Abstract

This session presents a practical framework for establishing Water User Associations (WUAs) in fragile and water-stressed contexts under the Integrated Water Resources Management to Enhance Resilience of Agriculture (ERA) and Food Security Project, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through (KfW) and implemented by UNDP in Yemen. Through participatory mapping of community structures and adherence to national legal frameworks, 19 WUAs were successfully established across Taiz and Lahj Governorates. The initiative focused on inclusive governance, with 30% women’s representation, and provided foundational training to 268 board and committee members. Key methodologies included stakeholder consultations, gender-sensitive assessments, and conflict resolution strategies. The WUAs now serve as community-led platforms for sustainable irrigation management, conflict mitigation, and agricultural productivity enhancement. This model offers transferable insights for similar interventions in fragile settings with a focus on  sustainable irrigation, water governance and gender inclusion.

Biography:
Nagm Addin Saif is the National Project Manager for UNDP Yemen, leading initiatives on water governance and agricultural resilience. He has extensive experience in community-based development and institutional strengthening in conflict-affected regions.