"…True generosity consists precisely in fighting to destroy the causes which nourish false charity. False charity constrains the fearful and subdued, the "rejects of life" to extend their trembling hands. True generosity lies in striving so that these hands — whether of individuals or entire peoples — need be extended less and less in supplication, so that more and more they become human hands which work and, working, transform the world…"-(Paulo Freire, Pedagogy of the Oppressed)
From Africa to Asia to Europe and even in the United States, food security, high food prices, and the high cost of fuel dominate the news and everyday conversations and in some countries, these basic bread and butter issues have sparked angry and violent food riots and threatened the very survival of some pro-western "democracies". Increased food demand from rapidly developing nations such as China and India, increased and varied demands of the growing middle class population in these countries, the diversion of producing crops from food to bio-fuels, the decrease in global stocks which at 25-year lows, are pushing prices of staples like wheat, maize and rice to record highs, coupled with high fuel and transportation costs, this food crisis is global, both developing and developed countries are feeling the crunch. Natural disasters last year also reduced cereal harvests.
Conspicuously absent in western media and "expert" discussions are the effects of IMF and World Bank imposed "Structural Adjustment Programs" (attached with conditionalities) that have stifled development in Africa, the predatory practices of transnational corporations, the debilitating effects of foreign aid, the imposition of imbalanced and often damaging commercial and trade rules through the WTO, and regional and bilateral agreements that have contributed to the crisis.
Today, the very systems that promoted "Global Apartheid" are shedding crocodile tears about the world food crisis and are heard issuing self serving warnings and alerts. The World Bank is warning that 33 countries are in danger of political destabilization and internal conflict, while the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is warning that poorest nations faced starvation and civil unrest as a result of a dramatic rise in prices for the foods that underpin their survival. The price for Rice rose 74% in a year, Wheat (130%), Soya (87%) and the price for Corn has doubled. While there may be alternatives to oil, there are no alternatives for food for the hungry.
For its part, the United Nations has warned that millions of people are threatened by hunger around the world because of the recent surge in food prices, which have sparked food riots in several African countries, Indonesia and Haiti and UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon announced on 28 April 2008 that he would head a UN task force to tackle the global food crisis, in an attempt to avert "social unrest on an unprecedented scale". I am not sure what he proposes to do or what solutions he thinks he can conjure up at the 11th hour when the crisis has already unfolded in much of the world. Dolling out food aid through its tentacled humanitarian organizations will only obscure the problems, not find lasting solutions.
In Haiti, at least six people were killed during riots this month as protests against rising food prices and the high cost of living turned violent. Haiti´s Prime Minister Jacques Edouard was fired on 12 April 2008 amidst the turmoil. The UN and donors are scurrying to find the resources needed to stem public unrest, which will inevitably push Haitians to flee seeking refuge- many to the US. It should be recalled that the much-publicized Ethiopian famines of the early 70s in Wollo and Tigray provinces, first exposed internationally by the English journalist Jonathan Dimbleby, led to the downfall of Emperor Haile Selassie´s reign. The global food crisis today will undoubtedly affect many such regimes that have ignored or deliberately covered up the economic and food crisis brewing in their countries. In an article published on 7 April 2008, Time magazine noted:
"…The idea of the starving masses driven by their desperation to take to the streets and overthrow the ancien regime has seemed impossibly quaint since capitalism triumphed so decisively in the Cold War... And yet, the headlines of the past month suggest that skyrocketing food prices are threatening the stability of a growing number of governments around the world…"
Today, no amount of spin can camouflage Meles Zenawi´s flawed economic policies in Ethiopia that recently boasted of 11% growth (in 2007) only to turn around and claim of "set backs" due to the global food crisis. But Haiti is not alone in this crisis. A cursory look at the headlines will show the global reach of this crisis, which hits every home in every nation:
"…Some prices of basic food stuffs have gone up as much as 600 percent. People are suffering. There´s no question about it. People are really struggling. The government [minority TPLF regime] is trying to implement subsidy programs throughout the country. They´ve increased the food aid request from the international community. The United States is just about to increase by $100 million the amount of food aid it´s giving to Ethiopia this year…"- (Peter Heinlein reporting from Ethiopia, Voice of America 28 April 2008)
"…The U.S.-funded Famine Early Warning Systems Network has sounded the alarm that parts of Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia are teetering on the edge of famine because of drought and political turbulence that has driven thousands of farmers off their land…"- (The Star, an on-line magazine report, 30 April 2008)
"…Mozambique's president said on Tuesday the country would be hard hit by global food price rises if it does not boost agricultural output…Mozambique will need to import at least 1.25 million tonnes of maize, wheat and rice by August to cover food shortages caused by floods since February …At least 150,000 people in the country were in urgent need of food aid after severe floods in the centre of the country…Mozambique has already faced unrest over living costs…At least six people were killed in protests that erupted in February over high fuel prices and other costs…"- (Reuters 30 April 2008)
