Shabait.com (Asmara)
14 November 2008
Asmara — As a result of the climatic fluctuations in the greater part of the Horn of Africa, most parts of our country received inadequate rains in the summer of 2008. Nonetheless, since the Government of Eritrea gave serious consideration to the early warning predictions and made the necessary provisions, the effects of this natural challenge in Eritrea have not been as drastic as in other places.
Still, despite the aforementioned advantage our agricultural activities are to date largely dependent on rain and our region has always been prone to recurrent natural challenges. It is also important to note that there remains a lot to be done in the present infrastructure development endeavors being undertaken to transform the rain-dependent traditional farming methods into modern technological farming. Moreover, it will require considerable amount of time and funds to map out effective, sustainable and scientific agricultural programs. Under such circumstances, it is imperative that we use efficiently the harvest we have been able to collect due to our hard work and competent development strategy so that it can serve us in overcoming future natural challenges and their outcome. Hence, collaborative efforts of the people and members of the Defense Force are underway so as to enable efficient utilization of the crops harvested in 2008 without any unnecessary waste. The objective of this important endeavor is to ensure equitable distribution of the crop output among all sections of the society. Sharing resources amongst one another both in times of trouble and plenty is one of the unique Eritrean values.
Although various definitions can be attached to the meaning of economic emancipation, it's very essence lies in achieving food security and thereby guaranteeing national security. Because, if a given people are unable to achieve food security and avoid dependence on others, they could never have political or economic freedom. That is why food security is directly related to national security. Realizing this fact early on, the people and Government of Eritrea avoided the culture of dependence and handouts and chose to pursue a development strategy based on self-reliance. The experience, knowledge, work ethics and discipline that have been nurtured in pursuing such a development strategy has enabled Eritrea to stand firmly on its own feet and be distinguished from among other developing countries.
Hence, at such a promising stage of development, the entire Eritrean people, administrative bodies, members of Defense Forces and government bodies should strive hard in their respective fields to effectively implement projects the government has drawn up so that we can ensure the bright future which is almost within our grasp. We should also maintain and strengthen our values of sharing our resources with one another so as to overcome the natural challenges that come our way by incurring only minor losses.
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