In Yemen, one farmer’s resilience becomes shelter for others

In Yemen, where violence continues to displace families, sustaining a livelihood can make a difference beyond one household. In Al-Kadhiyah village in Taiz Governorate, farmer Siddiq experience shows how.

Building resilience amid displacement

Shifting violence is forcing families across Yemen, including in rural Taiz, to leave their homes and farmland in search of safety. Many are seeking refuge in nearby communities, but they may be forced to move again as the conflict continues to spread.

With the support of Dorcas and Pharus Foundation, which provided him with agricultural training and livelihood assistance, Siddiq has been able to continue farming despite the insecurity and market disruptions in his area. This has enabled him to provide his family with food and maintain some stability amid the uncertainty surrounding his community. When three families fleeing violence arrived with no shelter or resources, he opened his family home to them. His generosity provided them with shelter at a time when finding a safe place to stay was an immediate concern.

From household resilience to community solidarity

Yemen remains in the grip of one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises. Years of conflict and economic instability have left millions struggling to meet their basic needs, while the latest escalation of violence has added to the pressure.

‘The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Yemen is one of the worst in the world. The country has been ravaged by conflict and famine for so many years. Now that fighting broke out again last month and the population has suffered yet another blow, we cannot do anything other than take action for these families who had to flee at a moment’s notice,’ says Dorcas CEO Agnes Kroese.

By sustaining his own family’s livelihood, Siddiq has also been able to offer three displaced families a place to stay, showing how resilience can create room for solidarity even in times of crisis.