"…A severe food crisis in Afghanistan - caused by rising wheat prices - threatens to further destabilise an already deeply troubled country…"- (BBC 29 April 2008)
"…Extensive drought and high inflation in the northern Togdheer region of the self-declared republic of Somaliland have pushed many families, both nomadic and urban, to the brink of starvation… About 350,000 people live in the Togdheer area… Conditions in Somalia have worsened to their lowest point in many years, and the prospects for Somalis are among the very bleakest in the world…"-(IRIN 30 April 2008)
"…Afghanistan has very poorly developed markets, bad roads. It's very expensive to get food to remote parts of the country and people are very poor, so whatever the challenges other countries are facing they are particularly difficult in Afghanistan…"-(Tony Banbury, the Asia regional director for the UN WFP)
"…More than 1,000 people, some carrying empty rice sacks, have marched through Senegal's capital Dakar to protest against rising food prices. Abdoulaye Wade, Senegal's president, announced an ambitious plan last week to increase rice production five-fold to 500,000 tonnes in a season…Senegal imports more than 80 per cent of its rice, which is a daily staple…Many people say the measures taken by Wade are not enough to prevent rice from becoming a luxury…They accuse Wade of focusing on glamorous infrastructure projects to the detriment of his people's more basic needs…"-(Al Jazeera 27 April 2007)
"…Discontent in Senegal´s capital Dakar, where millions depend on imported rice and foodstuffs, has increased in lockstep with rising global food and utility prices. The government has touted a "self-sufficiency" rice growing campaign as its answer to people´s problems, but experts say the scheme is flawed…under the new plan the government says it will increase rice production to 600,000 metric tonnes (mt) annually - up from the current 100,000 mt…This marks a shift in government strategy, which since the 1970s has shown an unwillingness to invest in agricultural development… What high-quality rice Senegal currently does produce is exported, leaving the country heavily import-dependent… The country has the right environmental conditions for high yields… there are 250,000 hectares of irrigable land in the north of Senegal and in Casamance in the south…"-(IRIN 28 April 2008)
"…President Paul Biya has blamed the opposition for violence which has left at least seven dead in Cameroon…Protests, sparked by a fuel price rise, continued despite a government decision to scale back the increase…Police tear gassed stone-throwing youths in the capital, Yaounde, who had set up burning barricades…Protesters are demanding more cuts in the price of food and fuel…Police in Douala clashed with some 2,000 protesters as they tried to cross a bridge, causing about 20 to fall into the river below…"-(BBC 28 February 2008)
"…Humanitarian agencies in Sri Lanka are preparing for the fallout as increasing food prices and shortages put vulnerable populations at risk of malnutrition…Rice stocks have dwindled since the government imposed price controls on 17 April. In addition, the World Food Programme (WFP) has temporarily suspended its work for food project in the war-torn northeast due to a lack of resources…"- (IRIN 30 April 2008)
"… in Bangladesh, garment workers — producers of the nation's key export — went on strike over food prices, clashing with police. The hunger is biting into Bangladesh's urban middle-class…In the rural villages, farmers are hanging onto crops they might have sold to feed themselves. City people without land are now using what savings they have to buy foodpeople who used to take rice three times a day are going without a meal…"- (The Age, 19 April 2008)
"…Pakistan has advanced from 14th to 6th place among the countries entrapped in serious food crises…"-(Pakistan´s The Post 02 May 2008)
"…In Egypt, protests by workers over food prices rocked the textile center of Mahalla al-Kobra, north of Cairo, for two days last week, with two people shot dead by security forces. Hundreds were arrested, and the government sent plainclothes police into the factories to force workers to work. Food prices in Egypt have risen by 40 percent in the past year…"-(Bill van Auken 30 April 2008)
"…Earlier this month, in the Ivory Coast, thousands marched on the home of President Laurent Gbagbo, chanting "we are hungry" and "life is too expensive, you are going to kill us." The country has seen food prices soar by between 30 percent and 60 percent from one week to the next. Police broke up the protest with tear gas and batons, injuring over a dozen people…"(Bill Van Auken, Global Research 30 April 2008)
"…While many are worrying about filling their gas tanks, many others around the world are struggling to fill their stomachs, and it is getting more and more difficult every day…"- World Bank President Robert B. Zoellick
Etc. etc.
There is even talk about the food price hikes forcing aid agencies out of business leaving aid dependent nations, such as Ethiopia, with little or no recourse. The developing world finds itself at a great disadvantage, as it is ill prepared (no infrastructure, no resources allocated for food production) to tackle the issue any time soon. Measures being taken by the wealthy industrialized nations will not solve the underlining problems of poverty and development, but rather, will exacerbate them. It is for this reason that I decided to explore the grassroots strategies being implemented in Eritrea where food security has been the Government of Eritrea´s top priority since independence. The Government and people of Eritrea have invested a lot of resources to increase agricultural output and have made some notable progress.
