Sustainable Reconstruction in Yemen: Evaluating Indigenous and Recycled Materials for Post-Conflict Infrastructure

Abstract

The protracted conflict in Yemen, ongoing since early 2015, has culminated in catastrophic damage to civil infrastructure and a near-collapse of the national economy. More than 2,900 schools have been damaged or repurposed, nearly 1,000 health facilities have been attacked, and roughly 40% of residential housing units have been affected. This report critically examines a strategic framework for sustainable post-conflict reconstruction that departs from conventional, import-dependent approaches. Central to the analysis is the proposition that resilient recovery in Yemen must be anchored in the adoption of low-cost, locally available materials, guided by the principles of the “Build Back Better” (BBB) framework. The study evaluates traditional earthen construction and recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) derived from war rubble. Findings reveal that while these materials present significant environmental and economic benefits, their effective deployment remains hindered by shortages of skilled labour, dominance of informal practices, and the absence of standardised building regulations. To address these barriers, the study proposes a comprehensive strategy built on three interdependent pillars: material innovation, capacity development, and policy reform. Together, these measures provide a pathway toward a reconstruction model that not only restores physical assets but also strengthens long-term resilience, self-reliance, and socio-economic stability in Yemen.