This project will help reduce rural poverty and improve the management of natural resources in five of the most disadvantaged areas of the governorates of Al-Mahweet, Hajjah, Hodeidah, Lahej and Sana’a. Rapid population growth is causing increased pressure on natural resources in these areas where the local economy is predominantly based on rainfed agriculture and livestock. The objectives of the project are to:

• assist smallholder farmers, herders, landless people and woman-headed households to strengthen their processing and marketing systems, protect assets such as soil, water, rangelands, seeds and animals, and increase off-farm household income
• upgrade and diversify production while reversing rapidly increasing resource degradation, by fostering participatory management of natural resources
• introduce microfinance services and promote the development of new microenterprises, income-earning activities, access to markets and partnerships with the private sector.

Through activities in 23 districts, the project supports efforts to make soil conservation and water harvesting more effective in the uplands. It also empowers poor communities to participate in and benefit from community-based development planning and implementation.

Source: IFAD