This month Yemen is anticipated to receive minimal rainfall, with isolated showers possible in the highlands and localized heavy rain (exceeding 20 mm) in the Amran governorate, according to a recent report by The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
The report added that most areas—such as the Central Highlands, Southern Uplands, and the coasts of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden—are likely to see less than 5 mm of rain, while desert regions are expected to receive virtually no rainfall, exacerbating water scarcity.
FAO report forecast the temperatures in the Highlands areas to rise compared to the previous a ten-day rainfall period, reflecting a gradual warming trend throughout Yemen. It also expected moderate winds in desert areas, particularly in northern Hadramaut, which may lead to dust storms.
The report noted that the limited rainfall in Yemen’s Central Highlands, Southern Uplands, and coastal regions in early March 2025 will not alleviate ongoing drought conditions, adding that the combination of low rainfall and rising temperatures will accelerate soil degradation, impairing moisture retention and depleting vital nutrients necessary for crop growth.
Decreased agricultural production, FAO report found, may lower local food availability, in-crease food prices, and escalate reliance on imports. Households’ dependent on rain fed farming and livestock may face income losses and food shortages, worsening dietary diversity and food insecurity.
The report recommended that in preparation for the upcoming agricultural season, the FAO and its partners recommend the following measures:
• Farmers (Addressing Dry Spell Stress on Rain-fed Crops): Farmers can mitigate water stress by implementing water-efficient irrigation methods, cultivating drought-resistant crops, and employing soil conservation techniques such as mulching and cover crops to retain moisture and enhance resilience.
• Livestock Herders (Tackling Soil Degradation and Reduced Pasture Availability): Herders can safeguard their livestock by rotating grazing areas, supplementing feed with drought-resistant crops or commercially purchased feed, and ensuring access to additional water, nutrients, and shade. Exploring alternative water sources can help secure resources during dry periods, while diversifying income through small-scale dairy enterprises can lessen reliance on vulnerable herding, thus boosting resilience and economic stability.
• Humanitarian Actors: Humanitarian organizations should focus on repairing water infra-structure and promoting water conservation in high-risk areas. Soil rehabilitation efforts, including reforestation and agro-forestry, can enhance fertility, while strengthening early warning systems will better prepare communities for extreme weather events.