Eritrea

Eritrea is a country located in the Horn of Africa, bordered by Sudan to the west, Ethiopia to the south, and Djibouti to the southeast, with a long coastline along the Red Sea to the east and northeast. Covering an area of approximately 117,600 square kilometers, Eritrea has a highly varied physical landscape that includes coastal plains, central highlands, western lowlands, and offshore islands. This geographical diversity strongly influences its climate patterns, natural resources, and agricultural systems.

The country’s topography is generally divided into three main regions. The central highlands form the backbone of Eritrea, with elevations ranging from about 1,800 to over 3,000 meters. This region is characterized by cooler temperatures, fertile soils in some areas, and relatively higher rainfall compared to the rest of the country. To the east lies the narrow coastal plain along the Red Sea, which is hot, arid, and sparsely vegetated. To the west, the lowlands extend toward Sudan and consist of semi-arid to arid plains that are generally hotter and more suitable for pastoralism than crop farming. The Dahlak Archipelago, a group of islands in the Red Sea, is also part of Eritrea’s territory.
Eritrea experiences a highly variable climate influenced by altitude and topography. The central highlands have a temperate climate with moderate rainfall, especially during the summer rainy season from June to September. In contrast, the coastal and western lowlands are extremely hot and dry, with very limited and unpredictable rainfall. Annual precipitation can vary significantly, ranging from over 600 millimeters in the highlands to less than 200 millimeters in arid regions. This variability strongly affects agricultural productivity and water availability.

Agriculture is a vital sector of Eritrea’s economy and a primary source of livelihood for much of the population. The sector is largely rain-fed and therefore highly dependent on seasonal rainfall patterns. Smallholder farming and pastoralism dominate agricultural production, with limited use of irrigation systems due to water scarcity and infrastructure constraints.

The principal food crops grown in Eritrea include sorghum, barley, wheat, maize, millet, and pulses such as lentils and chickpeas. Sorghum and barley are particularly important staples in the highland regions, where climatic conditions are more favorable. In some cooler areas, wheat is also cultivated. Vegetables and fruits, including onions, tomatoes, citrus fruits, and bananas, are grown in small quantities, often in irrigated gardens near settlements.

Livestock production is a key component of rural livelihoods, especially in the lowland and semi-arid regions. Cattle, sheep, goats, camels, and donkeys are widely raised. Pastoral and agro-pastoral systems are common, with seasonal movement of animals to access water and grazing land. Livestock contributes to food security, income, transport, and cultural practices.

Cash crop production in Eritrea is limited but includes products such as coffee, sesame, and some horticultural crops. Agricultural exports 
Despite its importance, agriculture in Eritrea faces significant challenges. These include recurrent droughts, soil erosion, deforestation, limited irrigation infrastructure, water scarcity, and the impacts of climate variability. The rugged terrain and uneven rainfall distribution make farming particularly difficult in many areas. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency of droughts and further strain already limited water resources.

To address these challenges, efforts have been made to expand water harvesting systems, improve terracing and soil conservation techniques, develop small-scale irrigation schemes, and promote drought-resistant crop varieties. Reforestation and land rehabilitation programs are also important for reducing erosion and improving long-term agricultural sustainability.

The relationship between geography and agriculture in Eritrea is very strong. The contrast between the fertile highlands and the arid lowlands determines where crops can be grown and where pastoralism dominates. Rainfall patterns, altitude, and soil conditions all shape agricultural practices and rural livelihoods. Geography therefore remains the key factor influencing food production, settlement patterns, and economic development in Eritrea.

In 1992 Gerold crossed the border of Eritrea in the region near Kassala. At that time there was a large flow of refugees from Eritrea to Sudan because of the civil war, but there were nomads in Eritrea because the drought since 1991 has exhausted the pastures in Sudan. In 2017 Gerold spent 2 days in Asmara.