Climate change has always been one among several push factors for internal displacement and cross-border migration in Eritrea and in the other countries in the East and Horn of Arica region. The Eritrean Government tries to face such a situation -and continues its efforts to reduce Eritrean migration- by working towards bringing a drastic solution to water scarcity problems in the country. The Government’s policy focuses on water and soil conservation in the framework of a Sustainable Integrated Growth that involves all socio-economic sectors.

Numerous dams and reservoirs have been -and are being- built throughout the country: Gerset, Fanco, Gahtelay, Kerkebet are some of the most important ones. The large amount of water collected is to be utilized for important agro-industrial projects that are expected to highly contribute in the country’s economic development, and thus help reduce migration from Eritrea. Several hectares of land -already distributed to volunteers- have started to produce cereals and fruits. 

The government hopes that the on-going Sustainable Integrated Growth projects will give opportunities for the Eritrean youth to see a bright future in their own country, instead of following false dreams of reaching Europe.