Eritrea’s Anseba Women’s Union Drives Grassroots Environmental and Livelihood Programmes

From afforestation to poultry farming, the regional branch is empowering women through community-led development initiatives

The National Union of Eritrean Women’s Anseba Region branch is making steady strides in improving women’s livelihoods and expanding their role in development programmes, working hand-in-hand with partner organisations across the region.

The update was shared by Ms. Tirhas Nirayo, head of socio-economic affairs and projects at the union branch, who outlined a broad range of initiatives spanning environmental conservation, food security, and agricultural training.

16 Years of Environmental Conservation Work

Over the past 16 years, the Anseba branch has built a strong track record in water and soil conservation, afforestation, and biodiversity enhancement. Active tree-planting programmes are currently underway across multiple communities, including Mihlab, Ira, Debresina, Wara, Deki-Gebru, Gebgabo, Liban, and Habrengeka, with union members directly involved in on-the-ground implementation.

The sustained commitment to environmental restoration reflects the union’s broader understanding that ecological health and women’s economic wellbeing are closely intertwined in rural Eritrea.

Backyard Poultry Farming Boosts Household Nutrition

As part of efforts to strengthen food security and ensure access to nutritious meals at the household level, the union branch has introduced backyard poultry farming initiatives in the sub-zones of Elaberet and Adi-Tekelezan. Women participating in the programme have received dedicated training in poultry farming practices, complemented by financial support designed to help them scale up their activities over time.

Beekeeping Training Expands Agricultural Opportunities

Beyond poultry, the branch has also organised beekeeping training for farmers, broadening the range of income-generating activities available to women in the region. The initiative adds another strand to the union’s growing portfolio of agricultural support, aimed at building more resilient and diversified rural livelihoods across the Anseba Region.