Food aid undermines local production, destroys local food systems and undermines the dignity of the people, creates markets for multinationals and undermines national interests and efforts, creates debilitating dependency, camouflages or masks systemic internal problems and issues and creates opportunities for corruption, which can be used for short term political gains for some irresponsible regimes. A perfect example is the recurrent food crisis and dependency in Ethiopia and its mismanagement by successive regimes, Meles Zenawi´s mercenary minority regime being the worst.
The Government of Eritrea (GoE) has always believed that relief assistance (especially food aid) would be actively sought as a temporary measure until national food security was achieved and "should never be seen and pursued as an end or a goal in itself but as a transient instrument that would enhance and expedite the realization of sustainable food security". It´s ongoing efforts and principled stance to "dampen the culture of dependency that free food aid might nurture and " reinforce hard-work ethic" have been maligned and undermined by some in the western media and international NGO community. In hindsight, these measures such as more investment in the agricultural sector and self reliance (which are now being recommended by economists and analysts) have enhanced and vindicated Eritrea´s principled development stance.
Today, much has been achieved in Eritrea towards meeting Eritrea´s food security goals but there is still a long way to go in achieving Eritrea´s goals to make "food of sufficient quantity and acceptable quality readily accessible to all at an affordable price at any time and place within the country". Eritrea´s food security strategy is part and parcel of the overall development strategy and should not be seen in isolation. Let us take a look at some of the Government of Eritrea´s development and food security strategies in greater detail.
I. Development of Infrastructure
The Government and people of Eritrea recognize infrastructure improvements as being vital for achieving Eritrea´s food security strategy. As I traveled throughout Eritrea, one of the most interesting things that I observed and wished could be duplicated throughout Africa was the way Eritreans were building their war torn nation with little foreign aid, relying on Eritrean internal material and human resources. It is quite amazing to see thousands of youth, members of the Eritrean Defense Forces (Eritrea´s Army Core of Engineers) building dams, micro dams, irrigation canals, bridges, highways and roads, ports, jetties, airports, silos, warehouses and more.
II. Soil Conservation and Environmental Protection
After 30 years of aerial bombardments and Ethiopian negligence and scorched earth policies that have devastated Eritrea´s agricultural sector, the Government and people of Eritrea have been working earnestly to rehabilitate the land and conserve soil and water, by introducing new environmental sound farming technologies and methods,
To control and contain soil erosion and environmental degradation, terracing and afforestation programs as well as land reclamation and re-distribution policies were introduced and continue to be implemented. Local populations contribute to the development efforts in their villages. It is quite a sight to see men, women and children, young and old, participating by carrying stones, clearing brushes and building escarpments to preserve soil and water. Tree planting activities have been conducted all over the country with the active participation of all, including students. Eritrean youth and students have planted trees throughout the country as part of the country´s efforts to conserve the environment.
At the Martyrs Park in Asmara, Sawa and more, Diaspora Eritrean "voluntourists" have participated in tree planting activities during their visits to Eritrea. In 1997, presidential candidate Hillary Clinton toured the Martyrs' Cemetery in Eritrea, where she too participated in tree planting. About 75, 000, 000 trees have been planted throughout Eritrea to date.
Eritrea´s soil conservation and environmental protection programs go back to the days of the struggle for independence and were not limited to agricultural lands but extended to Eritrea´s vast coastline. The Manzanar Project begun by Dr. Gordon Sato in 1988 in which artificial mangrove swamps were created by planting mangrove trees along Eritrea´s coastline provided nourishment and shelter for large numbers of fish, shrimp and crab, as well as much needed food rich in proteins for Eritrea´s fighters. After independence, the project continued and expanded providing jobs for the inhabitants of the area, while preserving Eritrea´s coastline.
III. Efficient Harvesting and Management of Water Resources
Recognizing the fact that adequate water supply is critical for overall development and achievement of food security, the Government and people of Eritrea are building dams of various sizes, diversion structures, wells and ponds to collect, conserve and develop water resources in an efficient and effective manner. To date, 790 wells, 131 small, medium and large dams, and 510 micro dams have been built throughout the country to preserve and channel river waters as well as rainwater. They are also actively preparing arable lands in preparation for planting.
IV. Introduction of Modern Irrigation Methods
Reliance on erratic rains coupled with outdated traditional and low technology methods of farming contributed to low agricultural productivity. Enhanced irrigation methods using appropriate agricultural machinery are being introduced to mitigate these drawbacks. While some countries have showed off their vast armaments and weaponry in their national parades, Eritreans everywhere were excited to see the signature blue tractors, huge dozers, plows, excavators, graders, asphalt compactors, haulers, rakes, balers, graders, trenching equipment, trucks, lifts and cranes on parade on the streets of Asmara and elsewhere during national celebrations.
