Water-wise, Yemen is most commonly identified with scarce resources and arid landscapes. Less known are its longstanding users-led water management systems. The ingenuity and efficiency of these systems was such that they the country could meet its food/ water needs for about 1000 years, despite its climate and geography.
Of late, there has been an increase in population and indiscriminate drilling of wells. Consequently, water security has decreased, and has had a knock-on effect on agriculture/ food security.
Amid the discouraging scenario, recent research has brought to fore some good practices built on ancient traditions of cooperative groundwater management. They have proven to be effective responses to local issues. Their success makes for a strong case for building them into formal policy processes.
This video provides a snapshot of five such cases from various parts of Yemen.
More info: info@metameta.nl
Produced by: MetaMeta, Levert Communications and Water & Environment Center
Year: 2011
Language: English