In addition to conflict with neighboring Ethiopia between 1998 and 2000, continuing drought had compounded the humanitarian situation in Eritrea. With rains below average, crop failures and livestock losses have been widespread.

Since the country is dependent upon agriculture, an estimated that 1.7 million people (40% of the population) were unable to feed themselves in 2004. Between 2003 and 2005, CHF International, in partnership with local partner Haben, a respected Eritrean NGO, improved access to water and community infrastructure for war- and drought-affected communities in two regions. Through this work, more than 16,000 people gained increased access to potable water sources.

In the spring of 2003, we began a pilot water supply project in the village of Bambi to increase the storage capacity of the dam and constructed check dams to decrease the amount of water loss. These projects alone doubled the amount of water available to the village. After the success of the Bambi project, we began work on similar programs in five additional communities.

As these projects progressed, we began additional projects, such as rehabilitation of irrigation systems, construction of latrines, and improvement of water retaining systems as the needs of each community became apparent. These programs included a training aspect, wherein community residents received training in safe water handling and good sanitation and hygiene practices, as well as assistance in developing a management plan for the infrastructure improvements made. Read CHF's fact sheet about Eritrea.