Water Conflict and Cooperation in Yemen
by Gerhard Lichtenthaeler
Yemen is one of the oldest
irrigation civilizations in the world. For millennia,
farmers have practiced sustainable agriculture using
available water and land. Through a myriad of mountain
terraces, elaborate water harvesting techniques and
community-managed flood and spring irrigation systems, the
country has been able to support a relatively large
population. Until recently, that is. Yemen is now facing a
water crisis unprecedented in its history.