Eritrea became formally independent in 1993 but, in practice, has been involved in a border conflict with Ethiopia, as the border between the two countries has only been drawn up on paper but never on the ground. This, combined with a border conflict with Djibouti and restrictions on private enterprise and imports, has led to serious socio-economic challenges for the people of Eritrea, where the GDP per capita is 300 USD per year (UNICEF 2008).
The government's policy is one of self-help, rather than dependence on aid. The number of international NGOs in Eritrea can be counted on one hand and there are, in addition, two national organisations.
Eritrean authorities are, however, willing to cooperate with NGOs in certain areas. Access to water and sanitation, where there still are major unmet needs, is a high priority for authorities, as well as measures related to climate change adaptation and access to renewable energy. Rights related to health are also central, including the struggle against female genital mutilation.
Our work
Renewable energy and emissions reduction: Norwegian Church Aid is increasing its efforts to provide the population in selected areas with access to renewable energy, such as solar energy and biogas, both at the household level and in local institutions, such as schools and health clinics. In addition, Norwegian Church Aid prioritizes the use of pumps powered by solar energy related to water supply and energy-saving stoves.
Climate change adaptation: Norwegian Church Aid implements a number of different climate change adaptation measures in close cooperation with local authorities. Conservation of soil and water resources, tree planting and improved living conditions for the population through varied agricultural practices and animal husbandry are key strategies. We place emphasis on local ownership of projects and the participation of both women and men. This is important both in order to succeed and to ensure sustainability.
Water, sanitation and hygiene: Norwegian Church Aid has done a great deal of work in Eritrea within this programme area. Our goal is that 60% of the population in our areas of operation will have access to clean drinking water by 2015. In terms of sanitary measures, we will, in cooperation with local authorities, look into which sustainable, low-cost measures can be implemented and provide health benefits.
Gender-based violence: Eritrea has adopted a law against female genital mutilation. Norwegian Church Aid will provide support during the implementation period by mobilising communities, both women and men, involving religious and traditional leaders and providing training and capacity building regarding the underlying causes of female genital mutilation.
Social mitigation of HIV and AIDS: Our goal is to improve the quality of life for people living with or affected by HIV and AIDS. We do this partly through income-generating measures and psychosocial support. Households in which women are the main breadwinners are prioritised in particular. The programme is conducted in cooperation with the Women's Union and Youth Union.
Coordination through the ACT Alliance
Today the ACT Alliance in Eritrea consists of only two members: Norwegian Church Aid and the Lutheran World Federation (LWF)/World Service. We are working to develop a closer cooperation under the ACT Alliance.