Seeing these modern machineries operated by Eritreans-men and women- all over Eritrea, cutting through stone mountains, leveling and preparing land for planting, working side by side the ox, camel and donkey on the farms, is incredible. According to stats from the Eritrean Ministry of Agriculture, 600 tractors, 30 dozers, 24 loaders make up a long list of heavy-duty farm equipment that have been procured to date.
V. Improved Seeds, Fertilizers and Pesticides
The development and distribution to farmers of improved seeds, extensive use of fertilizers and environmentally accepted pesticides, as well as the utilization of modern, and less labor-intensive weed killers are some of the strategies that the Ministry of Agriculture has employed to improve production. It also continues to improve its ability to manage and carry out effective agricultural research. Since attaining independence in 1991 the GoE has focused on developing its agricultural research capacity. The research aims at improving the productivity and sustainability of horticultural crops and animal production, developing integrated land and water management systems, and exploring moisture conservation and utilization techniques.
In 2003, I visited both the Hamelmalo Agricultural College and the Research Laboratory at the Halhale Research Center where physical and chemical analysis of soil samples from different sources were being conducted. Indigenous and exotic species from all over the country were collected, analyzed and stored and the findings disseminated to farmers to improve outputs. I am sure much progress has been made since.
VI. Fostering Industriousness, Learning Culture and Creating Employment
Much effort has been and continues to be expended to develop human resources through training and sensitization (awareness) campaigns, fostering a higher work ethic and by eradicating debilitating dependency. In the Agricultural sector training has been provided for over 57,660 farmers and employees of the Ministry, of which 19400 were women. 5690 were trained in soil and water conservation, 15376 in crop science and plant protection, 15830 in animal science with 26170 being trained in home economics
In addition, several Agricultural Colleges have been established with curriculums that include animal science, veterinary, crop science, plant protection, horticulture and agricultural engineering. The establishment of major national construction companies scattered throughout the country undertaking infrastructure development projects, building roads, hospitals, housing etc. have generated opportunities for work and training for Eritrea´s youth and the inhabitants of the surrounding areas. Micro-credit programs have enabled farmers and others to establish income-generating enterprises such as chicken farms and small shops.
VII. Mobilization of the Population to Achieve Food Security
The Government of Eritrea has set in motion appropriate processes and mechanisms to mobilize and effectively utilize Eritrea´s national human, physical and financial resources in order to achieve desired results. Much has been written about the Warsai-Yikaalo program for development and the contributions of "Eritrea´s Army Core of Engineers" but it is important to note that the entire population is engaged in the development efforts throughout the country in one form or another.
In May 2007, at Debaisema (Southern Red Sea Zone) adjacent to the Assab-Bure road, I came across inhabitants of the area working together to build a micro dam. They told me that even though the GoE had built a water basin for them, they wanted to expand their access to water by building the micro dams to collect every bit of rainwater for farming and other uses. Village wide development endeavors have become the norm in Eritrea and no longer require government intervention or initiative.
VIII. To Marshal the Resources of the Country to Achieve the Objective
The Government and people of Eritrea recognize that food security is a basic human right and a national security issue. Food production in Eritrea is therefore based on sustainable approaches that use both enhanced traditional farming methods as well as modern technologically advanced methods for increased production. The full participation of all citizens in developing the means for food production - land, water, seed and other resources, introduction of new technologies and micro credit programs as well as effective food distribution networks, ensuring gender equality etc. guarantee access for all and ensure sustainability.
Much effort is also being channeled to improve and enhance overall efficiency and effectiveness through periodic functional review of all Government institutions. Most of all, strict measures are being instituted to root out corruption at all levels.
IX. Market Stabilization and Judicious Regulation of Consumption
Much has been made of the bread subsidies in Eritrea by the western media who seem to forget their own government subsidies to farmers in the US and Europe that have negatively affected farmers in developing nations. It is incumbent on any responsible government to regulate fluctuation in the economy, just as the US Federal Reserve does by manipulating interest rates to stimulate the economy. In Eritrea, the GoE has introduced coupons and cards for purchasing staple foods like oil, rice, and pasta from government centers at reduced prices (Hdri stores). It continues to subsidize bread, whose consumption rate has increased and Eritrean households are using more bread in their everyday diet.
These and other interventions were rebuked by the western media as being interference by the State in the market. Some who were themselves food stamp and welfare recipients of, and dependent on, the US government also joined the anti-Eritrea chorus. The US government has been providing food to low and no income people through its Federal Food Stamp program since 1939 and over 10% of the US population is now living on government handouts-that´s about 30 million people. I suppose when it is the US government that´s dolling out food stamps, it´s somehow more palatable.
