Stabilization Programming Assessment Report: Assessing the Stabilization Challenges and Opportunities in Targeted Districts in Abyan and Taiz Governorates in Yemen

These factors include Security, Existence of Reliable Local Authorities, Risk of Doing Harm, Existing Foundation for Stabilization Efforts, Free and Unfettered Access, Presence of Local Implementing Partners, and Multiplier Potential. The framework is used to classify a geographic area as green, yellow, or red in terms of suitability for stabilization programming. The report applies this framework to identify green spots for small-scale, locally relevant, pilot stabilization activities in targeted districts in Abyan and Taiz Governorates in Yemen. The assessment was conducted through a combination of household surveys, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. The data was collected in January and February 2019, and the report was co-authored by Ilyas Ibrahim Mohamed, the MEL Director for YCST, and Carfax Projects' researchers led by Charles Schulze. The assessment identified four districts: Khanfir - Juar, Zenjubar, Al-Suwa'a, and Al-Azaez. The findings matrices provide an overview of the seven geographic assessment factors and a further report of key issues and local dynamics for each district. The matrices indicate that Khanfir is the largest district of Abyan governorate, with a population of approximately 100,000 people. The district has a relatively high level of security, with a low risk of doing harm and a strong presence of local implementing partners. In Khanfir - Juar, the assessment found that the district has a relatively high level of security, with a low risk of doing harm and a strong presence of local implementing partners. However, the district also faces challenges related to the existence of reliable local authorities and free and unfettered access. The assessment found that the district has a relatively weak foundation for stabilization efforts, with limited capacity and resources. The report concludes that the districts of Khanfir - Juar, Zenjubar, Al-Suwa'a, and Al-Azaez present opportunities and challenges for effective stabilization assistance in Yemen. The assessment found that these districts have varying levels of security, presence of local implementing partners, and foundation for stabilization efforts. The report recommends that USAID consider these factors when designing its programs and targeting stabilization assistance in Yemen.