Yemen is one of the oldest inhabited regions in the world. The Romans saw it as a ‘land of plenty’ and it has witnessed much historical change over the centuries. The country is renowned for its mountainous landscape and elaborate architecture. 

Development
Yemen is now categorised by the UN as being one of the twenty least-developed countries in the world. Around 42% of the population live below the poverty line and the average Yemeni earns as little as US$460 a year. This places Yemen’s 20 million people amongst the poorest in the world.

Yemen also has the lowest life expectancy in the Arab world. Despite recent improvements in basic health provision, access to healthcare remains poor.

Water Shortages
Yemen has been pumping out groundwater in increasing quantities since the 1970s, diminishing its supply of underground water. It is feared that the Sana’a basin will be pumped dry within a decade.

Recent studies by the Yemeni government show that 90% of water is used for agriculture, but 40% of this is wasted through inefficient irrigation. Entire sections of the rural economy could disappear within a generation due to the lack of a sustainable water supply.

Islamic Relief in Yemen
Since 1998, IR has been working in Yemen on seasonal Ramadhan and Qurbani programmes. In June 2003 IR registered a field office in the country to implement large-scale projects that would have a long term impact on Yemen’s development. 

IR’s current work in Yemen includes projects in water and health, orphans sponsorship, emergency relief and Ramadhan and Qurbani programmes.

IR Yemen is also providing disaster management training and working to build partnerships between Muslim organisations and other aid agencies working in the country.

Current Projects
WFP Sa’ada Conflict Response
School stationary and winter coats for orphans and poor children
Conflict Transformation and Peace Building
Emergency Flood Response in Dhamar
Al-Selo Water and Health Project
Orphans Sponsorship