Increasing Food Security in Conflict Affected Areas of Yemen
As a result of the ongoing conflict situation in Yemen, 70 percent of the inhabitants of Al DhaleGovernorate have been classified under crisis and emergency phases (Integrated Phase Classification analysis, June 2016), which is a high level of food insecurity. In addition, poor rains and costly or insufficient agricultural inputs are affecting the overall performance of agricultural production. The humanitarian situation in the country has also had a dramatic effect on veterinary services in the Governorate, as well as on the veterinary disease surveillance and vaccination campaigns protecting livestock assets from epidemics. It was therefore crucial to strengthen food access and availability, and provide animal health assistance for the conflict affected people of Al DhaleGovernorate.
What did the project do
The project distributed improved sorghum, millet, onion and tomato seeds and farming hand tools to 2 500 households. The yield obtained from the improved millet and sorghum seeds was higher than that of the local varieties. The improved seeds can be reproduced by the farmers, and will enable them to produce their own seeds for an extended period of time. Given the important role played by women in the agriculture sector, the project promoted activities that directly benefited them, including the organization of three training sessions for 56 women beneficiaries on nutrition, and the planning and planting of tomato and onion seeds, to facilitate the transfer of technical information and awareness of nutrition and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). Twenty Five Community Animal Health Workers were trained and supplied with drugs and essential veterinary kits, in order to provide basic animal health services. A total of 217 218 small ruminants were vaccinated against small ruminants’ disease (Pestedes PetitsRuminants) and sheep and goat pox, and treated against endo and ectoparasites, benefiting around 10 344 host families.Impact
The provision of agricultural inputs, training and animal health assistance strengthened the access and availability of food for conflict affected people in Al DhaleGovernorate, reduced livestock diseases and enhanced livestock productivity. The continuation of livestock products and vegetable production will significantly contribute to household food consumption, and provide income through the sale of meat and dairy products, as well as surplus vegetable produce.Activities
-
Six community sensitization meetings held in six target districts of Al DhaleGovernorate (Juban, Al Hussein, Al Dhale’e, Damt, Ash Shu’ayband Al Husha) to discuss project objectives, components and activities, and the selection criteria of beneficiaries, among other things.
-
Six community committees established at district level (of which 50 percent were women), to conduct appropriate community sensitization, and contribute to the selection of beneficiaries according to the set criteria.
-
Staple crop production packages, including 36 tonnes of sorghum and 30 tonnes of millet seeds, and 1 500 sets of assorted farming hand tools (hoe, rake and pickaxe), distributed to 1 500 households.
-
Homestead production packages, including 1 000 sets of assorted farming hand tools (hoe, rake and pickaxe), 1 000 cans of onion seeds (500 g each) and 1 000 cans of tomato seeds, procured and distributed to 1 000 households.
-
25 Community Animal Health Workers trained on principles of animal health during four-week sessions (practical and theoretical), and provided with veterinary kits and manuals.