Sesame is among the cash crops that generate the majority of Eritrea’s agricultural economy and foreign trade. The country’s climate and soil are favorable to sesame cultivation, and its production is on the rise every year. The quality of the Eritrean sesame is fine and forms a significant export product, whose main destinations are Middle Eastern and Asian countries. However, although it is significant, the sesame industry is plagued by a number of problems, including climate change, economic constraints, and infrastructural drawbacks. This article talks about the sesame enterprise in Eritrea, beginning from production, followed by exportation and its impact on the economy of the country.

Eritrea produces around 5.07 million kilograms of sesame per year, ranking number 43 in the global production list of sesame.Sesame is grown in Eritrea on 52,000 hectares of land, mostly in the Gash-Barka zone.

Sesame export is a significant contributor to foreign exchange earnings for Eritrea, and China, the Middle East, and Europe are major consumers.

The sesame industry provides jobs for thousands of Eritrean farmers and workers.

Global warming, trade barriers, and processing capacity constraints are major issues confronting the sesame industry.

Government intervention is directed towards sustainable agriculture, irrigation projects, and market access to boost sesame production.

The global sesame market is growing by nearly 5% annually, and this presents opportunities for the export of Eritrean sesame.

Eritrea’s diverse agro-climatic zones have the ability to grow a diversity of crops, and sesame can be grown with ease in the semi-arid and lowlands of Eritrea. Sesame is drought-resistant and thereby is highly possible to cultivate in the climatic conditions of Eritrea, particularly in Gash-Barka and in the western lowlands receiving 400-600mm of annual rainfall.

 Most cultivated varieties of sesame in Eritrea include:

• White Sesame: Much sought for its oil potential and utilized mostly in the world food market.
• Brown Sesame: Widely utilized owing to its strong flavor and utilized considerably in tahini and sesame oil production.
• Black Sesame: Less available but much sought because of its heavy nutrient value and traditional medicinal application.

Usually begun at the start of the rainy season (June-July) so that plants will have sufficient moisture to build deep root structures. Lasts for about 90 to 120 days, during which the farmers maintain weeding and monitor the condition of the plants. Takes place in October-November when the plants dry and the seeds mature. Both hand farming and machine farming are used in the cultivation of sesame, where local farmers utilize practical hand labor and mechanized farms use advanced machinery in an effort to increase efficiency. 

Sesame Export and Trade Market- Eritrea is a global competitor in the production of sesame. Sesame is among the country’s largest agricultural exports and earns humongous foreign exchange revenues. Eritrean sesame is exported to various export markets around the world, including:

• China: It is one of the largest purchasers of Eritrean sesame and uses it primarily in the production of sesame oil.
• Middle Eastern Nations: Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are amongst the key consumers of large quantities of sesame for consumption in items such as confectionery and tahini.
• Europe: Some European countries import sesame seeds from Eritrea to be incorporated in bakery products as well as health foods.
• Levels of Production: The production level of Eritrea fluctuates between 30,000 and 50,000 metric tons per annum depending on seasonal periods.
• Export Revenue: Export revenue for the sesame industry is a key foreign exchange earner of Eritrea, generating millions of dollars’ worth of revenue annually.
• Global Demand: Global demand for sesame is rising steadily by nearly 5% annually, primarily in Asia and the Middle East.

• Contribution to Eritrea’s Economy: Sesame is a valuable resource of the Eritrean economy, particularly rural, where practice farming is the most common method of living. Key contributions include:
• Job provision: Sesame cultivation provides employment opportunity for Eritrea’s thousands of farmers, laborers, and businessmen.
• Foreign exchange earned: Export of sesame makes it possible for Eritrea to earn invaluable foreign currency that is needed for the import and also to make their economy autonomous.
• Smallholder Farmer Development: The majority of small farmers are able to benefit from sesame production as it does not require significant capital to begin and is highly rewarding.

Apart from being an economic good, sesame has cultural and social significance in Eritrea. Sesame is consumed as part of traditional meals, roasted seeds and sesame oil being common condiments of Eritrean meals. Sesame foods such as tahini and halvah are also popular in Eritrean households.

• Climate Change and Environment- The Eritrean sesame industry is vulnerable to climate change, with unpredictable rainfall patterns and extended droughts affecting production. Soil erosion and desertification pose threats to agricultural productivity in key sesame-producing regions.
• Infrastructure and Market Access- Limited access to improved farm machinery and transportation infrastructure are key constraints. Poor rural roads for the farming locations hinders the delivery of sesame to processing zones and port of exports.
• Trade Barriers and Economic Constraints- Although sesame is an exportable commodity of high value, access limitation and trade restrictions have under-covered the potential of Eritrea in expanding sesame exports. Economic sanctions and diplomatic limitations over recent years have shortened the export horizon of the country.
• Limited Processing Capacity- Most of Eritrea’s sesame is shipped out in raw seed form and not as value-added products such as sesame oil or tahini. By not having local processing plants, the country foregoes the benefit of reaping the full added value of its sesame crop.

