Yemen, a country ravaged by war, is now facing an intense and severe drought that threatens its agricultural sector, with the southern province of Lahij being among the hardest-hit areas.
Several regions in Yemen are experiencing droughts due to insufficient rainfall and a decline in groundwater sources, which farmers rely on for off-season cultivation.
Yemen is situated in a semi-arid to arid climate zone, which is one of the primary reasons for the scarcity of water sources.
Rainfall across the country is rare, and all these factors are impacting the productivity of the agricultural sector, which provides livelihoods for around 70% of Yemen’s population.
Lahij province is one such area facing severe drought conditions. It lacks heavy rainfall and directly relies on river sources fed by seasonal rains and floods, leading to soil erosion and numerous agricultural challenges in the province’s districts and rural areas.
Annual rainfall in Lahij province ranges from 100 to 250 mm, which experts say falls short of the province’s agricultural and population needs.
Environmental experts have attributed the severe drought in Lahij to low rainfall, rising temperatures, and the effects of climate change, which have affected many countries.
Anwar Al-Shadhli, a professor of environment and natural resources at Taiz University, stated that Lahij province is suffering from a significant water shortage, both in terms of rainfall and groundwater. This has had a direct impact on the province’s citizens and agriculture.
Al-Shadhli added that the drought waves in Lahij have greatly disrupted the lives of the population and agricultural production.
Sand dunes, exacerbated by low rainfall, the absence of vegetation cover that stabilizes sand, and the scarcity of groundwater, have all contributed to desertification, encroaching on arable lands.
The absence of natural vegetation in sand dune areas significantly contributes to the movement of sand by wind, leading to its migration towards agricultural lands and the creation of elevated sand horizons that cover fertile soil suitable for cultivation.
According to Al-Shadhli, limited rainfall in an area results in the instability of both the residents and agriculture. It is not enough to create water stability.
The spread of desertification and drought has a substantial impact on the livelihoods and economic situations of Yemen’s citizens, as a significant portion relies on crops from agriculture for their income.
