After Eritrea gained its independence in 1994, the Centre for
International Cooperation (MASHAV), a Department within the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs, was assigned with the task of sending a survey team in
order to examine the possibilities of assisting the refugees, as well as
the recently demobilized soldiers of the newly independent country, to
settle down on farm land and start a new productive life. The concept was
to create a centre where the technologies developed by Israel in
agriculture could be displayed, and where the local farmers could receive
the adequate training in order to enable them to implement the
technologies on their own farms, thus improving their crops, both in
quality and in quantity.
Preparations for the project were completed by late 1995 and agricultural
cultivation activities began in early 1996. These included the planting
and harvesting of different varieties of fruits and vegetables, all for
the local market.
Participants in the project applied the knowledge
acquired in operating machinery and running the farm. They had the
opportunity to cultivate different plots with various types of seeds,
while integrating the social and organizational aspects of the projects.
As the time for harvesting the produce of the land approached, the
necessity to market the crops in Asmara became manifest. An intensive
marketing campaign was launched, as the vegetables were new and completely
unknown to Eritrean consumers. This campaign included public tastings of
the new produce, handing out recipes in Tigrigna and in English and media
coverage, as well as the free distribution of the produce.
In order to introduce these new products, the public was invited to a
tasting day held at the University of Asmara, where food was prepared by
the staff of the Israel Embassy and recipes were printed in both English
and Tigrigna and distributed to the public. Free distribution of the new
crops was also initiated in the capital city, from distribution to the
international community, hotels and restaurants to its being handed out
free to the public. Site tours to the project have also been instituted,
in order to acquaint the public with the project and to sell Gahtelai
produce to interested visitors. The income from sales of farm produce is
divided in such a way as to sustain the participants and their families,
as well as to provide a susbstantial investment towards operating the
farm.
Scarcity of water is one of the main problems the project has to cope
with, since a reliable source, as well as additional quantities of water,
are still necessary both on a day-to-day use basis and for future
expansion. This involves alloting two hectares of land to each member
having completed two years' training. In order to be prepared for future
expansion, a large structure for storing the produce has been built. This
building will also serve as a packing house for export. A garage was also
erected to protect the heavy equipment, and also serves as a central
storage place for farm equipment and as a covered area for maintenance
work.
The main challenge facing the Gahtelai Project in the near future shall be
the marketing of the produce for export. Initial contacts have already
been made with wholesalers in several overseas markets. Samples of the
produce will be sent overseas, to make potential customers aware of the
quality of the fruit and vegetables. An intensive training programme is
being conducted throughout the year, geared to train local farmers.
Several groups of trainees have already completed courses and are ready to
implement the training they have received.