Eritrea

Integrated Context
Eritrea’s environmental conditions are defined by arid and semi-arid landscapes, where water scarcity and climate variability are central to both livelihoods and long-term development. Most rural households depend on rain-fed agriculture and livestock, making them particularly exposed to drought cycles and shifts in seasonal rainfall. In recent years, land degradation and deforestation have further reduced soil fertility and weakened the land’s ability to retain moisture, increasing the vulnerability of already fragile farming systems.

Looking ahead, climate change is expected to intensify these challenges. Higher temperatures and more unpredictable rainfall patterns  will likely reduce crop yields, place additional pressure on water resources, and increase the frequency of climate-related  shocks. In this context, adaptation is not a single intervention but a set of practical, locally grounded measures—centered on improving water access, restoring degraded land, and strengthening the resilience of rural production systems.

At the same time, long-term progress will depend on strengthening environmental governance and investing in basic rural infrastructure. Supporting communities with the tools and systems to manage water and land more effectively will be critical to building resilience in Eritrea’s dryland ecosystems.