Week One - Eritrea

Eritrea is a small country brodering the Red Sea in East Africa. My name is Muluberhan Abhaly, and like most of the people in Eritrea, my family and I depend on farming for our livelihood.  My husband is serving in the military, so I have to provide for our two children and my mother by myself.  The last three planting seasons were difficult for me, because severe droughts caused my crop harvest to fail. Because I had no harvest, I had no money to buy seeds for the next planting season. Catholic Relief Services sponsors a Seed Fair and Voucher program in my community, to help farmers purchase high quality seeds. Through the program I received $30, which is enough for me to buy seeds for one planting season. I was able to make my own decision on what seeds to buy, based on what types of crops I wanted to produce, and which ones I believe will grow the best on my land.  I chose two local crops which are common on Eritrea, millet and sorhum.  Working with CRS through the Seed Fair has give me hope. I am hopeful for a good harvest, and am hopeful that I will be able to provide my family with a more secure future

Shiro   (serves 4)

2 cans chick peas (garbanso beans) 1 large onion, chopped 2 medium tomatoes, chopped 5 Tblsp of oil 1 clove garlic, diced 1 green paper, diced Salt to taste Fry onion with oil on low heat until soft, about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes and fry for 2 to 3  minutes, Drain and mash chick peas. Add mashed chick peas to tomato.onion mixture. Add garlic, green pepper and salt to taste. Stir and cook until mixture becomes thick. Serve with rice.