Yemen begins 2026 with sustained low temperatures across the highlands and January is expected to remain cool and mostly dry across the country, according to agro meteorological early warning bulletin, issued by Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO).
This forecast marks a critical winter period for soil moisture conservation and the health of perennial crops and range lands.
Key Concerns, according to the bulletin, are
• Frost and Cold Stress in Highlands: Near- to below-average temperatures and a high risk of frost threaten sensitive crops (qat, coffee) and livestock, potentially lowering yields and increasing animal stress.
• Moisture and Water Stress: Predominantly dry conditions will speed up soil moisture loss, limit range land regrowth, and increase dependence on irrigation and groundwater, especially in coastal and eastern zones.
• Localized Pest and Livelihood Risks: While large-scale desert locust outbreaks are unlikely, localized breeding along coastal areas remains possible, alongside declining forage and worsening livestock body condition in ago-pastoral and pastoral systems.
FAO bulletin recommended “Adaptation and Coping Strategies” such as Disseminate timely frost and cold-stress alerts with clear advice for protecting crops and livestock, use basic frost protection measures, avoid nitrogen fertilization, and conserve water by prioritizing high-value and perennial crops, and provide supplementary feed and shelter, plan seasonal livestock movements, and use the dry period for land and irrigation system maintenance.