The Minister of Agriculture discusses launching projects in the agricultural and fisheries sectors with the World Bank.

Minister Discusses Climate-Resilient Agricultural Projects with World Bank Team

In a significant meeting held today in the temporary capital of Aden, Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Fisheries, Major General Salem Al-Saqtri, engaged with a technical team from the World Bank. The team, led by Senior Water Resources Management Specialist Dr. Naif Abu Lahoum, focused on preparations for launching a series of climate-resilient projects in agriculture, fisheries, and water sectors.

Overview of Current and Upcoming Projects

During the meeting, both parties reviewed various projects funded by the World Bank. Notably, they discussed the Fishery Development Project in the Arabian Sea, Red Sea, and Gulf of Aden. Additionally, they highlighted the Food Security Response Project, which is currently being implemented in 11 governorates with a budget of $278 million. The discussions also covered water, irrigation, and fishery infrastructure projects. Both sides emphasized the need to evaluate previous projects to address shortcomings in future implementations.

Future Agricultural and Water Sector Initiatives

The meeting also addressed ongoing consultations between the ministry and the World Bank regarding upcoming interventions in the agricultural and water sectors. These initiatives include projects in Wadi Hajar in Hadramout Governorate and Wadi Tuban in Lahij Governorate. The implementation is expected to commence in June 2025, with plans to encompass all water basins in Yemen in the next phase.

Strengthening Water and Food Security

Minister Al-Saqtri stated that this meeting aligns with the joint efforts between the ministry and the World Bank to enhance water and food security. The discussions aimed to prepare for a series of climate-resilient water and irrigation service projects in Yemen, based on findings from the World Bank’s Country Climate and Development Report. He stressed the importance of coordination among the ministry, the World Bank, and various implementing partners throughout all stages of project planning and execution. This approach aims to direct support toward areas in need, ensuring sustainability.

Commitment from the World Bank Team

In response, the World Bank technical team reaffirmed their full commitment to supporting the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. They pledged to provide technical and professional assistance while enhancing the capabilities of the ministry’s staff and institutions. The team aims to transition from emergency operations to infrastructure projects, ensuring the sustainability of interventions and achieving effective long-term developmental impacts.

This collaboration marks a crucial step toward building a resilient agricultural framework in Yemen, addressing both immediate needs and long-term sustainability in the face of climate change.

To follow the news in Arabic