In the governorate of AD-Dhala’, where the land stretches barren and natural resources are in short supply, farmers face a harsh reality: chronic drought, soil degradation, and skyrocketing agricultural costs that fail to generate enough return. In this tough environment, the daily battles of survival are intertwined with humble hopes for a better future. Among these struggles, the story of one young man stands out, illustrating the power of transformation when the right support comes at the right time.

 Abdurrahman  Al-Bahhah, a 31-year-old farmer from the village of Al-Jaleela in AD-Dhala’ District, supports a large family: 3 female, 4 male, and his elderly parents. Though he owned a small piece of land, he faced immense challenges in making it productive. Rising costs, coupled with poor soil quality, meant he struggled to generate sufficient yield.  Abdurrahman had to rely on makeshift solutions to collect water, such as using large plastic sheets to trap rainwater in small reservoirs. However, even this method was not enough to irrigate his entire farm. “I watched my land die before my eyes, and I didn’t have the money or resources to save it,” Abdurrahman recalls. This burden made it even harder for him to provide for his growing family, and each day felt like an uphill battle.

Then, a glimmer of hope appeared when  Abdurrahman  learned from a fellow villager about a new project aimed at improving agricultural livelihoods. The project, titled Providing Agriculture and Pastoralism Livelihood Support (PAPLS), was being implemented by the Youth Leadership Development Foundation in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and funded by the Government of Japan. Launched in August 2023, it focused on enhancing water management through efficient irrigation systems and providing modern tools to farmers in targeted areas.

When Abdurrahman found out he was selected as one of the beneficiaries, it felt like a lifeline. The project offered practical solutions to the challenges he had endured for so long. “I had always struggled with irrigation issues, soil infertility, and lack of quality seeds. This made my yields much lower than other farmers in the area,” he explains. He describes his situation as a daily catastrophe that trapped him and his family in a cycle of poverty and despair.

The results, however, were nothing short of transformative. “With the drip irrigation system, I no longer worry about water shortages. Now, I can grow new crops with better quality,” says  Abdurrahman  with a smile. The system saved up to 60% more water compared to traditional flood irrigation, significantly improving his crop yields and boosting his income. His monthly earnings rose considerably, allowing him to meet his family's basic needs and even reinvest in improving his land. Thanks to the improved seeds and a new water pump,  Abdurrahman  was able to diversify his crops and improve the sustainability of his farming practices.

But  Abdurrahman ’s ambitions don’t stop there. Looking ahead, he plans to install a solar-powered water pump to reduce reliance on expensive diesel fuel. He also intends to build or purchase a permanent water storage tank to ensure a steady supply for his irrigation system. His vision is clear: he wants to make his farm a model of sustainability and productivity for others in his region.

 Abdurrahman ’s story is a living example of the transformative power of targeted development support. With the right tools and guidance, he has been able to overcome environmental and economic hardships and turn them into opportunities. Today, he stands as an inspiring symbol of resilience, showing how, with the right support, challenges can be transformed into success.