LocationsAddressing community needs while redressing the impact of climate change in Yemen
April 24, 2025
Two boys riding a bicycle on Aqbat Dhisra Road, Lahj Governorate, which was rehabilitated by local authorities through the SIERY Project, prior to asphalting.
Yemen stands as one of the most climate-vulnerable nations globally, a reality further compounded by conflict, erratic rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events, including devastating floods. Already ranked among the most water-scarce in the world, Yemen faces an exacerbated crisis as the effects of climate change intensify. The adverse impacts on resource management have been particularly acute, severely impeding recovery and obstructing efforts towards peacebuilding. This multifaceted vulnerability underscores the pressing need for urgent, comprehensive strategies to address both environmental and socio-economic challenges.
The economic repercussions of climate change in Yemen are stark and far-reaching. Agriculture, a cornerstone of the national economy, has been critically undermined by extreme weather events, soil degradation, and dwindling water resources. The loss of arable land, combined with declining agricultural productivity, has worsened food insecurity and driven up food prices, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable populations. These conditions, in turn, place immense pressure on an already fragile infrastructure, stymying economic growth and intensifying the country’s dependency on external aid. The ongoing deterioration of Yemen’s agricultural capacity further amplifies its vulnerability to economic shocks and food insecurity.
Many local initiatives across Yemen aim to build resilience and support climate change adaptation by restoring ecosystems, improving water resource management, and integrating climate considerations into development planning. For instance, when local authorities were charting their recovery and resilience plans, through the Strengthening Institutional and Economic Resilience in Yemen (SIERY) Project, they committed to reducing harmful environmental impacts. Their efforts to enhance environmental sustainability spanned across various sectors to include construction, water management, renewable energy, and agriculture, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and minimizing environmental damage.
Khor Maksar local authorities’ personnel at a workshop to review resilience and recovery plans in Aden Governorate.
Streamlining environmental considerations in construction projects
One of the local authorities’ key approaches to mitigating the impact of climate change is the use of sustainable materials in construction and rehabilitation projects, such as locally sourced stone and timber, which reduce transportation emissions and support the local economy. The projects focus on energy-efficient designs that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as incorporating renewable energy systems like solar panels, using low-energy appliances, and maximizing natural ventilation to cut down on heating and cooling demands. Water conservation is also a central concern, with rainwater harvesting systems and water-efficient fixtures being implemented to reduce resource consumption.
Environmental management continues throughout the project lifecycle, from initial planning up to construction and maintenance. Measures are taken to ensure that biodiversity is preserved, air and noise pollution are minimized, and the impact on local ecosystems is carefully assessed with mitigation measure put in place before construction begins. In line with climate resilience, the infrastructure is designed to withstand extreme weather events, with features like elevated structures and effective drainage solutions.
Local authorities also encourage the involvement of local communities in the planning process to ensure that the projects align with both environmental goals and community needs, fostering a sense of ownership and cooperation. Regular monitoring and maintenance help to maintain the sustainability of the infrastructure over time, ensuring that it continues to benefit both the environment and the local population.
A school principal from Dar Saad, Aden standing on the school’s rooftop to show the project team the solar power panels.
Installation of solar power in educational institutions
To address the impact of power cuts in Yemen on learning, local authorities across the 45 targeted districts within the SIERY Project installed solar panels in over 70 places of education. Using the flat roofs of the schools, they are providing uninterrupted electricity and replacing the need for fossil fuel-based power sources. This shift not only eliminates electricity costs—a significant financial burden for educational institutions’ —but also ensures that classrooms are adequately cooled during hot periods and evening shifts are prolonged, making them more conducive to learning, particularly for women and girls. A significant benefit also befalls teachers and educational managers. Copy machines for exam papers are not standing idle, so student tests can be prepared and done in time. Data entering is now uninterrupted, reducing backlogs. The reliable availability of electricity also now allows for the introduction of e-learning methods, including accessing internet, interactive monitors and online resources. The use of solar energy contributes to a reduction in the carbon footprint and promotes climate adaptation, demonstrating to students the importance of sustainable energy solutions.