As Eritrea celebrates its 17th Indepndence Anniversary on 24 May 2008, the Government and people of Eritrea should be commended for charting a responsible and visionary development program and for relying on hard work, not handouts, to achieve their goals. Hopefully, this crisis will get developing nations, especially those in Africa, to use their resources to develop their food security infrastructures first, before spending their nations worth on superficial luxuries.
From Africa to Asia to Europe and even in the United States, food security, high food prices, and the high cost of fuel dominate the news and everyday conversations and in some countries, these basic bread and butter issues have sparked angry and violent food riots and threatened the very survival of some pro-western "democracies". Increased food demand from rapidly developing nations such as China and India, increased and varied demands of the growing middle class population in these countries, the diversion of producing crops from food to bio-fuels, the decrease in global stocks which at 25-year lows, are pushing prices of staples like wheat, maize and rice to record highs, coupled with high fuel and transportation costs, this food crisis is global, both developing and developed countries are feeling the crunch. Natural disasters last year also reduced cereal harvests.
Conspicuously absent in western media and "expert" discussions are the effects of IMF and World Bank imposed "Structural Adjustment Programs" (attached with conditionalities) that have stifled development in Africa, the predatory practices of transnational corporations, the debilitating effects of foreign aid, the imposition of imbalanced and often damaging commercial and trade rules through the WTO, and regional and bilateral agreements that have contributed to the crisis.
Today, the very systems that promoted "Global Apartheid" are shedding crocodile tears about the world food crisis and are heard issuing self serving warnings and alerts. The World Bank is warning that 33 countries are in danger of political destabilization and internal conflict, while the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is warning that poorest nations faced starvation and civil unrest as a result of a dramatic rise in prices for the foods that underpin their survival. The price for Rice rose 74% in a year, Wheat (130%), Soya (87%) and the price for Corn has doubled. While there may be alternatives to oil, there are no alternatives for food for the hungry.
For its part, the United Nations has warned that millions of people are threatened by hunger around the world because of the recent surge in food prices, which have sparked food riots in several African countries, Indonesia and Haiti and UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon announced on 28 April 2008 that he would head a UN task force to tackle the global food crisis, in an attempt to avert "social unrest on an unprecedented scale". I am not sure what he proposes to do or what solutions he thinks he can conjure up at the 11th hour when the crisis has already unfolded in much of the world. Dolling out food aid through its tentacled humanitarian organizations will only obscure the problems, not find lasting solutions.
In Haiti, at least six people were killed during riots this month as protests against rising food prices and the high cost of living turned violent. Haiti´s Prime Minister Jacques Edouard was fired on 12 April 2008 amidst the turmoil. The UN and donors are scurrying to find the resources needed to stem public unrest, which will inevitably push Haitians to flee seeking refuge- many to the US. It should be recalled that the much-publicized Ethiopian famines of the early 70s in Wollo and Tigray provinces, first exposed internationally by the English journalist Jonathan Dimbleby, led to the downfall of Emperor Haile Selassie´s reign. The global food crisis today will undoubtedly affect many such regimes that have ignored or deliberately covered up the economic and food crisis brewing in their countries. In an article published on 7 April 2008, Time magazine noted:
"…The idea of the starving masses driven by their desperation to take to the streets and overthrow the ancien regime has seemed impossibly quaint since capitalism triumphed so decisively in the Cold War... And yet, the headlines of the past month suggest that skyrocketing food prices are threatening the stability of a growing number of governments around the world…"
Today, no amount of spin can camouflage Meles Zenawi´s flawed economic policies in Ethiopia that recently boasted of 11% growth (in 2007) only to turn around and claim of "set backs" due to the global food crisis. But Haiti is not alone in this crisis. A cursory look at the headlines will show the global reach of this crisis, which hits every home in every nation:
"…Some prices of basic food stuffs have gone up as much as 600 percent. People are suffering. There´s no question about it. People are really struggling. The government [minority TPLF regime] is trying to implement subsidy programs throughout the country. They´ve increased the food aid request from the international community. The United States is just about to increase by $100 million the amount of food aid it´s giving to Ethiopia this year…"- (Peter Heinlein reporting from Ethiopia, Voice of America 28 April 2008)
"…The U.S.-funded Famine Early Warning Systems Network has sounded the alarm that parts of Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia are teetering on the edge of famine because of drought and political turbulence that has driven thousands of farmers off their land…"- (The Star, an on-line magazine report, 30 April 2008)
"…Mozambique's president said on Tuesday the country would be hard hit by global food price rises if it does not boost agricultural output…Mozambique will need to import at least 1.25 million tonnes of maize, wheat and rice by August to cover food shortages caused by floods since February …At least 150,000 people in the country were in urgent need of food aid after severe floods in the centre of the country…Mozambique has already faced unrest over living costs…At least six people were killed in protests that erupted in February over high fuel prices and other costs…"- (Reuters 30 April 2008)
