LocationsA new dawn for Yemeni farmers: Building resilience in the face of climate change
June 4, 2025
The first package of support under UNDP and Germany’s integrated water resources management project is inaugurated in Lahj Governorate.
"The Tuban valley and basin have always been of national importance—it's the lifeblood for Aden and all 15 districts of Lahj," states Abdul Malik Naji, Undersecretary for Production Development at the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Fisheries Wealth.
To combat climate change and bolster food security, Yemen's Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Fisheries Wealth, Ministry of Water and Environment, the National Water Resources Authority (NWRA), alongside the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are working together to protect farmland and champion sustainable farming practices across Yemen's Lahj and Taiz governorates.
Thanks to generous funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through KfW Development Bank, the Integrated Water Resources Management to Enhance Resilience of Agriculture (IWRM-ERA) Project recently launched new activities in Tuban District, Lahj Governorate. At a local event, community members and local authorities underscored the commitment to safeguarding rural livelihoods through responding to the escalating threats of climate-induced flooding and soil degradation.
"We are incredibly pleased with this vital intervention. We urge local authorities, agricultural associations, and farmers to fully support the workers and contractors bringing these projects to life," says Abdul Malik Naji, Undersecretary for Production Development at the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Fisheries Wealth.
The lush agricultural basin of Tuban, a key water source for 15 districts in Lahj and the neighboring governorate of Aden. UNDP and Germany are partnering to preserve and protect this vital landscape from climate shocks.
Protecting land, empowering communities
This first phase of support is already making a tangible difference in 136 sites across Tuban and Al Musaymir districts in Lahj. The focus is clear: shield agricultural lands from devastating floodwaters and combat soil erosion. How? Through the construction of gabions and the rehabilitation of water harvesting infrastructure. These efforts are set to safeguard 21.6 hectares of farmland, directly benefiting 11,255 farmers who rely on these lands for their very survival.
Local workers build gabions in flood-prone valleys of Tuban District. These structures help protect farmland from erosion and flash floods, safeguarding rural livelihoods.
The engineering scope is immense. Teams are working, often under challenging conditions, to implement 10,605 cubic meters of gabion works. The distances between sites—up to 20 kilometers in Al Musaymir and 28 kilometers in Tuban—add significant logistical hurdles. Yet, progress remains steady and impactful.
The scale of the intervention is vast—stretching up to 28 kilometers between sites in Tuban. Field teams work across challenging terrain to implement over 10,600 cubic meters of protective measures.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Major General Salem Abdullah Al-Suqatri, Undersecretary Naji emphasizes the power of partnership: "This project stands as a testament to the ongoing collaboration and integration between the Ministry and UNDP. Together, we are forging a path to enhance food security, protect our natural resources, and ensure their sustainability for future generations."
Abdul Malik Naji, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, and UNDP representatives join workers in constructing gabions during a field visit.
Officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, local authorities and UNDP observe the launch of field activities in Tuban. The project’s first package covers 136 sites across Lahj to protect farmland and support farmers.
Generously funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through KfW Development Bank, the IWRM-ERA Project is more than just flood protection. It's a multi-year commitment to strengthening Yemen's ability to manage its natural resources for generations to come. Beyond infrastructure, the project will also introduce climate-smart agriculture practices, equipping farmers with the tools and knowledge to adapt to Yemen's unpredictable weather patterns.
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