Early Warning System Protects Crops and Farmers in Yemen

17/01/2024

Yemen, a country plagued by the consequences of conflict, has faced numerous challenges in its agricultural sector. Unpredictable weather patterns have caused great uncertainty for farmers, affecting their livelihoods and ability to provide for their families. However, hope has arrived in the form of an Early Warning System (EWS) implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations (FAO). This story explores the impact of the EWS on Yemeni farmers and how it is empowering them to combat climate change.

Ali Saleh used to work in the field of education, but his salary was abruptly cut off following the outbreak of the conflict in Yemen. Determined to support his big family – he’s married and has ten children, he decided to embrace the farming legacy passed down by his father and grandfather.

“A farmer may need to use every penny he has got to face any sudden emergencies,” said Ali.

Ali's transition was not without challenges, and he soon discovered that unpredictable weather posed a significant threat to his newfound profession. This is faced by all the farmers and intensified with the outbreak of the Yemeni crisis.  Late planting due to uncertainty regarding weather conditions often coincides with the onset of winter, resulting in crop losses. Ali himself experienced the devastation of losing an entire crop of potatoes and tomatoes when winter arrived earlier than expected. Such challenges have highlighted the need for reliable information and tools to mitigate risks.

Recognizing the plight of Yemeni farmers, FAO intervened by rehabilitating substations that used to receive data from the main meteorological agency in the capital Sana’a. These were destroyed during the conflict in districts such as Dhamar, Mukalla, Lahj, Al Dhale'e, and Taiz. Additionally, with support from the European Union, new stations were established across other governorates, including the Shihr station in Mukalla. These stations serve as a first line of defense, providing crucial weather information and warnings of potential crises, such as floods, hurricanes, and heavy rain. Farmers receive real-time updates and alerts through the easily accessible WhatsApp application.

 “Thanks to the Early Warning System, we are able to protect our crops," stated Ali.

For farmers like Ali, the Early Warning System has become a lifeline. With timely information on weather forecasts, he can confidently plan his planting and harvesting schedules, leading to better outcomes and improved harvests. He believes that the shift from receiving the news via radio programs such as “The Framer’s Friend” solely to receiving daily notifications through the WhatsApp application is a good step towards being always prepared for any possible crisis.

The establishment of the Early Warning System is a significant step towards building a more resilient agricultural sector in Yemen. While Ali's story represents a small fraction of the farming community, it serves as an example of the positive impact the EWS brings.

The EWS ensures that farmers can protect their crops from frost and other adverse conditions, allowing them to make informed decisions and increase their resilience in the face of climate change.  By expanding the reach of the system and continuously improving its functionalities, FAO and its partners can empower more Yemeni farmers, enabling them to thrive despite the challenges they face.