Encouraging local industries to invest in sesame processing would significantly increase the value of Eritrean sesame exports. Establishment of sesame oil extracting, package, and brand facilities would open up more employment opportunities and create more revenues.

Sustainable Farming Practices- Promoting sustainable farming methods such as crop rotation, soil conservation, and organic farming would ensure that sesame production in Eritrea is more sustainable in the long term. Farmers can improve soil fertility and increase production through the use of environmentally friendly techniques.

Market Trends and Regional Dynamics in the Sesame Sector- Regional market trends and international demand influence the Eritrean sesame sector to a large extent. Since the global market for sesame is growing, especially in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, Eritrea is at an advantage due to its high-quality sesame seeds. The growth, however, is not without challenges, mainly price volatility as well as competition from other producer countries such as Sudan and Ethiopia. These two countries, which have a higher production capacity, are Eritrea’s direct competitors in principal markets. 

Eritrea’s relatively smaller scale of production makes it all the more difficult to respond to the growing demand from these markets without investing significantly in facilities, processing, and high-level farming techniques. Eritrea has thus started looking for new trading partners and market diversification strategies with a perspective to positioning itself in the global sesame market. With a focus on quality improvement, sustainable production, and better processing,

Eritrea can niche itself, especially in the upper value levels of the market, which put a premium on organic and high-quality sesame products. The interplay between local competition and global market trends is shaping the future of Eritrean sesame cultivation and has room for growth if Eritrea continues to push the envelope and invest in the sector.

The advancement and success of Eritrea’s sesame industry has gained value from the government through agricultural policy and programs. As the economic value of sesame as a cash crop is immensely well known, the Eritrean government has attempted to develop the production and marketing of sesame cultivation. Among the notable actions taken is encouraging sustainable farming, by popularizing the trend of organic sesames cultivation. Organic commodities fetch better prices in the world, and the greater the world’s demand for organics, the greater the scope for Eritrea’s sesam crop. In addition, the government has been busy constructing irrigation infrastructure, majority of all to cultivate sesames, particularly in the country’s dry areas. Improved irrigation stabilizes not only sesame farming but also farmers’ resilience to climate change impacts. The Future of Eritrea’s Sesame Industry The future of the Eritrean sesame industry is promising if daunting challenges are addressed. Through investment in improved infrastructure, greater market access, and larger processing capacity, Eritrea can make additional space on the global stage of the sesame market.

As global demand for sesame continues to grow, Eritrea can further boost its production and exportation levels, thereby contributing to economic growth and rural development. If sustainable farming methods and governmental support continue, the sesame sector can be an even stronger pillar of support for Eritrea’s agricultural economy.

Eritrea’s sesame sector is an important part of its agricultural economy. In 2022, Eritrea grew about 5.07 million kilograms of sesame seeds, representing about 0.08% of the world’s production, and ranking 43rd among nations in sesame production. The production of sesame seeds in Eritrea was 1,888 hectograms per hectare in 2022, a decrease of 0.264% compared to the prior year. 

In terms of land use, Eritrea allocated about 52,000 hectares for the cultivation of sesame, an indicator of the place of the crop in the country’s agricultural economy. While comprehensive export revenue data for Eritrea sesame production are not readily available, immediate neighbors offer insight into the regional market. For example, in 2023, Ethiopia exported $233 million worth of sesame seeds that weighed 123,755,000 kilograms.

 Sesame is a valuable crop to Eritrea, serving as a source of the country’s foreign trade, food security, and economy. Although there are constraints such as climate change and infrastructure issues, the industry is a significant agricultural sector with potential for development. By surmounting these weaknesses through investment, improved agricultural practices, and diversification of foreign trade, Eritrea can still gain benefits from its sesame crops and a promising future for its farmers and economy.

FAQs:

1. How much sesame does Eritrea produce annually?
   Eritrea produces approximately 5.07 million kilograms of sesame per year, accounting for 0.08% of global production.
2. Where is sesame grown in Eritrea?
   Sesame is primarily grown in the Gash-Barka region and other lowland areas, where the climate is favorable for cultivation.
3. Who are the major importers of Eritrean sesame?
   Eritrea exports sesame to China, Middle Eastern countries (such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE), and parts of Europe.
4. What are the main challenges facing Eritrea’s sesame industry?
   Challenges include climate change, trade restrictions, limited processing infrastructure, and transportation issues.
5. What varieties of sesame are grown in Eritrea?
   Eritrea cultivates white sesame, brown sesame, and black sesame, each valued for different purposes, including oil production and food processing.
6. How does sesame contribute to Eritrea’s economy?
   Sesame exports generate foreign exchange revenue, provide employment, and support smallholder farmers, making it a vital cash crop.
   

7.What steps are being taken to improve sesame production in Eritrea?
The government is investing in irrigation projects, agricultural training, market expansion, and processing facilities to boost production.