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After nearly a year of conflict, Yemen is facing the dual task of launching a delicate political transition while rebuilding the economy. Around 70% of Yemen’s population of 22.5 million lives in rural areas. Poverty is concentrated in this rural population, with rates far higher than the national average. It is estimated that 90% of the rural population lives below the poverty line.
As a long-time development partner, the World Bank was fully committed to supporting the efforts of the Government of National Reconciliation to rebuild and create the kind of stable environment needed for the political transition.
A Labor Intensive Public Works project was launched in early 2012, funded by a US$65 million grant from the International Development Association, the Bank’s fund for the poorest countries. The goal of the project was to create short-term employment opportunities in Yemen’s poorest communities. The work generated would be for the construction of basic infrastructure. While individuals would benefit from jobs, communities would end up with improved access to health and education services, mains sewage, and paved roads.
A key feature of the project was that it put communities in charge of determining which infrastructure projects they needed. This not only empowered local communities and guaranteed their ownership, but also meant a high level of engagement with the central government. Along with addressing urgent needs, the project would contribute to national goal of building a new relationship between the government and its citizens.
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