to various degrees to the Regional level, where it comes directly under Senior Agricultural Officers.
This is similar to the Regional set-up. Under the Head of the Agricultural Sub-Division are two units: Animal Resources and Land Resources & Crop Production. These operate mainly at the technical level, and report to the appropriate Regional Divisions.
Forestry and Wildlife reports are produced monthly, quarterly and annually at Sub-regional level, and are incorporated in the appropriate periodic report of the Agricultural Sub-Division before being sent to regional level. Here, they are amalgamated into the Regional periodic report for the various units that compose the Ministry of Agriculture. This is sent to the central MOA in Asmara, where the Annual Report for the Ministry is prepared by amalgamating the reports for the various Regions. The reports are produced by standard formats, and are accompanied by standard forms containing the requisite data on different aspects of forestry.
6.3. Human Resource Development
The forestry sector in the Ministry of Agriculture is located in two departments namely Land resources and Crop Production and Research and Human Resources Development. It has some numbers of well-trained, experienced professional staff with substantial international experience.
Within Headquarters there are 17 forestry and wildlife staff, 14 have degrees and 3 have diplomas. Below HQ, each Zoba has at least one diploma-holding forestry responsible for this sector. Within each Sub-Zoba, one forestry technician is posted. Table 4 shows the allocation of currently available human resources.
Table 4: Summary of Currently Available Human Resources in the Forestry Sector
Depart. |
Field of study |
Quality |
Place of Work | ||||||
Head office |
Zoba Maekel |
Zoba Debub |
Zoba Barka |
Zoba Anseba |
Zoba SKB |
Zoba DKB | |||
LRCP |
Forestry Forestry Forestry Pl. science Forestry Gen. Agr. Envn. Mngt. Biology Wildl. Mgt. Agr. Eng. Agr. Econ. |
Phd MSc BSc BSc Dip. Cert. MSc BSc Dip. MSc BSc |
1* 2 2 1 1 - 1 1 2 1 1 |
1 3 |
1 12 |
1 1 10 |
1 7 |
1 2 5 |
2 |
Subtotal |
13 |
4 |
13 |
12 |
8 |
8 |
2 | ||
RHRD |
Forestry Pl. science Pl. science |
MSc BSc Cert. |
2** 2 - |
1*** |
1*** |
||||
Subtotal |
4 |
- |
1 |
1 |
- |
- |
- | ||
Total |
66 |
17 |
4 |
14 |
13 |
8 |
8 |
2 | |
* Volunteer; ** on study; *** at station level
Table 5: Summary of Current Human Resources Requirement in the Forestry Sector
Department |
Field of study |
Quality |
Place of Work | ||||||
Head office |
Zoba Maekel |
Zoba Debub |
Zoba G. Barka |
Zoba Anseba |
Zoba SKB |
Zoba DKB | |||
LRCP |
Forestry Forestry |
MSc Dip. |
2 - |
2 |
2 |
- |
2 |
1 |
- |
S.total |
2 |
2 |
2 |
- |
2 |
1 |
- | ||
RHRD |
Forestry Forestry |
BSc Dep. |
1 - |
1* 1* |
2* 2* |
||||
S.total |
1 |
- |
2 |
4 |
- |
- |
- | ||
Total |
16 |
3 |
2 |
4 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
||
* at station level
The lines between deforestation, soil and water conservation and agricultural productivity are highlighted in the Macro-Policy, which states that proper attention should be given to the potential environmental consequences of investment decisions. The National Environmental Management Plan for Eritrea (NEMP-E) was adopted by Government in May 1997. It regards the main threats to the fauna and flora as:
lack of legislation;
lack of a protected area system;
local reliance on natural resources with few alternatives
lack of data on populations and destruction;
lack of awareness of the value of nature, and information on how to exploit resources sustainably;
unplanned and uncontrolled development;
lack of a national conservation education programme; and
overpopulation of livestock.
The Draft Eritrean Environment Proclamation (1996) was intended to give effect to the goal of sustainable development, and formalised the underlying principles. Now, in 1998, there is an Environmental Department within the Ministry of Lands, Environment and Water. This Department has the joint responsibility:
to plan, conserve, develop, regenerate and regulate the country's biological diversity, especially forest an wildlife resources and potentials;
to combat soil degradation and promote adequate use of available technologies for water management; and
to protect, maintain and enhance sustainable development of marine resources and ensure their balanced and rational exploitation.
The key provisions of the Draft Eritrean Environment Proclamation in respect of forestry and wildlife were:
the introduction of principles of collaborative management and multiple use of natural resources, to ensure in real terms the involvement of local people in the use and management of natural resources;
the rehabilitation of degraded ecosystems through natural succession and active human intervention, including afforestation and reforestation; and
the establishment of the Eritrean National Protected Areas System (ENPAS) to encompass existing and new terrestrial and marine protected areas.
