Saudi Program for Development and Reconstruction of Yemen (SDRPY), the Arab Gulf Program for Development (AGFUND), and the Selah Foundation for Development have jointly launched the second component of a project to use renewable energy to improve the quality of life in Yemen.
The project involves providing 35 agricultural irrigation systems powered by solar energy in three Yemeni governorates – Hadramout, Abyan, and Lahj. The initiative aims to rehabilitate agricultural irrigation water wells through solar energy systems in the targeted governorates, which are known for the cultivation of food crops such as grains, fruits, vegetables, and fodder. Due to operational difficulties, these crops have been exposed to drought, causing operational difficulties for farmers.
The project will provide relief to farm owners and support sustainable food production. The agricultural irrigation project is expected to benefit 580 beneficiaries. Bids for solar energy systems were opened for 35 agricultural irrigation systems projects in Hadramout Governorate, which is part of the renewable energy project.
The initiative will enhance the productive capacity of farms, support food security, and withstand environmental and economic shocks. The project comes at a time when Yemen is facing economic and environmental challenges, making it difficult to provide oil derivatives, which are expensive and in short supply.
The project is a step towards providing a solution to these challenges by providing solar energy systems to farmers, ensuring that they have access to irrigation water to support their crops.
