Foundation
DCG Eritrea was founded following a seminar in Asmara in March 2001. During this seminar, participants agreed that a coordinated effort to improve living conditions in the drylands of Eritrea was needed along with a minimization of duplication of work and better resource management.

Mission
DCG Eritrea aims to:

• Identify and prioritize research areas
• Select and define areas of activities
• Create awareness and training through workshops, seminars, and other media
• Develop and disseminate reports
• Create linkages between different stakeholders
• Improve research relevant to dryland areas
• Administer funds, monitor and follow-up activities

Member organizations

• National Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), the research department and focal point of the CCD
• Regional MoA, in the Gash Barka region and the Northern Red Sea Zone
• The College of Agriculture and Aquatic Sciences (CAAS)
• National Confederation of Eritrean Workers (NCEW)
• Norwegian Church Aid (NCA)
• The University of Asmara (CA)

Structure
DCG Eritrea has a contact person Amanuel Negassi Hagos (amanueln at moa.gov.er).

The highest authority in DCG Eritrea is the Board which is led by a chairperson. The Board is composed of 8 members from participating institutions. The Board holds 12 regular meetings a year and extraordinary meetings may be held upon request.

Situation
Climate is very variable throughout the country and rainfall distribution and amount is erratic and unreliable. Thus, rainfall distribution and amount determine the farming system. In general, agricultural productivity is low since it is predominantly characterized by traditional, rain-fed, subsistence farming. The agricultural sector has been affected by environmental degradation, war, and recurrent droughts.

DCG Eritrea activities
Here are a few examples of activities carried out by DCG Eritrea:

• Workshop on Bridging the Gap Between Research, Extension and the Farmer in Eritrea (see DCG Proceedings 21)
• Baseline Study on Crop Husbandry, In-situ Conservation and Informal Seed Supply System in Eritrea (see DCG Report 45)
• On-Farm Storage of Chickpea, Sorghum, and Wheat in Eritrea (see DCG Report 42)

Relevant articles for Eritrea from external sources

(Sources: Proceedings from a seminar on the formation of the Drylands Coordination Group in Eritrea Hosted by the National Confederation of Eritrean Workers (NCEW). March 26th-28h 2001, and DCG Eritrea).