IOM Tackles Water Crisis to Help Create Pathways to Peace in Yemen

Hadramout, Yemen

As Yemen continues to grapple with an escalating water crisis exacerbated by climate change and environmental degradation, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), with support from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), has made significant strides with the “Water for Peace” project. Launched in late 2023 to address critical water shortages and mitigate conflicts over water resources, this initiative aims to benefit over 211,000 people across the Hadramout Governorate. 

Ranked as the 12th most water-scarce country globally, Yemen faces severe groundwater depletion, with public water infrastructure operating at less than 5 percent efficiency. Currently, 27 percent of the population lacks access to safe water. In Hadramout’s Tarim Ravine, seasonal floods have devastated farmland and irrigation systems, leading to significant agricultural losses and exacerbating food insecurity.  

The cycles of flooding and drought have degraded soil and created acute water shortages, compelling many farmers to migrate to urban areas in search of better opportunities. Furthermore, the lack of flood control measures has heightened the risk of disputes over natural resources. 

Conflict over land and water, including gender-based violence, has become a significant issue, contributing to displacement and destabilizing the region. According to the Ministry of Interior, water-related conflicts result in over 4,000 deaths annually, significantly undermining community cohesion. 

“The ongoing water crisis in Yemen represents not just an environmental challenge but a fundamental threat to community stability and peace,” said Matt Huber, IOM Yemen’s Acting Chief of Mission. “The project is designed to tackle this crisis head-on, delivering sustainable solutions that provide access to clean water, while empowering communities to collaboratively manage their resources. By fostering dialogue and cooperation among local leaders, women, and youth, we are laying the groundwork for more resilient and harmonious communities.”  

Focusing on Thabi, Dammon, Mashtah and Roghah in the Tarim district and Wadi Hadramout in the Seiyun district, the project aims to address water-related challenges by enhancing resource management and empowering communities to peacefully resolve conflicts. IOM conducted pre-assessments with local authorities, identifying critical gaps in flood control and irrigation infrastructure, which stakeholders noted were exacerbated by economic constraints.  

The project focuses on constructing and restoring essential water infrastructure, including terraces, irrigation systems, diversion canals, and solar-powered pumps. By building local capacity for sustainable resource management, it aims to enhance agricultural productivity, reduce tensions, and provide clean water to approximately 115,000 people, with plans to eventually reach 180,000.  

The initiative will protect approximately 33 km² of farmland from flooding and improve irrigation through the rehabilitation and construction of gabion walls, small check dams, irrigation diversions, and other essential infrastructure in 48 sites across the three valleys. IOM is also implementing cash-for-work activities for 200 farmers across multiple sites to boost productivity and restore vital farmland while delivering immediate economic benefits. 

Three Women Water User Groups are being established and supported by Conflict Resolution Committees. With specialized training in leadership and conflict mediation, these groups will enhance community resilience and promote peace. IOM is also collaborating with two local implementing partners to strengthen governance around water conflicts and gender issues, encouraging individuals to take ownership of the resolution process. 

By addressing these critical issues, IOM is dedicated to supporting conflict mitigation and creating economic opportunities while strengthening community cohesion. With the world gearing up to celebrate International Peace Day on September 21, these efforts highlight the essential link between sustainable resource management and enduring peace in the region. 

For more information, please contact: 

Monica Chiriac, Media and Communications Officer: mchiriac@iom.int   
IOM Yemen’s Communications Team: iomyemenmediacomm@iom.int

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