Supporting Livestock Projects in Yemen: Strengthening Income Sources for Rural Families
Farid Mohammed was pouring water for the goats under the sunlight.
FAO/Ahmed Al-Basha
05/02/2026
Livestock is one of the most important productive assets in Yemen’s rural communities and a main source of income for many families. It also represents a key economic resource and contributes significantly to food security for thousands of people in a country facing severe economic, social, and livelihood challenges, further compounded by years of conflict.
In the village of Dhi Rahbah, in Wateer sub-district of Al-Misrakh District, Taiz Governorate, south-west Yemen, farmers and livestock keepers face major challenges due to drought, low rainfall, and the deterioration of the agricultural season. These conditions have led to water shortages and significant losses in key crops such as cereals (sorghum, barley, and lentils), threatening food security and the livelihoods of rain-fed farmers, particularly in Yemen’s highland areas.
Deteriorating conditions
Abdulrahman Mohammed, a resident of Wateer sub-district in Al-Misrakh, says: “Farming and goat rearing are my main sources of income to support my family, especially with the lack of job opportunities due to the situation in the country.”
Mohammed, a father of two, adds:“Low rainfall has greatly affected agricultural production, reducing crop yields by up to 40 percent compared to previous seasons.”
He explains that this has led to shortages of animal feed and rising prices, causing losses in livestock and negatively affecting farmers’ livelihoods.
Before the conflict, finding work was easier, but employment opportunities are now limited. High prices and low purchasing power have made daily life more difficult. “We can barely afford basic food needs, and many items are no longer available,” Abdulrahman says.
He adds that goat rearing provides both food and income through the sale of animals to meet household needs. However, rising feed prices have increased the cost of livestock production, further affecting living conditions.
1. An aerial shot of the Wateer subdistrict in Al-Misrakh District, showcasing the area’s diverse terrain. 2. Abdulrahman Mohammed, while participating in building a wall in the Wateer subdistrict.
Empowering families and increasing income
To improve food security for the most vulnerable households, the CERF-supported emergency agricultural and nutrition response project, implemented by FAO in Yemen, works to empower targeted families to improve food production, increase income, and strengthen sustainable livelihoods. This is achieved through direct support, training, and improved agricultural and livestock practices.
Mohammed explains: “Before the project intervention, the situation was very difficult. We could not afford to buy goats to increase our livestock, and feeding animals was a real challenge due to drought and lack of rainfall.”
Positive impact of the project
Mohammed received training on improved goat-feeding techniques aimed at increasing productivity through better use of available feed resources.“The support included goats, animal feed, and salt blocks as nutritional supplements,” he says.
He confirms that the support has significantly improved his family’s situation and had a positive impact on the health and productivity of the goats, contributing to better food security and increased income.
Expressing his satisfaction, Mohammed says: “I am very happy with this support. It will make a real difference and open new opportunities through its positive and visible impact.”
A shot showing the sheep provided to beneficiaries as part of the CERF-supported emergency agricultural and nutrition response project.
Short- and long-term assistance
Mohammed’s family is not alone. Many other families face similar challenges due to declining agricultural production and reduced livestock rearing, leading to fewer job opportunities and higher food prices. The situation required urgent intervention by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
Through the CERF-supported emergency agricultural and nutrition response project, FAO assisted 3,100 households in Al-Mokha and Al-Misrakh districts of Taiz Governorate to strengthen food resilience, improve livelihoods, and protect livestock and agricultural assets affected by the humanitarian crisis.
Improved livestock practices
After learning more effective livestock-rearing techniques, Mohammed can now raise goats for sale within a few months instead of longer periods. He also earns higher returns from healthier animals, which he now knows how to raise properly.
Mohammed hopes to expand agricultural land and grow more crops, especially fodder, to ensure adequate feed for larger numbers of goats, helping increase household income and improve living conditions.