LocationsEmpowering Yemen's Most Vulnerable Towards a Brighter Future
September 10, 2023
In the heart of Yemen, where the scars of conflict still linger, a glimmer of hope emerges thanks to a collective effort led by the European Union in Yemen (EU in Yemen) and the Government of the Kingdom of Sweden. Together UNDP, WFP, ILO, FAO, and their dedicated partners are working on the Supporting Resilient Livelihoods, Food Security, and Climate Adaptation in Yemen (ERRY III) Programme. This joint programme is actively contributing to reshaping the future for Yemen's most vulnerable individuals. As we mark International Literacy Day 2023, let's explore the holistic approach of this programme, focused on uplifting and empowering those who need it most in Yemen. Join us on a journey through the programme's diverse initiatives, intent on building capacity in areas from conflict resolution, to clean energy, to entrepreneurship.
Building Community Resilience
The ERRY III joint programme has set ambitious targets for enhancing community resilience in Yemen by March 2025.
- Empowering Local Structures: With a commitment to equal representation, the ERRY III joint programme is working to train over 683 elected members of Sub-District Councils (SDCs) in resilience planning. This knowledge will empower communities to develop a minimum of 44 community plans.
- Village-Level Impact: Expanding its reach to village cooperative councils (VCCs), the ERRY III programme will train 2,876 members, 50% women, in resilience planning, conflict resolution, and project management. The goal is to develop resilience plans at the grassroots level.
- Capacity Building: Recognizing the importance of local consultants, the ERRY III joint programme is dedicated to training 172 consultants who will provide invaluable support in planning and developing community resilience plans.
This multifaceted approach not only empowers communities, but also strengthens the capacity of local authorities to prepare resilience plans, mobilize resources, and implement self-help initiatives.
Equipping Communities for Conflict Resolution
In conflict-ridden areas, gender-sensitive and culturally appropriate conflict resolution tools are indispensable. The ERRY III joint programme has set ambitious targets for enhancing conflict resolution knowledge and capacity.
- Knowledge Enhancement: The skills of 120 community representatives, both women and men, will be enhanced in social cohesion, conflict mitigation, and resolution.
- Capacity Building: With an aim to promote peaceful coexistence within communities, the ERRY III joint programme will train 48 consultants, including 17 women, to facilitate community dialogues and mediation among community representatives.
- Engaging Local Authorities: Recognizing the critical role of authorities in conflict resolution, 40 members from local authorities, local councils, and legal departments will be trained in conflict resolution and addressing local service-related conflicts.
Access to Clean and Renewable Energy
Access to clean and renewable energy solutions is fundamental for sustainable development. The ERRY III joint programme has set ambitious targets for advancing renewable energy solutions.
- Qualifying Suppliers: The ERRY III joint programme is actively prequalifying solar and energy suppliers to establish long-term agreements. A mapping platform is being developed to document renewable energy interventions transparently.
- Energy Assessments: Consultants are engaged in energy needs assessments for public service facilities in Hajjah and Taiz governorates. This groundwork is paving the way for clean energy solutions.
- Capacity Building: Over 300 public service representatives are expected to enhance their knowledge and skills in solar service provision. Additionally, the ERRY III joint programme aims to certify 100 technicians in advanced solar skills while providing training to 500 individuals in decentralized renewable energy innovation.
- Creating Job Opportunities: Recognizing the potential for job creation, the ERRY III joint programme aspires to certify 200 beneficiaries of Cash for Work (C4W) and Food/Cash Assistance for Assets (FFA) as solar energy technicians. This not only promotes clean energy but also economic empowerment.
The ERRY III programme's ambitious targets ensure that clean and renewable energy solutions benefit communities and create opportunities for employment and economic growth in target areas.
Climate-Smart Agriculture and Value Chains
Supporting agriculture is vital for food security. The ERRY III programme's focus on climate-smart agriculture and value chain development is backed by ambitious targets.
- Climate-Smart Agriculture: The ERRY III joint programme will empower 120 farmers to join Climate Smart Agriculture technology groups and provide 500 farmers with high-quality landrace seeds adapted to climate shocks, enhancing agricultural resilience.
- Capacity Building: Extensive training is being provided to extension staff officers, who train local farmers on agriculture production, processing, and distribution of farm products. Water User Associations (WUAs), and individuals involved in irrigation. The goal is to establish five irrigation blocks with solar systems and drip irrigation technologies in each targeted governorate, further modernizing agriculture.
- Awareness Campaigns: The ERRY III joint programme aims to reach 210 men and 90 women through awareness campaigns on watershed promotion.
- Value Chains: With a focus on value chains, the ERRY III joint programme aims to form 80 crop, livestock, and dairy farmer field schools and train Community Animal Health Workers (CAHWs). Additionally, it will provide inputs to 4,500 farmers and support 4,500 dairy producers, thereby strengthening agricultural value chains.
- Agriculture Practices: Recognizing the significance of good agriculture practices, the ERRY III joint programme will educate 1,000 women beneficiaries on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for selected crop and livestock value chains.
- Empowering Women: Women's groups are being trained in the use and maintenance of dairy equipment, enhancing their processing and marketing capacities, leading to increased income and profit.
The ERRY III program's ambitious targets promote sustainable farming practices and economic growth.
Entrepreneurship and Technical Skills
Empowering individuals with skills and entrepreneurship opportunities is essential for sustainable development.
- Entrepreneurship: The ERRY III joint programme will certify 80 trainers to use Start and Improve your Business (SIYB) training packages. This initiative will empower 4,000 beneficiaries with knowledge in business development and life skills, with a particular focus on women.
- Microbusinesses: Approximately 3,000 microbusinesses will receive training in business resilience, risk protection, and decent job creation. They will be formally linked to microfinance institutions, promoting economic growth.
- Public and Private Collaboration: Over 60 individuals from the private sector and government institutions at district and governorate levels will receive training on participatory business continuity planning. This collaborative effort will ensure that the private sector and government institutions actively support entrepreneurship
Continuing the Journey Towards a Brighter Future
As we reflect on these ambitious targets set on International Literacy Day, it is crucial to acknowledge the journey toward a brighter future for Yemen continues. Each step taken, each person empowered, and each community supported is a testament to the transformative impact of collaboration and dedication in the face of adversity.
The European Union in Yemen and the Government of the Kingdom of Sweden, through UNDP, WFP, ILO, FAO, and their partners, are working tirelessly to achieve these targets by the ERRY III programme's conclusion in March 2025. This steadfast commitment ensures that the people of Yemen can look forward to a future marked by resilience, empowerment, and sustainable development.
Funded by the EU and Sweden, the Supporting Resilient Livelihoods, Food Security, and Climate Adaptation in Yemen Joint Programme (ERRY III) is a 3-year programme jointly implemented by the United Nations Development Programme, the World Food Programme, the International Labour Organization, and the Food and Agriculture Organization. The joint programme aims to reduce vulnerability and strengthen the resilience of crisis-affected communities in Yemen by creating sustainable livelihoods and improving resilience, food security, and access to basic services in five governorates in Yemen: Hajjah, Hodeidah, Lahj, Abyan, and Taiz.
