Yemen: How sustainable farming transformed one man’s watermelon harvest

Climate-smart agriculture can help smallholder farmers in Yemen overcome the growing challenges posed by a warming climate.

Living in Al Marafidah village, Bait Al Faaqih district, in Yemen’s Al Hudaidah governorate, Ali* had been growing sesame for many years, but increasingly struggled to earn a living due to climate change, pests and diseases. He lacked access to quality seeds, fertilisers, tools and the markets to which he could sell his product.

Ali decided to try something different. After researching alternative crops that he could potentially grow, he discovered that watermelon could be both more lucrative and more resilient than sesame. Cultivating watermelons, however, was not without its own challenges.

The climate in Yemen is too hot and dry for watermelon to thrive, while Ali lacked the necessary irrigation equipment to nurture healthy plants. He also faced competition from other farmers in the area who had also begun to grow watermelon.

Fortunately, Ali refused to give up. He learned that Islamic Relief was assisting farmers in his district who were struggling to adapt to the effects of climate change. Islamic Relief offered to help Ali by installing a solar-powered drip irrigation system that would deliver water directly to the roots of the plants, reducing water waste and increasing efficiency.

Ali installed the drip irrigation system and used organic mulch to conserve soil moisture and reduce weeds. He also used natural methods to control pests and diseases. To his joy, Ali’s watermelon yield increased by 50% and he was able to sell his produce at higher prices than before.