IOM Yemen: KOICA and IOM Strengthen Livelihoods and Climate Resilience Through Water for Peace Project in Hadramout

Tarim and Sayoun, Hadramout

With generous support from The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA),the International Organization for Migration (IOM) partnered with local authorities and the local communities  strengthen climate resilience, improve livelihoods and secure water access for vulnerable communities in Hadramout through the “Water for Peace in Yemen” project.

Launched in September 2023, the project combines community-led and -owned solutions to conflict, livelihoods activities, flood risk reduction and floodwater irrigation infrastructure, and a new hybrid solar power system to help farming communities access water, protect communities and land, improve access to drinking and domestic water for the local population and reduce fossil fuel dependency.  

“The current crisis in Hadramout has affected water supply infrastructure, but these projects ease the burden on local authorities and strengthen our ability to protect and expand services. It is a huge step toward peace in the area,” said Amer Al-Ameri, Deputy Governor of Hadramout.

To safeguard farmland and homes in Hadramout Alwadi, IOM and KOICA supported the construction and rehabilitation of 54 water infrastructure projects including adaptive flood risk mitigation measures and enhancements to the the floodwater irrigation systems. These include gabion check dams, gabion/masonry walls and barriers, surface bridge across flood pathway, and floodwater irrigation structures that together reduce flood risks, improve irrigation, and increase agricultural productivity. Around 180,000 people will benefit from these interventions, with improved soil quality across many farmlands.

Hundreds of men and women were engaged in cash-for-work activities, giving vulnerable families short-term income opportunities to be able to meet their immediate needs while contributing to the protection and recovery of their communities. Local community members played a vital role in removing invasive sesbania trees from farmland, restoring irrigation channels, and building essential flood mitigation structures.  

“It really encourages me to work and plant more when I see the land and farms clean after the community removed sesbania trees and other invasive plants,” said Awad Saeed, a farmer from Mashta, Tarim.

A core activity of the project is the installation of a new hybrid solar power station at the Tarim water field in Dammon. The system features 880 solar panels generating 629 kilowatts per hour, enough to power 11 boreholes producing 820 cubic meters of water per hour. This has secured safe drinking water for 115,000 people today, with capacity to serve up to 180,000 in the future.  

To ensure long-term sustainability and reduce tensions over scarce water resources, the project strengthened Community Resolution Committees (CRCs) and Water Users’ Working Groups (WWUGs) in Tarim and Sayoun. These inclusive, community-led bodies bring together farmers, local leaders, and water users to address shared challenges, manage water allocation equitably amongst various groups, and resolve disputes peacefully without formal legal escalation.

Through training in negotiation, resource management, and participatory decision-making, the CRCs and WWUGs are enabling communities to take greater ownership of water governance. Their efforts go beyond preventing conflicts; they also foster cooperation and trust, contributing to stability and resilience across Hadramout.

With the replacement of expensive fossil fuels, the solar power plant is expected to save 258,535 liters of diesel every year and reduce carbon emissions by 690 tons annually, directly contributing to global climate goals. The project also introduced new and advanced monitoring systems, including SCADA technology for real-time monitoring and control, and an automatic cleaning robot for the solar panels, enhancing efficiency. In addition, 30 personnel from the Local Water and Sanitation Corporation received training in water management and renewable energy systems to strengthen their capacity to operate and maintain the whole system.

“This project’s success demonstrates the power of partnership and collective action.   Together, we are advancing towards a more resilient and peaceful future,” said Katja Juric, IOM Senior Field and Programmes Coordinator.

“KOICA is proud to partner with IOM on the Water for Peace project, which strengthens community resilience and promotes stability through enhanced water infrastructure, renewable energy, and flood protection in Hadramout. This initiative improves the quality of life for thousands of people while advancing and promoting peace. We remain committed to support initiatives that address urgent humanitarian needs and foster long-term development in Yemen,” said Ms. Soyoung Kim, Country Director of KOICA.

By combining renewable energy, flood protection, and livelihood support with community-led and -owned conflict resolution, the “Water for Peace in Yemen” project helps communities to strengthen resilience to climate shocks but also reduces risk of displacement and tensions over already scarce resources, ultimately laying the foundations for  long-term recovery and durable solutions.

For media inquiries, please contact:

IOM Yemen Communications Team – iomyemenmediacomm@iom.int