"…A severe food crisis in Afghanistan - caused by rising wheat prices - threatens to further destabilise an already deeply troubled country…"- (BBC 29 April 2008)
"…Extensive drought and high inflation in the northern Togdheer region of the self-declared republic of Somaliland have pushed many families, both nomadic and urban, to the brink of starvation… About 350,000 people live in the Togdheer area… Conditions in Somalia have worsened to their lowest point in many years, and the prospects for Somalis are among the very bleakest in the world…"-(IRIN 30 April 2008)
"…Afghanistan has very poorly developed markets, bad roads. It's very expensive to get food to remote parts of the country and people are very poor, so whatever the challenges other countries are facing they are particularly difficult in Afghanistan…"-(Tony Banbury, the Asia regional director for the UN WFP)
"…More than 1,000 people, some carrying empty rice sacks, have marched through Senegal's capital Dakar to protest against rising food prices. Abdoulaye Wade, Senegal's president, announced an ambitious plan last week to increase rice production five-fold to 500,000 tonnes in a season…Senegal imports more than 80 per cent of its rice, which is a daily staple…Many people say the measures taken by Wade are not enough to prevent rice from becoming a luxury…They accuse Wade of focusing on glamorous infrastructure projects to the detriment of his people's more basic needs…"-(Al Jazeera 27 April 2007)
"…Discontent in Senegal´s capital Dakar, where millions depend on imported rice and foodstuffs, has increased in lockstep with rising global food and utility prices. The government has touted a "self-sufficiency" rice growing campaign as its answer to people´s problems, but experts say the scheme is flawed…under the new plan the government says it will increase rice production to 600,000 metric tonnes (mt) annually - up from the current 100,000 mt…This marks a shift in government strategy, which since the 1970s has shown an unwillingness to invest in agricultural development… What high-quality rice Senegal currently does produce is exported, leaving the country heavily import-dependent… The country has the right environmental conditions for high yields… there are 250,000 hectares of irrigable land in the north of Senegal and in Casamance in the south…"-(IRIN 28 April 2008)
"…President Paul Biya has blamed the opposition for violence which has left at least seven dead in Cameroon…Protests, sparked by a fuel price rise, continued despite a government decision to scale back the increase…Police tear gassed stone-throwing youths in the capital, Yaounde, who had set up burning barricades…Protesters are demanding more cuts in the price of food and fuel…Police in Douala clashed with some 2,000 protesters as they tried to cross a bridge, causing about 20 to fall into the river below…"-(BBC 28 February 2008)
"…Humanitarian agencies in Sri Lanka are preparing for the fallout as increasing food prices and shortages put vulnerable populations at risk of malnutrition…Rice stocks have dwindled since the government imposed price controls on 17 April. In addition, the World Food Programme (WFP) has temporarily suspended its work for food project in the war-torn northeast due to a lack of resources…"- (IRIN 30 April 2008)
"… in Bangladesh, garment workers — producers of the nation's key export — went on strike over food prices, clashing with police. The hunger is biting into Bangladesh's urban middle-class…In the rural villages, farmers are hanging onto crops they might have sold to feed themselves. City people without land are now using what savings they have to buy foodpeople who used to take rice three times a day are going without a meal…"- (The Age, 19 April 2008)
"…Pakistan has advanced from 14th to 6th place among the countries entrapped in serious food crises…"-(Pakistan´s The Post 02 May 2008)
"…In Egypt, protests by workers over food prices rocked the textile center of Mahalla al-Kobra, north of Cairo, for two days last week, with two people shot dead by security forces. Hundreds were arrested, and the government sent plainclothes police into the factories to force workers to work. Food prices in Egypt have risen by 40 percent in the past year…"-(Bill van Auken 30 April 2008)
"…Earlier this month, in the Ivory Coast, thousands marched on the home of President Laurent Gbagbo, chanting "we are hungry" and "life is too expensive, you are going to kill us." The country has seen food prices soar by between 30 percent and 60 percent from one week to the next. Police broke up the protest with tear gas and batons, injuring over a dozen people…"(Bill Van Auken, Global Research 30 April 2008)
"…While many are worrying about filling their gas tanks, many others around the world are struggling to fill their stomachs, and it is getting more and more difficult every day…"- World Bank President Robert B. Zoellick
Etc. etc.
There is even talk about the food price hikes forcing aid agencies out of business leaving aid dependent nations, such as Ethiopia, with little or no recourse. The developing world finds itself at a great disadvantage, as it is ill prepared (no infrastructure, no resources allocated for food production) to tackle the issue any time soon. Measures being taken by the wealthy industrialized nations will not solve the underlining problems of poverty and development, but rather, will exacerbate them. It is for this reason that I decided to explore the grassroots strategies being implemented in Eritrea where food security has been the Government of Eritrea´s top priority since independence. The Government and people of Eritrea have invested a lot of resources to increase agricultural output and have made some notable progress.
