The International Organization for Migration (IOM), has inaugurated two key infrastructure interventions in Tarim district of Hadramout Governorate, east of Yemen, according to a press release by IMO.
The press release added that these interventions, in partnership with local authorities and with funding from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), include the construction of a surface bridge integrated with a gabion weir in the Dammon area and protective gabion walls in Al-Sabir.
These infrastructure projects are designed to mitigate flood risks, enhance agricultural productivity, and promote peace and harmony among local communities.
“This initiative goes beyond constructing infrastructure; it is about delivering lasting solutions,” said Abdusattor Esoev, IOM’s Chief of Mission in Yemen.
Hadramout, like much of Yemen, faces severe water scarcity exacerbated by climate change, soil degradation, and inconsistent rainfall patterns. The cyclical nature of flooding and drought in the region has devastated farmland, eroded soil, and forced many to abandon agricultural livelihoods, leading to heightened tensions over limited resources.
The “Water for Peace” project, launched in late 2023 to address critical challenges in Yemen’s Tarim and Seiyun districts, aims to mitigate the damaging effects of water scarcity and environmental degradation.
By strengthening natural resource management and fostering community resilience, the initiative is helping build a more stable and sustainable future for Hadramout Governorate.
In nearby Al-Sabir, similar interventions are making a significant impact. The 40-meter-long gabion walls not only shield farms from destructive floodwaters but also help distribute water more evenly across agricultural lands. Beyond protecting farmland, these walls promote equitable water distribution, reducing disputes among farmers and fostering stronger cooperation within the community.
Given this positive reception, the initiative is being considered a pilot for replication in other areas.