The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has called for unrelenting flood risk preparedness in Yemen.
It strongly advised adopting integrated farming systems as the ravages of climate change continue to affect farming communities in the country.
According to the UN body, agricultural systems that integrate crops, livestock, and forestry are especially encouraged because such systems, on average, have a greater ability to adapt to climate change.
It pointed out that September outlook shows reduced impact of floods, however, it warned that widespread rainfall with isolated heavy downpours is still likely in some areas.
FAO forecast in its agrometeorological update for September increased incidence of waterborne/water-related vector-borne diseases such as cholera and dengue fever.
“Due to the wet conditions, crop pests and diseases are resurgent, mainly Fall Armyworms and Desert Locust.”
The weather outlook for September indicated that although the worst in flood occurrence is over, scattered to widespread rainfall with isolated heavy downpours is still likely, especially over Ibb, Taiz, al-Dhale, and Dhamar governorates.
“Waterlogged areas in these governorates from previous months of heavy rainfall are still at risk of further flooding,” the report noted, adding that this is likely to be exacerbated by the possibility of cyclone activity in the northeast of the Arabian Sea.
The outlook indicated continued rainfall activities, albeit reduced intensity, frequency, and spatial spread.
It said these climatic conditions will potentially encourage further spread of Fall Armyworms (FAW).
It also expected increased Desert Locusts activity across winter breeding areas from the beginning of October, stressing that continued monitoring is required.
The outlook further pointed out that the August heavy rains continued to tear up critical infrastructure and livelihoods, with the total death toll in the first 10 days of the month reaching 90.
It affirmed that devastating floods swept away hundreds of livestock, impacting livelihoods and driving families to poverty, adding that this will likely lead to shortages of milk and meat supplies and consequently affect nutrition.
“In Dhamar, Taiz and parts of Sanaa, heavy rains accompanied by hail damaged cash crops, including coffee, grapes and other fruit trees, which will affect the incomes of most families.”
A resurgence of FAW was reported in Saada, al-Hodeidah, Ibb, Amran and parts of the northern districts of Sanaa, threatening cereals crops such as sorghum, maize, millet, barley, and wheat.
On the positive side, in agropastoral areas, pasture, fodder and water for livestock are available, leading to improved body conditions despite increased pests and diseases.
Field reports also indicate tomatoes, chilli, and green maize harvesting in the central highlands.
In most highland areas, cereal crops (sorghum, maize, wheat, and barley) are in the growing period, with the harvest expected from mid/late September through November.
However, yields are expected to be low due to the harsh climate experienced thus far.
The meteorological review showed that from August 1 till 31, over 80% of Yemen experienced heavy rainfall, with large portions inundated as floods swept through the country.
The heavy rainfall that lashed the country had a cumulative amount of about 2,500 mm, which is 45% higher than the rainfall experienced in August 2021.
Rainfall was enhanced both in spatial dimension (across all governorates) and temporal dimension (over 26 rainy days), leading to increased soil moisture of nearly 150% above normal, which boosted vegetation growth by over 60%, especially in western parts of the country.