A leading role for the Department of Environment in these responsibilities is mandated in the Draft Eritrean Proclamation on the Conservation of Biological Diversity (1996).
If approved, this would refine the definition of protected areas (strict nature reserve, national park and managed resource area) and give this Department an ultimate environmental audit function over the activities of the line ministries.
in addition to administrating protected areas, the Department of Environment should be empowered to administer and co-ordinate all aspects of conservation and sustainable use of biological resources. This would include administering the permit systems, maintaining records for harvesting and trading, controlling the introduction of exotic species and access to genetic resources, including priority given to indigenous species in all reforestation programmes.
7. REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION
Given the magnitude of the problem associated with forestry, soil and water conservation and environmental issues which are directly related to the development and management of forest resources, it is recognised by the Government, that one of the possible ways to tackle the problems of soil degradation, fuel wood/construction, wood crisis, natural heritage and terrestrial biological diversity at an acceptable cost to work in collaboration with regional and international organisations.
Apart from the MoA planting programme, most formal afforestation and conservation was carried out in collaboration with different international governmental and non-governmental organisations. In addition, among the sectorial programs and projects undertaken by the MoA regarding the overall conservation and afforestation activities in co-operation with international governmental and non-governmental organisations including projects on indigenous trees and shrubs; on-farm agro-forestry trials in highland Eritrea; community-based road-side tree planting; afforestation and soil conservation; assessment and management of riverine forest; and integrated watershed development. The international governmental and non-governmental organisations have included: EU, DANIDA, SOS Sahel, World Vision International, Grass Root International.
FAO has worked in partnership with MoA in identifying an investment project for forestry and wildlife by improving information and strengthening institutions responsible for the implementation of programmes by providing technical assistance, training their staff and providing equipment.
The Forestry Research Division works in collaborating with international organisations such as CSIRO, ICRAF, and DFSC.
The National Tree Seed Centre of Eritrea is supported by DANIDA and FAO. It could also benefit from collaborating in the network of National Tree Seed Centres operating in our region like Ethiopia, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda which are supported by UNSCO and DANIDA and receives technical backstopping by DANIDA Forest Seed Centre. Technical collaboration between the centres are co-ordinated through annual meetings.
8. RECOMMENDATION FOR ACTION AND CONCLUSIONS
In this report a number of environmental issues in general, and forestry-related issues in particular, are identified. Although the MoA has taken some measures to reverse the situation, additional actions are required and are recommended below.
Fuelwood and Construction Poles: Firewood and building poles are becoming increasingly difficult to get, particularly in the major urban centres of the country. The price of fuelwood in Asmara has increased, primarily because of the shortage of firewood, the long distance required for collection, and the high demand. The current price of fuelwood is 60-80 Nakfa/quintal and that of charcoal is 250-300 Nakfa/quintal. Even in the rural areas, people may travel many kilometres looking for fuelwood and are forced to use dung and crop residues, which should be used to increase the fertility of the soil, and accordingly reduces agricultural productivity.
To alleviate this problem, the following actions are suggested:
a) Promotion of programs to increase wood production, including:
Creating awareness of tree planting for fuelwood;
Increasing the availability of quality tree seeds;
Encouraging the establishment of on-farm tree nurseries;
Encouraging the adoption of agroforestry to facilitate inter-cropping of food crops and woody perennials with or without livestock, since average land holdings are fairly small;
Encouraging on-farm woodlots, especially in areas where household land parcels are fairly large.
b) Promotion of programs that will affect a reduction in the quality of wood fuel demand, for example:
Promotion of energy-efficient wood stoves;
Promotion of fireless cookers (solar stoves);
Promotion of other energy conservation measures such as covering food when cooking, soaking dry grains overnight, etc.;
Encouraging alternative energy sources such as biogas, solar energy and wind energy.
Afforestation, and Soil and Water Conservation: Given the magnitude of the problems associated with forestry and soil conservation, it is recognised that the only way to tackle the problems of soil degradation and the fuelwood and construction wood crisis at acceptable cost is to work through a catchment approach and initiate a community-based tree planting program. The major practices under a catchment approach are:
Construction of hillside terraces and micro-basins on uncultivable lands planted with perennial trees and shrubs for soil conservation, fuel and construction wood production, dam site protection from siltation, etc;
Construction of check dams along waterways, planted with grasses and shrubs to slow down runoff water and reduce soil loss;
Construction of on-farm bunks, such as stone bunks or soil bunks planted with leguminous trees and shrubs as well as grasses;
Establishment of tree nurseries and grass multiplication centres; seedlings should be cover the catchment to stabilise the structures; and
Construction of diversion structures using gabions, concrete etc.
