Nexus Projects

Community capacity building and civil society empowerment

Yemen is currently experiencing a severe and protracted humanitarian crisis. As the poorest country in the Arabian Peninsula, classified as a Least Developed Country (LDC), Yemen’s situation has further deteriorated due to the ongoing war. Conflict has hindered development efforts and adversely impacted a variety of economic sectors. Education and healthcare facilities have been destroyed through deliberate targeting or lack of maintenance. 80% of the population relies on inadequate water sources, resulting in limited availability and extensive time spent fetching water.

Beyond infrastructure damage, the conflict has deeply fractured Yemen’s social fabric, making community capacity building and social reconstruction urgent priorities.

Vision Hope's interventions for community capacity building

1. Civil Society Empowerment and Peacebuilding

Establishing local committees to oversee project implementation, encourage collaboration, and manage activities after project completion

Training community mediators to resolve local disputes peacefully and independently

Promoting social cohesion and peacebuilding through cultural initiatives, including art exhibitions and creative workshops

Visitors discussing artwork at a peacebuilding art exhibition in Aden, Yemen
Woman painting during a creative workshop at an art exhibition in Aden, Yemen
Young artist holding his painting at an art exhibition in Aden, Yemen

2. Reconstruction of basic infrastructure

  • Reconstructing hospitals and schools to restore access to essential services
  • Installing solar panels and equipping public institutions with sustainable energy solutions
  • Rehabilitating water dams, wells, elevated tanks, and water schemes
  • Restoring agricultural land and building irrigation networks to strengthen rural livelihoods
  • Rebuilding roads to connect remote villages with markets and essential services
Aerial view of the Ba'aer dam and reservoir in Haydan, Sa'ada, Yemen
LDCP II staff member inspecting a newly built elevated water tank in Yemen
Exterior of the Maternity and Childhood Hospital in Aden, Yemen, rehabilitated under the LDCP project

3. Improving food security

Implementing cash-for-work and cash-for-training programs to generate income and enhance resilience.

Training small-scale farmers in sustainable agricultural techniques to improve productivity and secure long-term income.

Success Story

Previously, Bandhar Al-Dhamari had labored in the Qat trade, struggling to provide for his family’s basic needs. But the project in Al Qarn village changed his life. Chosen as a participant in the cash-for-work intervention, Bandar helped build and rehabilitate a footpath. Lacking construction skills, he received training and cash assistance. With each project cycle, his life improved. He could afford food, reduce debt, and gain valuable skills. Bandar now sees potential job opportunities in neighboring villages. He shared, “Before VHI’s Food for Assets project, life was tough. Now, I have skills and hope for the future.”

Participants gathered at the launch of a cash-for-work training activity in Taiz, Yemen
Workers and villagers walk along a rural road rebuilt through VHI's cash-for-work project in Al-Mighlaf, Yemen

Current figures and projects for community capacity building

In our impact reports, you can learn more about the ongoing aid projects for civil society empowerment in Yemen.