VAC-6452 Water-related Conflict Analysis Consultancy

The war in Yemen is a mosaic of multifaceted local, regional, and international power struggles with numerous root causes, which are interlinked with water in various ways. The war has exacerbated the already existing water crisis and vice versa. Water scarcity affects the daily living of Yemenis, due to a lack of drinking water and poor sanitation but especially in the agricultural sector, where 90% of water resources are used for irrigation and where food production is negatively affected by scarce water resources. Moreover, water has been used as a weapon, as water infrastructure has repeatedly been targeted by the parties to the conflict. In general, water scarcity can be seen as one of the underlying reasons for social tension and even conflicts as competition for this scarce resource is increasing.

Agriculture is a vital sector for food security in Yemen, ensuring employment for 54% of the population. Crops such as tomato, pumpkin, potato, squash, cereal, papaya, mango, pepper, melon, and coffee serve as a lifeline for a significant portion of the rural population. The damage to the water irrigation infrastructure is significant due to the conflict, extreme weather events, and a lack of funding for essential maintenance. In addition, the accumulations of sediment in the diversion structures and main canals and sub canals have caused many important irrigation systems to become dysfunctional. These damages have resulted in less food, income loss, increased prices, and reduced employment opportunities that drove many young Yemenis to join the warring parties and/or terrorist groups as a means for income. The scarcity of water resources, war, and the manifolds of crisis led to 70% of farmer’s tenants losing their income opportunities and, as a result, leading to 80% poverty in the country.

Hence, mapping out options for enhanced food security, improved water governance, DRR, reducing water-induced conflict, and turning water into a driver for sustainable peace is crucial to improve the livelihoods of crisis-shaken Yemenis.

The proposed project “Resilience Programme in the Irrigation and Agricultural Sector” is designed to strengthen the nexus between water governance, food security, and reconciliation to reinforce livelihood resilience, economic recovery, and sustainable peace of conflict-affected communities. The project aims to i) improve agricultural production and resilience to water scarcity, ii) enhance livelihood opportunities, iii) reduce water related conflict, and improve water management through awareness raising and disaster preparedness at the local level.

Objectives of the Assignment

(1) Carry out a context and conflict analysis of water-related conflicts/issues at the target

governorate and district level, detailing existing water governance mechanisms at both national

and sub-national level, including formal and informal water-related conflict resolution bodies

(committees, Water User Associations (WUAs), etc), as well as women water user groups and

their capacities in managing water-related conflicts.

(2) Conduct a stakeholder analysis identifying main actors involved, connectors and dividers in waterrelated

conflicts.

(3) Carry out trends analysis for water intensive industries to identify early indications of change that

could lead to more water-related conflicts or opportunities to stability around water.

(4) Provide recommendations based on the results of objective 1-3 for potential activity adaptations.

3. Scope of Work

UNDP seeks to contract one National Consultant who will work with an International Consultant to

undertake the conflict sensitivity assignment. The consultants are expected to provide the following

deliverables:

1. Context Mapping Assessment:

 Main causes of water-related conflicts

- Mapping water related conflicts in target districts

- How water-related conflicts are expressed

- What strategies for dealing with water-related conflict contribute to violence

- Impact of water-related conflicts on local communities, including men, women, boys,

and girls

 Structural challenges to improve efficient use of water use and prevent water-relatedconflicts

- How sub-national level (governorate, district, and field level) institutions are functioning

- Relationships between these institutions and non-governmental organizations such as

Water User Associations

 Existing mechanisms for resolving water-related conflicts

- How water-related conflicts are resolved at target communities

- Effectiveness, inclusiveness, and consequences of such mechanisms.

2. Stakeholder Analysis:

 Main actors ((institutions, groups or individuals who perpetuate or mitigate water-related

conflicts)

- Their interests, positions, capacities, and relationships

- Connectors and dividers

- Women role in local water-related conflicts

- Capacities for peace to be leveraged

 Contribution of key governmental institutions (Ministry of Water and Environment, Ministry

of Agriculture and Irrigation, the National Water Resources Authority etc…) to the efficient

water resource management and conflict resolution

- How national and sub-national institutions of water resource management can

contribute to the conflict resolution and prevention at local level - Type of support that should be provided to these institutions to be effective

 Existence of Water User Associations and/or conflict resolution committees in target

districts:

- How such associations or committees are established

- Gender inclusion in such associations and committees

- Existence of women water user groups within these WUAs and their roles

- Capacities of such associations and committees in conflict resolution and mediation.

3. Trends Analysis:

 Emerging political, economic, and social issues around water

- Impact of war on community relations and fueling water-related conflicts

- Triggers that could contribute to the further escalation of water-related conflicts

- Factors that could contribute to bring people together and promote peace

4. Recommendations:

 Given the analysis on the context, stakeholder, and trends,

- Which areas of the current project interventions might need to undergo revision given

potential risks of fueling conflict around water?

- Which areas of project interventions are recommended to be strengthened given their

potential to exploit opportunities for stability/peace?

 Are there areas of intervention that should be included but are not yet considered in the

current Project document to ensure greater effectiveness and/or impact of the project?

 How to better enhance women contribution to WUAs and water-related conflict resolution.

How could the proposed activities take innovative approach in empowering women to play role in

resolving conflicts to achieve community-born peace and stability?

4. Methodology

It is expected that the analysis will employ a combination of both qualitative and quantitative methods,

including secondary and primary data collection. The final methodological approach will be clearly

outlined in the inception report and be fully discussed and agreed between UNDP, stakeholders, and the

consultant.

The national consultant will work in close coordination and collaboration with the International

Consultant.

The national consultant will be monitored by the Project Manager throughout the whole process of the assignment.

At least 4 years of direct experience in designing and implementing conflict analysis mechanisms and conflict prevention and peace-building programs related to conflict affected environments;

2. Well-developed skills and demonstrated experience in the following areas: facilitation, consensus-building, multi-stakeholder dialogue processes, mediation, negotiation and dispute resolution;

3. In-depth experience working in conflict environments;

4. Experience with conducting field surveys, assessments, qualitative and quantitative research, using a variety of methods;

5. Excellent analytical and writing skills, including conflict analysis skills;

6. Proven knowledge of and sustained experience with local authorities in Yemen, preferably in target governorates;

7. Understanding of the political, social and cultural background of the country and regional dynamics is greatly desirable;

8. Experience in enhancing women’s participation in conflict analysis processes is also highly desirable

The national consultant will work closely with the International Consultant under the direct supervision of the UNDP Yemen Peace Operations Support (POS) Team Leader and Deputy Team Leader and will coordinate with relevant colleagues in UNDP Yemen Office such as Gender Analyst. The National Consultant will interact with other UN agencies especially the Food and Agriculture Organisation, relevant government ministries and local authorities.

The National consultant will work partly home-based (desk review and report writing) and will carry out field visits to collect field data collection and community engagement.

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