Yemen: Responding to urgent humanitarian needs and building resilience
Yemen is currently experiencing one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises. Years of conflict, displacement, economic instability and climate shocks have left millions struggling to meet their basic needs. Access to health, nutrition and education services is limited, and women and girls are disproportionately affected.
In 2023, the United Nations estimated that 21.6 million people - 66 per cent of the population - were in dire need of humanitarian assistance and protection services. Nearly half of Yemen’s population now faces high levels of acute food insecurity. Communities continue to face economic challenges, disrupted supply chains, and the consequences of delayed rainy seasons and extreme weather events, which threaten crops, livestock and water resources.
The scale and complexity of the crisis require an urgent, coordinated humanitarian response. Dorcas Yemen collaborates with local partners to provide emergency assistance, bolster community resilience, and protect at-risk groups. Through these efforts, we support communities on their journey towards recovery and long-term stability.
Population
Yemen has a population of 35.2 million people
Poverty
48.6% of people live in poverty, according to national poverty lines
Our Reach
In 2024 82,548 people took part in our programmes
What we do in Yemen
Overview
Dorcas Yemen opened its country office in Aden in 2021. Since then, two sub-offices have been established in the governorates of Al Dhalea and Taiz. Our programmes address critical issues through protection, WASH and livelihood initiatives.
Dorcas Yemen empowers communities, strengthens self-reliance, and creates safe environments. We use community-based strategies that involve people directly and make change sustainable. Central to this work are our partnerships with local organisations and authorities.
Food Security and Livelihoods
Promoting sustainable agricultural practices and regeneration is one of our key objectives. We achieve this through livelihood activities that support farmers in adopting environmentally friendly agricultural practices.
We provide farmers with improved agricultural kits, tailored to their needs. Depending on the season, these kits include grain and vegetable seeds or seedlings, as well as greenhouses. We also offer specialised training in water management and sustainable productivity enhancement to make farming practices more viable and profitable.
With the right support, these farmers can make a significant contribution to ensuring sustainable food security for themselves and the wider region.
Impact story: 'This project didn’t just change my life - it gave me my life back.'
Khalid is a father of ten. He struggled with the harsh realities of drought and poverty, and found it difficult to provide for his family's most basic needs. His land was barren and his debts were growing. A lack of resources prevented him from cultivating his land, which had a negative impact on his children’s education and wellbeing.
However, Khalid’s situation changed when he was introduced to Dorcas's Food Security and Livelihoods (FSL) project.
MHPSS
In Yemen, there are significant mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) needs, which must be addressed. People are facing challenges such as displacement, the loss of homes and property, poverty, hunger, insecurity, and the loss of family members.
We continue to implement projects providing psychosocial support sessions for various groups, including community leaders, healthcare workers, volunteers, and humanitarian organisations. These efforts focus on raising awareness of the psychological impact of conflict and crises, providing psychological first aid, and promoting mental health in all areas of life.
Impact story: 'Yemen has a brighter future'
Haifa lives in Aden with her husband and has two children. She is the founder of our partner organisation LOYAC.
Back in 2011, she briefly worked on a project with another international NGO, which she really enjoyed. She then went into banking, but that was not where her heart lay. That was the moment she realised humanitarian work was her vocation and established LOYAC. This NGO has helped hundreds of people, but one story, in particular, sticks in her mind.
Abdullah’s story
‘A few years ago we visited an orphanage in Shaab. There I met Abdullah, a young boy who had already experienced so many intense things in life.
Water, Sanitation and Hygiene
Through our wide range of water-related projects, we provide communities with access to clean water and encourage its sustainable use.
These projects include well rehabilitation, sewage network construction, water distribution and the establishment of water barriers. We also build retaining walls to protect agricultural land from flooding and install urban water networks. Additionally, we construct water tanks and rainwater harvesting systems. Lastly, we raise awareness of the importance of water management through our awareness programmes.
Our projects support communities in remaining resilient in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Meet our Country Director…
José Salema - Country Director
“Living in an area where there is a constant threat of violence, has a great impact on people's mental health. Even if the conflict in Yemen is over by tomorrow, we will still feel the consequences of it for years. Because of the violence, there are limited possibilities for people to live a full and thriving life. Poverty and hunger are also real threats. There is a daily struggle for food and water.
From experience, I know people in these areas are also resilient. The work that Dorcas does in Yemen is very important. We focus on food security and water and sanitation, but also on mental health and social cohesion. I believe our contribution matters. My colleagues at Dorcas Yemen know what it takes to do this work. Working with them, gives me hope.”
News
Our partners
From our Country Office in Aden, Dorcas Yemen continues to partner in its projects with local and international organisations. Together with ITDC, LOYAC, Medair, NMO, the Pharus Foundation and our own staff we work with the Yemeni people to develop and support communities. We will explore ways to strengthen and complement each other’s activities and prepare for the future by identifying opportunities for sustainable recovery.
Strategic Partners and Donors
- International Training and Development Center (IDTC)
- LOYAC
- Medair
- NMO
- Pharus Foundation