Transitional development assistance in Yemen: Strengthening resilience and promoting rural households

Context

Yemen is one of the world's least developed countries. It is struggling with the devastating consequences of the civil war that has been going on since 2014.Two thirds of the population require humanitarian aid and food shortages result in malnutrition and diseases, especially among children.

The physical and social infrastructure is outdated in many places and partially destroyed in the war zones. More than half of all Yemenis have no access to clean water and sanitation, causing diseases to spread rapidly. Vulnerable groups such as children, young people, women, people with disabilities and the Muhamasheen ethnic minority are particularly affected. The cholera epidemic and the ongoing military conflicts complicate the situation.

Objective

Local institutions and vulnerable population groups in Ibb, Dhamar and Hadhramaut governorates are more resilient.

Approach

The transitional development assistance programme combines humanitarian aid and development cooperation as follows:

1. It contributes to the improvement of basic services by rehabilitating destroyed infrastructure such as schools, health centres and water pipes.
2. At the same time, the project promotes food security and the livelihoods of rural households, for example, by training farmers in innovative farming and irrigation techniques. Cash-for-work measures such as the construction of irrigation systems provide direct income and contribute to the temporary stabilisation of rural households.
3. Building fish landing sites and marketing structures promotes the livelihoods of fishers and strengthens food security in the coastal region of Hadhramaut. Fishers also receive training in sustainable fishing and processing methods as well as boat repair.
4. Small-scale projects with local civil society organisations further promote the social cohesion of communities.

Last update: November 2023