Food aid undermines local production, destroys local food systems and undermines the dignity of the people, creates markets for multinationals and undermines national interests and efforts, creates debilitating dependency, camouflages or masks systemic internal problems and issues and creates opportunities for corruption, which can be used for short term political gains for some irresponsible regimes. A perfect example is the recurrent food crisis and dependency in Ethiopia and its mismanagement by successive regimes, Meles Zenawi´s mercenary minority regime being the worst.
The Government of Eritrea (GoE) has always believed that relief assistance (especially food aid) would be actively sought as a temporary measure until national food security was achieved and "should never be seen and pursued as an end or a goal in itself but as a transient instrument that would enhance and expedite the realization of sustainable food security". It´s ongoing efforts and principled stance to "dampen the culture of dependency that free food aid might nurture and " reinforce hard-work ethic" have been maligned and undermined by some in the western media and international NGO community. In hindsight, these measures such as more investment in the agricultural sector and self reliance (which are now being recommended by economists and analysts) have enhanced and vindicated Eritrea´s principled development stance.
Today, much has been achieved in Eritrea towards meeting Eritrea´s food security goals but there is still a long way to go in achieving Eritrea´s goals to make "food of sufficient quantity and acceptable quality readily accessible to all at an affordable price at any time and place within the country". Eritrea´s food security strategy is part and parcel of the overall development strategy and should not be seen in isolation. Let us take a look at some of the Government of Eritrea´s development and food security strategies in greater detail.
I. Development of Infrastructure
The Government and people of Eritrea recognize infrastructure improvements as being vital for achieving Eritrea´s food security strategy. As I traveled throughout Eritrea, one of the most interesting things that I observed and wished could be duplicated throughout Africa was the way Eritreans were building their war torn nation with little foreign aid, relying on Eritrean internal material and human resources. It is quite amazing to see thousands of youth, members of the Eritrean Defense Forces (Eritrea´s Army Core of Engineers) building dams, micro dams, irrigation canals, bridges, highways and roads, ports, jetties, airports, silos, warehouses and more.
II. Soil Conservation and Environmental Protection
After 30 years of aerial bombardments and Ethiopian negligence and scorched earth policies that have devastated Eritrea´s agricultural sector, the Government and people of Eritrea have been working earnestly to rehabilitate the land and conserve soil and water, by introducing new environmental sound farming technologies and methods,
To control and contain soil erosion and environmental degradation, terracing and afforestation programs as well as land reclamation and re-distribution policies were introduced and continue to be implemented. Local populations contribute to the development efforts in their villages. It is quite a sight to see men, women and children, young and old, participating by carrying stones, clearing brushes and building escarpments to preserve soil and water. Tree planting activities have been conducted all over the country with the active participation of all, including students. Eritrean youth and students have planted trees throughout the country as part of the country´s efforts to conserve the environment.
At the Martyrs Park in Asmara, Sawa and more, Diaspora Eritrean "voluntourists" have participated in tree planting activities during their visits to Eritrea. In 1997, presidential candidate Hillary Clinton toured the Martyrs' Cemetery in Eritrea, where she too participated in tree planting. About 75, 000, 000 trees have been planted throughout Eritrea to date.
Eritrea´s soil conservation and environmental protection programs go back to the days of the struggle for independence and were not limited to agricultural lands but extended to Eritrea´s vast coastline. The Manzanar Project begun by Dr. Gordon Sato in 1988 in which artificial mangrove swamps were created by planting mangrove trees along Eritrea´s coastline provided nourishment and shelter for large numbers of fish, shrimp and crab, as well as much needed food rich in proteins for Eritrea´s fighters. After independence, the project continued and expanded providing jobs for the inhabitants of the area, while preserving Eritrea´s coastline.
III. Efficient Harvesting and Management of Water Resources
Recognizing the fact that adequate water supply is critical for overall development and achievement of food security, the Government and people of Eritrea are building dams of various sizes, diversion structures, wells and ponds to collect, conserve and develop water resources in an efficient and effective manner. To date, 790 wells, 131 small, medium and large dams, and 510 micro dams have been built throughout the country to preserve and channel river waters as well as rainwater. They are also actively preparing arable lands in preparation for planting.
IV. Introduction of Modern Irrigation Methods
Reliance on erratic rains coupled with outdated traditional and low technology methods of farming contributed to low agricultural productivity. Enhanced irrigation methods using appropriate agricultural machinery are being introduced to mitigate these drawbacks. While some countries have showed off their vast armaments and weaponry in their national parades, Eritreans everywhere were excited to see the signature blue tractors, huge dozers, plows, excavators, graders, asphalt compactors, haulers, rakes, balers, graders, trenching equipment, trucks, lifts and cranes on parade on the streets of Asmara and elsewhere during national celebrations.
