Spate Irrigation in Wadi Hadramout: A Legacy Defying Drought

NAHR - Sunday, 18 May, 2025

This short documentary highlights the significance of spate irrigation in Yemen’s Wadi Hadramout Basin, where local communities have relied on this traditional water management system for generations to combat drought, sustain agricultural production, and secure livelihoods.

Despite modern advancements in groundwater extraction techniques, spate irrigation remains indispensable due to its low cost and remarkable adaptability to economic and environmental challenges. The film explores the deep-rooted connection between the people of Wadi Hadramout and these ancient irrigation systems, showcasing their role in strengthening community resilience and adaptability.

"Stakeholder Engagement for Drought Resilience through Indigenous Knowledge and Socially Equitable Smart Water Management Tools" – ABCDryBASIN

Funded by the DUPC3 program, a Water and Development Partnership between IHE Delft Institute for Water Education and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Directorate-General for International Cooperation (DGIS).
Implemented by NAHR.

To watch the film: https://youtu.be/pLKVUL6h-FM?si=b30FIdglJ_jxb6xc