UNDP Yemen: Integrated water resource management towards increased food security in Yemen

As Yemen continues to grapple with the devastating effects of prolonged conflict, climate change, and water scarcity, the need for integrated, sustainable solutions to safeguard its most precious resources has never been more urgent. In response, the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) Integrated Water Resources Management to Enhance Resilience of Agricultureand Food Security Project (IWRM-ERA) is making critical strides to transform water governance, improve agricultural productivity, and support livelihoods.

Generously funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through the KfW Development Bank, the IWRM-ERA Project is implemented in the districts of Tuban and Al Musaimeir in Lahj governorate, and Al Mawaset and Al Selw in Taiz governorate and guided by a clear vision: strengthening Yemen’s food security and agricultural resilience by ensuring equitable, efficient, and sustainable water resource management.

Water: The starting point of agricultural recovery

Yemen is one of the most water-scarce countries in the world. With over 90 percent of available water resources used for agriculture, inefficiencies and depletion of groundwater threaten not only crops, but the very survival of rural communities.

“The project plays a vital role in developing water resources for agriculture,” says Mr. Ahmed Al Zamki, Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Fisheries (MoAIF). 

“It’s watershed-focused approach is practical and replicable, and what sets it apart is its participatory design — from data collection to coordinated interventions. It supports better surface water use, reduces groundwater depletion, and helps improve the livelihoods of those who depend on natural resources.”

Through hydrological water balance assessments, the project is mapping and analyzing water basins to better understand issues affecting water availability. These data are crucial for local authorities and farmers to make informed decisions about potential water harvesting sites, and water conservation strategies.

“Hydrological data and assessments are essential for understanding Yemen’s water sources, usage patterns, and future risks,” says Qaid Darwish, Director General of Water Resources at the Ministry of Water and Environment. “They guide decision-making at both national and local levels — from allocating water fairly, to planning for agriculture, to preparing for climate-related challenges like droughts and floods.”

Upgrading infrastructure and empowering local institutions

The project also focuses on rehabilitating vital water infrastructure, such as irrigation canals, water harvesting systems, and storage facilities. These upgrades are designed to improve water access and reliability for smallholder farmers and womens’ food gardens — essential sources of nutrition and income for rural households.

Beyond physical infrastructure, the IWRM-ERA project invests heavily in institutional capacity. By training local Water User Associations (WUAs) and community leaders, the project helps build a water governance system that is participatory, inclusive, and resilient.

In many rural areas, women are at the heart of household food production. Recognizing this, the project also provides tailored training for women farmers and supports the establishment of home-based gardens, where women can grow nutritious crops for their families and local markets.

Enhancing access to markets and sustainable livelihoods

The IWRM-ERA Project integrates economic empowerment with water security, connecting small-scale farmers and women producers with local markets and value chains.

With the support of local partners, the project is strengthening farmers’ cooperatives, facilitating access to tools, seeds, and climate-smart techniques. In doing so, it is improving productivity and helping build resilient agricultural livelihoods that can withstand climate and economic shocks.
 

Looking ahead: A model for resilience

As the world marks World Water Day in 2025, Yemen’s experience both advocates for urgency and sparks inspiration. The IWRM-ERA Project shows how integrated approaches to water, agriculture, and governance can create tangible results — not just for crops and incomes, but for peaceful, productive communities and a more secure future.