Seeing these modern machineries operated by Eritreans-men and women- all over Eritrea, cutting through stone mountains, leveling and preparing land for planting, working side by side the ox, camel and donkey on the farms, is incredible. According to stats from the Eritrean Ministry of Agriculture, 600 tractors, 30 dozers, 24 loaders make up a long list of heavy-duty farm equipment that have been procured to date.
V. Improved Seeds, Fertilizers and Pesticides
The development and distribution to farmers of improved seeds, extensive use of fertilizers and environmentally accepted pesticides, as well as the utilization of modern, and less labor-intensive weed killers are some of the strategies that the Ministry of Agriculture has employed to improve production. It also continues to improve its ability to manage and carry out effective agricultural research. Since attaining independence in 1991 the GoE has focused on developing its agricultural research capacity. The research aims at improving the productivity and sustainability of horticultural crops and animal production, developing integrated land and water management systems, and exploring moisture conservation and utilization techniques.
In 2003, I visited both the Hamelmalo Agricultural College and the Research Laboratory at the Halhale Research Center where physical and chemical analysis of soil samples from different sources were being conducted. Indigenous and exotic species from all over the country were collected, analyzed and stored and the findings disseminated to farmers to improve outputs. I am sure much progress has been made since.
VI. Fostering Industriousness, Learning Culture and Creating Employment
Much effort has been and continues to be expended to develop human resources through training and sensitization (awareness) campaigns, fostering a higher work ethic and by eradicating debilitating dependency. In the Agricultural sector training has been provided for over 57,660 farmers and employees of the Ministry, of which 19400 were women. 5690 were trained in soil and water conservation, 15376 in crop science and plant protection, 15830 in animal science with 26170 being trained in home economics
In addition, several Agricultural Colleges have been established with curriculums that include animal science, veterinary, crop science, plant protection, horticulture and agricultural engineering. The establishment of major national construction companies scattered throughout the country undertaking infrastructure development projects, building roads, hospitals, housing etc. have generated opportunities for work and training for Eritrea´s youth and the inhabitants of the surrounding areas. Micro-credit programs have enabled farmers and others to establish income-generating enterprises such as chicken farms and small shops.
VII. Mobilization of the Population to Achieve Food Security
The Government of Eritrea has set in motion appropriate processes and mechanisms to mobilize and effectively utilize Eritrea´s national human, physical and financial resources in order to achieve desired results. Much has been written about the Warsai-Yikaalo program for development and the contributions of "Eritrea´s Army Core of Engineers" but it is important to note that the entire population is engaged in the development efforts throughout the country in one form or another.
In May 2007, at Debaisema (Southern Red Sea Zone) adjacent to the Assab-Bure road, I came across inhabitants of the area working together to build a micro dam. They told me that even though the GoE had built a water basin for them, they wanted to expand their access to water by building the micro dams to collect every bit of rainwater for farming and other uses. Village wide development endeavors have become the norm in Eritrea and no longer require government intervention or initiative.
VIII. To Marshal the Resources of the Country to Achieve the Objective
The Government and people of Eritrea recognize that food security is a basic human right and a national security issue. Food production in Eritrea is therefore based on sustainable approaches that use both enhanced traditional farming methods as well as modern technologically advanced methods for increased production. The full participation of all citizens in developing the means for food production - land, water, seed and other resources, introduction of new technologies and micro credit programs as well as effective food distribution networks, ensuring gender equality etc. guarantee access for all and ensure sustainability.
Much effort is also being channeled to improve and enhance overall efficiency and effectiveness through periodic functional review of all Government institutions. Most of all, strict measures are being instituted to root out corruption at all levels.
IX. Market Stabilization and Judicious Regulation of Consumption
Much has been made of the bread subsidies in Eritrea by the western media who seem to forget their own government subsidies to farmers in the US and Europe that have negatively affected farmers in developing nations. It is incumbent on any responsible government to regulate fluctuation in the economy, just as the US Federal Reserve does by manipulating interest rates to stimulate the economy. In Eritrea, the GoE has introduced coupons and cards for purchasing staple foods like oil, rice, and pasta from government centers at reduced prices (Hdri stores). It continues to subsidize bread, whose consumption rate has increased and Eritrean households are using more bread in their everyday diet.
These and other interventions were rebuked by the western media as being interference by the State in the market. Some who were themselves food stamp and welfare recipients of, and dependent on, the US government also joined the anti-Eritrea chorus. The US government has been providing food to low and no income people through its Federal Food Stamp program since 1939 and over 10% of the US population is now living on government handouts-that´s about 30 million people. I suppose when it is the US government that´s dolling out food stamps, it´s somehow more palatable.
As Eritrea celebrates its 17th Indepndence Anniversary on 24 May 2008, the Government and people of Eritrea should be commended for charting a responsible and visionary development program and for relying on hard work, not handouts, to achieve their goals. Hopefully, this crisis will get developing nations, especially those in Africa, to use their resources to develop their food security infrastructures first, before spending their nations worth on superficial luxuries.
