From Seasonal to Sustainable: Year-Round Farming

05/02/2026

Seasonal agriculture

The reliance on spate irrigation poses significant challenges for many agricultural areas in Yemen. Heavy floods cause erosion, while inadequate water storage infrastructure means valuable floodwater is wasted. This combination of factors severely impacts agricultural production, resulting in decreased yields.

Saleh Mehdar, a farmer residing in Wadi Bin Ali in Shibam, Hadhramaut Governorate, expresses a deep attachment to his land. He describes his relationship with it as akin to that of a son with his mother. “Just as you give to the land, it will give you more; if you neglect it, you will reap nothing in return,” he says. However, Mehdar faces significant challenges in his seasonal farming practice, which necessitates leaving his land uncultivated for months at a time. The high prices of agricultural inputs further strain his resources, while damaged irrigation canals hinder his ability to effectively water his crops. Additionally, his land's inability to retain floodwater means he cannot take advantage of the natural irrigation provided by heavy rains. To make ends meet during the fallow periods, Mehdar turns to beekeeping, traveling from one area to another to tend to his bees.

Response

In response to the challenging conditions farmers face, FAO, with funding from KFW, carried out several interventions to enhance agricultural productivity. This included the establishment of greenhouses, the provision of modern irrigation systems, and the rehabilitation of irrigation canals to ensure a continuous and effective water supply for agricultural lands. More than 70 greenhouses were distributed to beneficiaries across Shibam, and over 102 agricultural facilities were targeted for rehabilitation. These interventions were implemented in two phases lasting 45 days, benefiting 1,900 individuals through a cash-for-work approach.

The primary objectives of these interventions are to enhance crop productivity, promote sustainable farming practices, and empower local farmers to achieve greater food security and economic stability. As Mehdar explains, “FAO introduced us to new farming technologies, such as greenhouses and rain-fed irrigation networks. Although we had heard of these technologies before, we had never had the opportunity to implement them. Now, we fully appreciate their numerous benefits, including increased agricultural production and reduced crop diseases.”

This greenhouse project in Shibam is a pioneering initiative in the region. “I have witnessed a significant increase in production and a remarkable reduction in harvest failure, which previously occurred frequently due to our reliance on flood irrigation,” emphasizes Mahdhar. Furthermore, these interventions will contribute to reducing pesticide use, as they prioritize the need to preserve groundwater resources.

Controlling the environmental conditions inside greenhouses allows farmers to manage their crops more effectively, while the use of irrigation channels ensures a consistent water supply. This combination enables them to overcome the limitations of seasonal farming, allowing for year-round crop production. As a result, farmers experience increased productivity and a more stable income throughout the year.

Observing Mehdar's success throughout the cultivation period inspired other farmers. “Farmers sought to increase production while minimizing crop losses,” explains Mehdar. “They recognized the potential for significant profits and the opportunity to supply the local market with essential agricultural products, such as cucumbers and tomatoes, particularly during off-seasons.” This ability to cultivate crops outside of their traditional seasons represents a significant challenge that farmers are now overcoming. “For example, while cucumber cultivation typically occurs outside of the summer months, I successfully cultivated cucumbers during the summer, achieving excellent results,” he clarifies.

Aspirations and impact

Mehdar now considers expanding his operation by adding another greenhouse to his farm. “I aim to increase my income and play a role in reducing reliance on imported cucumbers,” he elaborates. “I envision a future where we can consistently supply local markets with cucumbers and other locally produced goods.” He adds with a smile, “My life has improved, and I believe that the future holds even greater promise with the continued use of greenhouses.”

“We would like to thank FAO for supporting farmers with this project, as well as everyone who contributed to its success,” Mehdar notes, “We learned something new and valuable that will benefit us both now and in the future.”

The adoption of modern agricultural technologies facilitates year-round agricultural activities while minimizing groundwater depletion and enhancing communities' resilience to climate change. This approach not only increases crop yields and improves product quality but also ensures a steady supply of agricultural products in local markets throughout the year.