Visit of the FAO Resident Representative to the implementation sites of the Sana’a Basin Project, Phase II

As part of the Phase 2 project of the Sana'a Basin, Dr. Hussein Jadin, the Resident Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), visited several activities carried out by the Research Station for Northern Highlands in the Directorate of Bani Matar on the morning of Tuesday, October 3, 2023. Dr. Jadin was briefed on the research efforts made by agricultural researchers to improve the components of the prevailing cropping pattern in the Sana'a Basin. These efforts include promoting rainfed agriculture and implementing the concept of climate-smart agriculture, which enhances crop production, livestock development, groundwater conservation, and the ability of farmers to adapt to climate change and overcome its negative impacts.

During his visit to demonstration fields of superior varieties of cereals and legumes, Dr. Hussein Jadin also listened to the opinions of farmers (representing a group of seed producers in the Makhlef Ayash Association) regarding the impact of different techniques on improving farmers' living standards and their ability to conserve water consumption.

On the other hand, Dr. Jadin visited various activities related to protected agriculture and water harvesting facilities in the Kharabah Mahib Association. He observed the activities of water users in adopting almond farming techniques, which have significantly reduced water consumption compared to various vegetable crops.

At the end of his visit, Dr. Hussein Jadin expressed his happiness and appreciation for all the efforts made by partners to achieve the project's plan and goals. He emphasized the importance of expanding the scope of successful techniques during the second phase and disseminating success stories and collaborative work between the project's implementing entities and water users' associations, ultimately achieving groundwater sustainability and improving farmers' livelihoods.

Dr. Jadin was accompanied on his visit by Engineer Saad Al-Hawasli, the project expert, and several specialists from the FAO. They were received by the Director of the Northern Station, the Director-General of the Coffee Research Center, the agricultural research team, and the heads and members of the administrative bodies of the Makhlef Ayash and Kharabah Mahib associations, as well as several dignitaries and elders from the region and other farmers.