Women planting trees around a healthcare centre.
Afforestation efforts
Local authorities’ efforts are also focused on afforestation as a climate change mitigation strategy. Throughout the lifetime of implementation of public priorities under the SIERY Project, approximately 6,000 trees were planted around public service facilities, such as health centres and schools. These trees were carefully selected for their ability to absorb carbon dioxide and their fast growth rate. They are expected to absorb around 132,000 carbon emissions annually, improve air quality, shade public spaces, and contribute to soil conservation.
Disaster response and waste management
In districts frequently affected by floods, like Mukalla and Sieyun in Hadramaut, the SIERY Project has supported the local authorities in enhancing their capacity to respond to disasters. Through the provision of equipment like trucks, loaders, and suction machines, they can better manage flood waste, improve drainage systems, and rehabilitate rural roads. This reduces methane emissions from waste and protects communities against water-borne diseases.
The newly rehabilitated and equipped sewage network in Al-Buraiqa, Aden.
Water management and sanitation projects
Local authorities through the SIERY Project have also rehabilitated 15sewage treatment plants and 34 water schemes. These initiatives improve water access for both urban and rural communities. Additionally, rainwater harvesting systems have been installed in schools in areas with abundant rainfall, reducing dependency on external water sources and promoting water conservation.
Over the past 4 years, the SIERY Project has also supported the renovation or addition of 365 water, sanitation and hygiene facilities in schools, healthcare centres, and other public spaces to ensure communities’ access to safely managed sanitation. Adequate sanitation facilities ensure proper treatment of human waste and limit the spread of diseases like cholera. It also promotes women and girls’ access to safe, private spaces for hygiene.
Canal rehabilitation in Hadramout
In Hadramout, local authorities, through the SIERY Project, rehabilitated key irrigation canals to improve water flow for agricultural use. This project reduced water waste by 57%, increased water efficiency by 77%, and improved agricultural productivity. The project led to a 67% increase in income from henna produced by local farmers due to higher quality, and reduced irrigation time, improving labor efficiency.
A Yemeni farmer taking care of his farm to ensure quality yields.
Promoting hydroponic farming
With the growing challenge of water scarcity, the SIERY Project introduced hydroponic farming as a sustainable solution for agricultural production. By training local farmers and providing hydroponic systems, water consumption was reduced, and soil-related challenges were minimized. This approach enables year-round farming, boosting food security and livelihoods, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
A newly built water tank supported through the SIERY Project.
Supporting coffee farmers and water infrastructure
The SIERY Project has also supported the improvement of water infrastructure for around 200 coffee farmers and their estimated 30,000 coffee trees in Yemen. By constructing and rehabilitating water tanks and pipelines, coffee farmers have now a reliable water supply for coffee cultivation, reducing the reliance on unpredictable seasonal rainfall. This initiative supports sustainable farming practices, improving crop yields and boosting farmers' livelihoods.
Financial and environmental benefits of renewable energy
Solar power panels were installed in 114 public spaces (places of social gathering, education, health, local government, and main roads) to shift from diesel generators to renewable energy. By replacing generators with solar energy systems, the project has saved approximately USD $738,504 annually in diesel costs, while also avoiding the emission of 2,735 tons of CO₂. This reduction in CO₂ emissions is equivalent to the environmental impact of planting about 125,000 trees annually.
A picture showing the biodiversity and mountains of Lahj, Yemen.
By focusing on sustainable infrastructure, renewable energy, water management, and agricultural innovation, local authorities are not only addressing immediate environmental concerns but also fostering long-term resilience in the face of climate change. The integration of solar power, afforestation, water conservation, and sustainable farming practices reflects a holistic approach to environmental sustainability, benefiting both local communities and the global environment.
This was made possible thanks to the European Union.
Related
content
content
