Belg.

In the Jijinga area, planting for the March to May rains, known as the belg, is already delayed, and aid workers say they have seen a growing number of women and children at food distribution centers.

In the Jijinga area, planting for the March to May rains, known as the belg, is already delayed, and aid workers say they have seen a growing number of women and children at food distribution centers.

"OK", she said to herself, "we'll survive. The spring 'belg' are notoriously unreliable anyway, the summer 'kiremt' rains will shower the sorghum seeds in warm water."

Earlier this year she and her family waited patiently for the spring "belg" rains to fall.

Eritrea, situated on the Horn of Africa, experiences a short rainy season between February and April, known locally as the "belg" or little rains, followed by a main rainy season between June and September.