From Seedlings to Sustainable Production

The Hadhramaut region in southeastern Yemen suffers from critical challenges resulting from ongoing conflicts and economic deterioration, including the devaluation of the local currency and poor environmental conditions. The districts of AlQatn, Seiyun, Shibam, Wadi AlAyn, Doan, and Rakhyah are particularly affected, which has had a direct impact on the people living in these areas.

In Babiker area of AlQatn District of Hadramout governorate, farmer Mazen Ali Jamaan al-Ai, a 46-year-old breadwinner of five, faced significant challenges in maintaining the sustainability of his source of income. He ran a small nursery whose activity was limited to growing seedlings and selling them before they bore fruit, due to the lack of space and the lack of resources to buy greenhouses or expand production.

The From Food to Resilience project, implemented by Nahda Makers Organization #NMO in partnership with the World Food Programme #WFP and with the support of King Salman Relief Center #KSRelief , marked a turning point in Mazen's life.
Through this intervention, he obtained a 9×42-meter greenhouse equipped with all agricultural supplies, including seeds, fertilizers and pesticides.

Mazen says with a smile and reassurance:

"Thank God (Allah) before and after, the reserve was planted and now produces and sells cucumbers and gets a financial return that meets our needs and the requirements of the family. The most important benefit is the daily income from the crop as well as the acquisition of modern agricultural skills."

The impact of the project was not limited to the financial aspect, but also provided Mazen with a real opportunity to plan for a sustainable future. His reserve has been transformed into a permanent productive project that provides for his family's needs and creates job opportunities for young people in his area.

At the end of his story, Mazen expressed his thanks and gratitude to the implementing and supporting authorities, saying:

"I would like to thank Nahda Makers Organization and the World Food Organization for the implementation of this project, and I would also like to thank King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center for the generous support that contributed to improving our livelihoods and opening new horizons for a better future."

Mazen Ali story embodies the impact of development projects aimed at supporting productive assets in transforming small enterprises from a mere source of limited income to sustainable production that contributes to enhancing food security and providing job opportunities for young people.