Generating income for Yemeni farmers living under harsh conditions

05/07/2023

In some circumstances, people find themselves without assets and their income depends solely on their daily labor, which is usually under harsh conditions. Without support, their lives are constantly at risk. The story below sheds light on the experience of Mohsen Al Naqib, a 61-year-old day laborer who supports his five children and four other family members with his daily earnings.

Mohsen used to be a farmer, but was forced out of agriculture due to the ongoing conflict in Yemen. The country faces numerous challenges such as water scarcity and climate change, making it increasingly difficult for him to find work as a day laborer.

“Before the conflict, it was easy to find a job, but now work is not available. High prices and low purchasing power have made life more difficult. We are barely able to afford food, and most fruits, meat, and vegetables are no longer available,” Mohsen said.

Mohsen’s family is not the only one in this situation, but many other families also suffer from the collapse of agriculture in the country, leading to very limited work opportunities and high food prices. This situation was nearing catastrophe, necessitating a special intervention to assist these families both in the short and long term.

In light of this, FAO Yemen, with support from the Government of Japan, implemented a cash-for-work project aiming at addressing both the immediate needs of the community members and their long-term requirements. The local community members were hired to participate in the rehabilitation of agricultural terraces and the restoration of old reservoirs in Al-Dala'e Governorate. They were paid for their daily labor to improve the quality of agricultural terraces, which they will use in the future for growing grains, vegetables, coffee, and fruits.

The beneficiaries actively participated in the project by constructing an 800-meter road to facilitate the transportation of materials for the construction of a water tank. Once the tank became operational, farmers could proceed with rehabilitating the agricultural terraces that had been neglected due to the lack of water.

The water tank was a crucial addition as the region experiences insufficient rainfall throughout the year in Al-Dhale’e Governorate, making it challenging for agriculture. The scarce water supply was primarily used for drinking, watering animals and cleaning, leaving only a limited amount available for agricultural needs.

Mohsen received 267 000 Yemeni Rial (equivalent to more than USD 1 000) for his work from the cash-for-work project.

“This (the income) allowed me to secure food for my family. Without this support, we would not have been able to survive under such harsh conditions,” added Mohsen.  

The terrace rehabilitation has also benefited Mohsen and his neighbors as the area now is suitable for growing crops like grains, vegetables, coffee, and fruits.

With the crops grown on the terraces, Mohsen plans to feed his family and sell the surplus to meet his needs during the dry season. The newly planned reservoirs will help sustain cultivation throughout the year, ensuring a more stable source of income and food security.