Amidst conflict and turmoil, how is salt empowering this Yemeni community?

In the heart of Yemen, amidst the shadows of conflict and uncertainty, salt emerges not just as a mineral but as a beacon of hope and empowerment. The multi-coloured salt basins, painting the landscape of Hadramout, narrate tales of resilience, tradition, and women-led change.

Historically, families on the coast relied on fishing. Torrential rains, however, shifted them inland, spotlighting salt harvesting as a lifeline. Here in Al-Hassi, women are at the forefront of salt cultivation. Today, nearly 500 women, supported by the World Food Programme's (WFP) livelihoods initiative, enhance their families' financial well-being amidst Yemen's economic turmoil

The tradition of salt harvesting from these basins, passed from mothers to daughters, serves as both a heritage preservation and a means of sustenance. With meticulous care, families prepare these basins over six months, pouring in seawater and patiently waiting for the crystallization process to unfold. The basins' hues, transitioning from tan and green to pink and eventually to white, signify salt's readiness for harvest.

Across Hadramout, approximately 2,000 salt basins stand as lifelines for numerous families. Annually, this region boasts a production of 30 tons of salt. The women, in a testament to their tenacity, extract the salt and oversee its processing, drying, and sale. Despite seasonal challenges, their ambition remains undeterred, with many aspiring to elevate production to 50 and eventually 100 tons.

Amidst the broader context of Yemen's conflict, the salt basins symbolize more than just an industry. They're emblematic of empowerment, resilience, and community cohesion. For many, salt isn't just a commodity—it's a testament to human spirit's ability to find hope and empowerment even in adversity's face.

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