The Minister of Agriculture inaugurates a workshop to establish a national network of coffee supporters.

A New Initiative for Coffee Stakeholders

Today, in the temporary capital of Aden, Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Fisheries, Major General Salem Al-Saqtri, inaugurated a workshop aimed at establishing a national network of coffee advocates. This initiative targets influential stakeholders at both national and local levels. The workshop is organized by the Abbs Organization for the Development of Women and Children, in partnership with the International Vision of Hope Organization and local partners, with funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

Objectives of the Workshop

The workshop is part of a broader project focused on enhancing biodiversity and strengthening rural communities in Yemen. It aims to improve the quality and marketing of coffee and fruit through sustainable farming practices. The network will serve local communities and act as a bridge between the ministry, coffee farmers, and donors.

Minister’s Commitment to Coffee Production

Minister Al-Saqtri emphasized the ministry’s commitment to coffee cultivation and production, highlighting its significance as a vital cash crop. He noted that the ministry’s plans and programs focus on improving coffee quality and expanding its cultivation. Key initiatives include establishing a National Coffee Center and collaborating with the Yemeni National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science (UNESCO) to recognize Yemeni coffee as a part of the world heritage. Additionally, coffee has been selected as a national product under the global initiative launched by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), titled “One Country, One Product.”

Project Coordinator’s Insights

Majid Al-Khamisi, the project coordinator from the Abbs Organization, presented the workshop’s agenda and objectives. He discussed the overall state of coffee in Yemen, providing an overview of the project, its activities, and targeted areas in Lahij Governorate, specifically in the regions of Labous and Yahr, as well as in Al-Dhale’e Governorate, particularly in Al-Shaib.

Strengthening Economic Collaboration

In a separate discussion, Minister Al-Saqtri met with Abu Bakr Baabid, the head of the Aden Chamber of Commerce and Industry, to explore ways to enhance collaboration between the two entities.

The meeting addressed various commercial and economic issues related to the agricultural and fisheries sectors. Participants discussed strengthening partnerships between the public and private sectors and donor organizations. They also identified challenges facing traders and exporters of agricultural and fish products, both domestically and internationally, and explored solutions to overcome these obstacles. The discussion included strategies for opening new export avenues in international markets.

This workshop marks a significant step toward revitalizing Yemen’s coffee industry and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, ultimately benefiting local communities and the economy.

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