Historically, it has been called “the valley of the million palm trees” due to the spread of palm farms in it. However, the palm farms in this valley have recently become under threat. 

Abdullah Al-Shadli (South24) 

South Yemen is considered an important habitat for palm trees in the Arabian Peninsula. Palm cultivation has been known in Hadramout since ancient times due to its major economic value for people as well as its famous Islamic background. 

Wadi Hajar, on the coast of Hadramout, west of the coastal city of Mukalla, is considered the most prominent palm valley in South Yemen. Historically, it has been called “the valley of the million palm trees” due to the spread of palm farms in it. However, the palm farms in this valley have recently become under threat. 

Palm farms in Wadi Hajar, the Coast of Hadramout, May 31, 2023 (South24 Center)

Many farmers attribute this to the lack of water supplies used to reach the valley. This shortage is due to the damages that hit the torrent streams as a result of previous floods that caused big harm. However, experts told “South24 Center” that there are diseases in the palm farms.

Previous boom

Palm trees can live for hundreds of years and withstand hard climate conditions. Thus, they have given palm high popularity among people in Hadramout in South Yemen. Farmers believe that dates, the fruit of palm trees, are blessed as was mentioned in the holy Quran. 

Palm trees are considered among the least plants in terms of the need for labor as well as financial and operational costs. The number of palm trees in “Wadi Hajar” is about 2 million according to Mohammed Banoubi, Director of Agriculture in the Wadi Hajar district.

Flowing torrents in Wadi Hajar in Hadramout, May 31, 2023 (South24 Center)

He told “South24 Center”: “Wadi Hajar’s daily date production previously reached the level of 5000 baskets (20-30 kg for each) in the district over the season. However, this began to change years ago”.

Palm deterioration 

Over the past few years, palm farms in Wadi Hajar experienced tremendous deterioration and the death of thousands of palm trees. Banoubi believes that this is due to what he described as “the catastrophe” caused by the tropical depression that hit Hadramout in 2020.

Palm farms in Wadi Hajar, the Coast of Hadramout, May 31, 2023 (South24 Center)

“This tropical depression led to torrents and torrential floods which shoveled palm and agricultural farmlands. They also have obstructed the natural paths of torrents. The number of dead palm trees is estimated at 15,000 trees. The production decreased by more than 65% to 1000-1500 baskets per day after the catastrophe”, he added.

However, agricultural expert Sohaib Al-Shatri believes that the deterioration of palm cultivation in Wadi Hajar is related to a disease called Fusarium Oxysporum that has infected them. He told “South24 Center”: “The spread of Fusarium Oxysporum is an extraordinary challenge as it often destroys palm trees".

Palm farms in Wadi Hajar, the Coast of Hadramout, May 31, 2023 (South24 Center)

The expert warned that the “failure to combat this disease will constitute a real challenge for farmers and the concerned authorities in the region”. He pointed out that “finding suitable solutions to control the spread of the disease and saving trees and crops is a goal that should have been worked on earlier”. 

Palm farms in Wadi Hajar, the Coast of Hadramout, May 31, 2023 (South24 Center)

However, agricultural expert Saleh Al-Amoudi ruled out the spread of this disease. He told “South24 Center”: “Fusarium Oxysporum is usually transmitted when moving small trees from an infected place to a healthy one. I don’t think that Wadi Hajar’s farmers brought trees from other areas to cultivate them in their farms”.

However, palm trees can be infected by some other less-deadly fatal insect diseases according to Al-Amoudi.

Community activist Omar Baqassem, the Chairman of the Cultural Social Hajar Youth Forum, listed additional reasons for the deterioration of palm cultivation in Wadi Hajar. He told “South24 Center”: “There is a sort of reluctance from the whole agricultural activities. Most Wadi Hajar residents have refrained from palm cultivation due to its weak financial outcome”. 

Baqassem stresses that many palm farms in Wadi Hajar have been already infected by diseases. He added that "the disease which hit palm trees has not been identified yet which in an unprecedented way”. 

He stated that “90% of palm trees were infected by this disease. This has been evident in the sour taste of dates”. 

Palm farms in Wadi Hajar, the Coast of Hadramout, May 31, 2023 (South24 Center)

Baqassem listed the most prominent organizations that intervened in the face of the palm destruction crisis in Wadi Hajar. He noted that the interference currently is almost monopolized by the organizations amid full absence from the government.

He added: "The most prominent bodies that intervened include Benevolent Coalition for Humanitarian Relief as an implementer and implementing partner of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), World Food Program (WFP) and Field Medical Foundation (FMF)".

"Many changes have occurred thanks to these interventions. By the establishment of water barriers and diversion dams as well as maintaining and activating water channels, water fed these palm trees which were near demise due to the lack of water supplies. Accordingly, thousands of them were recovered", he said.

Palm farms in Wadi Hajar, the Coast of Hadramout, May 31, 2023 (South24 Center)

However, the interventions also have a negative aspect according to Baqassem who said: "While their intervention in the agricultural aspect has been largely useful, other negative aspects have emerged".

"Farmers have refrained from doing even small work for free, even if this would harm their land. They fully rely on the organizations. They wait for the intervention of these organizations, even if such delay will cause the demise of their trees", he explained.

Many farmers and people accuse the organization of implementing low-standard projects. In this regard, Baqassem said: "The main reason in my view is the lack of oversight and the sense of responsibility".

An agricultural project in Wadi Hajar in Hadramout funded by international organizations, May 31, 2023 (South24 Center)

Agricultural expert Sohaib Al-Shatri stressed the importance of maintaining palm wealth. He added: "We all have to work with cooperation and solidarity to maintain this important crop and secure its sustainability through providing the necessary support as well as effective and permanent measures to preserve palm trees".

He concluded: "The government, international organizations and donors should provide support to the residents of the area as well as work to find immediate solutions and enhance sustainability in line with the needs of local communities and environment protection".