2018年-查塔姆研究所_Tribes_Conflict_and_Rural_Livelihoods_in_Yemen_6页_125kb

Summary of the Middle East and North Africa Programme: Tribes, Conflict and Rural Livelihoods in Yemen

Core Content

The meeting focused on the role of tribes in Yemen's political, economic, and social landscape, especially in the context of rising conflict and the proliferation of small arms. It also examined the challenges faced by rural livelihoods and the implications of international aid in addressing these issues.

Main Views and Key Points

1. Tribes in Yemen: A Social and Political Structure

• Definition: Tribes are social organizations based on a contract between tribes, tribal members, and sheikhs.
• Functions: They provide protection from political pressure, serve as a means for demanding services, and offer a sense of belonging and solidarity.
• Social Safety Net: Tribes act as a safety net for their members, with collective responsibility for the actions of individuals.
• Protection of Women: Tribes offer stronger protection for women than for men, with higher penalties for harm to women.
• Tribal Leadership: Sheikhs gain status through conflict resolution and prevention, and many conflicts are still resolved through traditional tribal mechanisms.
• Structural Changes: Political, economic, and social changes have weakened tribal structures. Government services and resource extraction (e.g., oil and gas) have reduced tribal influence. Some sheikhs have distanced themselves from their tribes, becoming part of the elite.

2. Rural Livelihoods and Poverty

• Economic Context: Yemen is a resource-poor country that has transitioned from a net food exporter to a net food importer due to rapid population growth.
• Poverty and Rural-Urban Divide: The majority of poor households are in rural areas, where infant and maternal mortality rates are extremely high.
• Food Security: Food security is a major issue, affecting women, child nutrition, and education. Over 45% of children are underweight.
• Water and Agriculture: Farming in Yemen has increasingly relied on well water due to the scarcity of rain (average 50mm/year). Qat, a water-intensive crop, remains the most profitable.

3. Small Arms and Violence in Yemen

• Armed Society: Yemen is the second most armed society in the world (after the US), with around 10 million weapons for 23 million people.
• Typologies of Violence:
  • Political Violence: Includes electoral processes, governmental policies, civil wars, and al-Qaeda-related violence.
  • Social Violence: Primarily due to land and water disputes (accounting for around 4000 deaths annually) and religious conflicts.
  • Ransom-Related Violence: Such as road closures and kidnappings.
  • Criminal Violence: Though less common, it exists.
  • Domestic Violence: A taboo subject.
  • Unintended Violence: Such as landmines.
• Impact on Development: The prevalence of small arms hinders social and economic development and increases state fragility.

4. Tribes and Al-Qaeda

• No Direct Link: There is no evidence of a direct connection between tribes and al-Qaeda. Tribes generally avoid killing, considering it shameful.
• Cooperation with Government: Tribes have cooperated with the government in fighting extremists, as seen in cases where they condemned tribesmen linked to al-Qaeda.
• Underlying Causes: Continued lack of development, youth marginalization, and grievances contribute to the potential for violent engagement, even if not directly linked to al-Qaeda.

5. International Aid and Rural Development

• Current Focus: Most aid is directed towards stabilisation and conflict resolution, rather than addressing food insecurity and rural livelihoods.
• Distribution Issues: The structures of aid distribution are problematic, with concerns over direct funding to tribal leaders.
• Local Institutions: Existing local councils and NGOs are seen as more effective than direct aid to sheikhs, which may weaken tribal traditions.
• Need for Comprehensive Approach: Aid should focus on creating an environment for development, not just funding specific projects.

6. Future Outlook for Tribes

• Potential Deterioration: If grievances and poverty are not addressed, tribal areas may face further instability and violence.
• Positive Scenario: A more integrated approach between tribal and state systems could strengthen institutions and improve outcomes.
• Tribal Resilience: Tribal areas have historically managed their affairs independently, giving them a stronger position in the future if traditional systems are preserved and strengthened.

Conclusion

The meeting highlighted the complex role of tribes in Yemen's social fabric, the challenges posed by small arms proliferation, and the need for a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to development and conflict resolution. It also stressed the importance of understanding tribal dynamics and addressing rural livelihoods to prevent further conflict and ensure long-term stability.