DWS Country Programs
Eritrea
New smokeless, energy efficiency stoves consume less wood, resulting in less deforestation and time spent gathering fuel. ©LWF/DWS Eritrea/A. Fisseha |
In partnership with the Evangelical Church of Eritrea, LWF/DWS worked with vulnerable communities long before the country's independence in 1993, and continues its commitment to working with the most vulnerable communities in those parts of Eritrea where no other humanitarian organizations are present.
The Eritrea Program emphasizes community development, women's and children's rights, building social infrastructure, combating HIV/AIDS and responding to persistent emergencies. The DWS holistic approach seeks to link emergency preparedness, response, and rehabilitation with sustainable development.
The effects of recurring drought result in crop failure, loss of livestock, and chronic and acute malnutrition that is increasing especially among women of reproductive age. Lack of safe access to clean water is a major threat to the health and lives of most communities. Coping mechanisms and safety nets that would normally prevent starvation have been eroded leaving two thirds of the population of almost four million living below the poverty line.
The border conflict with Ethiopia, which erupted into warfare in 1998-2000, remains an unresolved crisis. Even with the presence of a UN peacekeeping force, the resettlement of refugees and internally displaced persons and the rebuilding of communities are complicated and tenuous undertakings in a persistent context of no-war-no-peace.
Rural Community Development Program
A man from Korbaria village harvests his vegetables having benefited from a local irrigation project. © LWF/DWS Eritrea/A. Fisseha |
The Rural Community Development Program of Eritrea aims to improve the capacity of local community groups for self-development by developing community action, self-confidence, and the competence of the population to take charge of their own development. Project work in central and southern Eritrea is now shifting to the Western Lowlands, where a new project began in 2003 with the involvement of many traditionally nomadic communities. The work includes soil and water conservation projects, forestry, sanitation facilities development, and small credit schemes for income generation. Additional measures aim to assist the population with improved water-supply systems, feeder-road development and irrigation infrastructure.
Social Infrastructure Development Program
The Social Infrastructure Development Program seeks to improve children's access to school, a major problem in rural Eritrea. DWS Eritrea has constructed schools in the rural areas and has engaged in a project fostering girls' participation in education.
Relief and Rehabilitation
The DWS Eritrea Program has been the implementing partner of ACT and other related agencies in responding to recurring drought and hunger, providing food supplies and relief commodities, and operating a supplementary feeding program and water supply projects. The enduring impact of the border conflict with Ethiopia compounds the emergency needs, particularly in assisting refugees, internally displaced persons and expellees.
Web site of the LWF/DWS Eritrea program.
For further information please contact:
Mr Michael Hyden, Program Officer
Local representative
Ms Akberet Fre, Acting Representative