Closure for Natural Regeneration: The overexploitation of economically valuable indigenous tree species has led to significant ecological disturbance. Hillside closure should be enhanced though enrichment planting. This method is regarded as the easiest and most cost-effective means to rejuvenate remnant vegetation, thereby restoring the environment.
Developing Conservation Education for Public Awareness: Most Eritreans live in rural areas therefore, they are directly affected by deforestation, soil erosion, land degradation, loss of surface and groundwater, fire hazards, and other symptoms of environmental degradation. A great deal of effort will be required to solve these problems and create awareness that will motivate a change in the population's attitude. Suggested approaches include mass media, group meetings and presentations, particularly to key groups, such as women and youth.
Land Use and Land Husbandry: Sustainable forest management should be regarded as a high priority because it contributes to the stability of the environment. Forest cover helps to limit run-off by reducing water velocity and enhancing percolation of water through the soil. Therefore, land use classification and effective Government policies should be introduced to avoid unnecessary competition for land between different economic sectors. Land use planning must precede development activities and be in harmony with all uses concerned. Development activities should be undertaken based on criteria established for this purpose.
To halt environmental degradation and ensure sustainable agricultural production, appropriate land use alternatives, including the use of the agro-silvi-pastoral system of agroforestry, is required particularly in the Mereb-Gash and Barka river basins where the doum palm is very important and agricultural activities are prevalent.
Research and Development: Many tree species indigenous to Eritrea are endangered and some have disappeared completely. On the other hand, undesirable species such as Nicotinea spp. are widely distributed. Opuntia ficus indica is also competing with the remnant forest, particularly in Semenawi Bahri. Eucalyptus also plays a controversial role in the environment. Without sound investigations, and the application of test results to actual forest practices, environmentally sound forest development will not be possible. The MoA is undertaking research in the field of forestry, especially regarding the establishment of agroforestry trials, species and provenance trials, tree seed centres, and herbarium developments. However, further steps should be taken to promote regeneration of endangered species, and to select the best tree species for afforestation.
Non-Wood Forest Products and Services: The most promising direction for afforestation in Eritrea is the re-establishment of the productive resource base for gum arabic and gum olibanum production by planting Acacia senegal and Boswellia papyrifera in those areas of natural occurrence. Eritrea enjoys a comparative advantage in the environmental requirements of the species concerned, and has existing marketing and processing arrangements, as well as trade outlets. An afforestation programme must be accompanied by the introduction of principles of SFM, improved harvesting techniques and community participation in benefits. There is a need for continuing research on these aspects.
Draft Report, 1998: Eritrean Biodiversity Stocking Assessment; Department of Environment; Ministry of Land, Water and Environment, 1998;
E. Bein, B. Habte, A. Jaber, Anne Birnie and Bo Tengnaes, 1996: Useful Trees And Shrubs In Eritrea. Regional Soil Conservation Unit (RSCU), Technical Handbook NO.12, SIDA, Nairobi. 422 pp;
FAO (1994), Agriculture Sector Review and Project Identification for Eritrea. 3: 1-126, FAO;
FAO (1998), Support to Forestry and Wildlife Sub-Sector, Pre-Investment Study TCP/ERI/6712;
FAO (1996), National Livestock Development Project for Eritrea. 1:1-32. FAO, Rome;
FAO (1997), Pre-Investment Study on Forestry and Wildlife Sub-Sector of Eritrea. Rome;
Government of Eritrea (1995), National Environmental Management Plan For Eritrea. Eritrean Agency For The Environment, Asmara, Eritrea;
MoA-Report (1992-1997), Land Resources And Crop Production Department Annual Activities Report;
MoA (1993) Agricultural Development Potentials and Constraints. A Report of the MoA of the State of Eritrea. MoA, Asmara, Eritrea;
MoA (1994) Evaluation of Current Forestry Situation and Future Viable Methodical Appliances. A Report of Afforestation Committee of the Ministry of Agriculture of the State of Eritrea. Asmara, Eritrea;
MoA-Report, 1998: Assessment on Human Resources Development in The Ministry of Agriculture;
MoA, Eritrea, 1997: Medium-Term Plan And Strategy For National Agricultural Research;
Owino, F., 1998: Building Forestry/Agroforestry Research and Extension in Eritrea. FAO, Asmara, Eritrea;
Schulze, D. and Mooney, A. (1994) Biological Diversity and Ecosystem function. Stanford, USA.
