The majority of the population in Tarim District, Hadramaut Governorate, Yemen, depends on agriculture and livestock breeding as their primary source of income. Despite the litany of challenges facing this sector, a substantial proportion of farmers continue to practise this profession, often passed down through generations.

Tarim, a district renowned for its abundance of livestock breeders, is estimated by the local agriculture office to house over 50,000 livestock. The district is also famous for its beekeeping and honey production.

Years of conflict have impeded the capacity of local authorities to fulfil the needs of farmers and provide adequate animal health services. Meanwhile, the veterinary centre, part of the local agriculture office, consisted of a single room equipped with basic tools. This lack of space and resources severely hindered the centre’s ability to cater to the growing demand for veterinary care, resulting in numerous livestock being deprived of treatment, exacerbating their mortality rates due to the spread of diseases and epidemics. 

"Previously, the centre consisted of only one room, which we used as an administrative office. We had to conduct examinations and perform surgeries in the yard, where dust was prevalent, and we resorted to rudimentary methods," said Dr. Saleh, Head of the Animal Health and Veterinary Quarantine Department in Hadramaut Valley.

“We lacked dedicated spaces to quarantine infected animals. Our equipment was inadequate, and we had no sterilisation materials. This compromised our work and posed a risk to veterinary staff, endangering both their health and the livestock," Dr. Saleh added.

Lutfi, Head of the Agriculture and Irrigation Office in Tarim District, emphasised that the large number of farmers and livestock breeders, coupled with the high rate of livestock mortality due to epidemics, necessitated the prioritisation of the establishment and outfitting of a veterinary centre. This move was a key element of the district's resilience and recovery plan, formulated following capacity building workshops as part of UNDP’s Strengthening Institutional and Economic Resilience in Yemen (SIERY) Project, funded by the European Union. 

With grants made possible by the SIERY Project, local authorities have rehabilitated, expanded and equipped the veterinary centre. The rehabilitation included the addition of a quarantine room, vaccine storage room, minor and major operations rooms, pharmacy, laboratory, and administrative offices.

“This project represents a significant advancement in veterinary medicine in the district. This is not just a centre, it is a full veterinary clinic. Now we can perform all operations and provide veterinary treatment in a better environment through the specialized rooms that facilitate our work,” said Dr. Saleh. 

Dr. Saleh further highlighted that the centre now boasts advanced equipment, including tools for assisting the birth of camels and cows. These tools have replaced traditional, often hazardous methods, which previously resulted in the death of animals. 

The newly established veterinary centre enables the local agriculture office to deliver high-quality animal health services to over 30 animals a day. The centre also offers consultations for livestock breeders, provides treatment for bee diseases such as American and European foulbrood, and issues quality certificates for honey intended for export.

Beyond treating animals, the veterinary centre is pivotal in protecting public health by combating zoonotic diseases. It encourages farmers and breeders to bring their animals to the facility, ensuring more effective treatment and reducing the transmission of diseases. Furthermore, the new laboratory and pharmacy allows for the proper planning of regular vaccination rounds, which the veterinary staff conduct throughout the district and beyond, visiting the livestock breeders at their locations.

Abdullah, a farmer who visited the centre to treat one of his livestock, reflected on significant improvements since the centre's rehabilitation: "In the past, many animals died due to the poor quality of veterinary services, and farmers were reluctant to visit the centre. Now, the situation has completely changed. The service is excellent, and the modern facilities encourage us to visit whenever necessary."

By providing reliable and high-quality veterinary care, the centre enables farmers to invest more confidently in their livestock, ultimately fostering greater economic stability. This, in turn, contributes to the region's overall economic growth and resilience.