The Minister of Planning and Agriculture discusses the Rural Livelihoods Project with IFAD, FAO, and the Social Fund.
Ministers Discuss Rural Livelihoods Project in Yemen
In a significant meeting held today in the temporary capital of Aden, Yemen’s Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Dr. Waed Badhieb, and Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Fisheries, Salem Al-Suqtri, reviewed the achievements of the first phase of the Rural Livelihoods Development Project. This project aims to enhance food security and mitigate the impacts of crises and natural disasters threatening Yemen’s food future.
Key Stakeholders in Attendance
The meeting included several deputy ministers from the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Fisheries, as well as regional representatives from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the Social Fund for Development. Participants discussed the ongoing preparations for launching the second and third phases of the project, which will target five governorates. These phases will focus on climate-resilient community infrastructure, agricultural livelihood protection, and increased agricultural production.
Funding and Implementation
The FAO and the Social Fund for Development will implement these phases in collaboration with the Ministries of Agriculture and Planning. The project will receive $32 million in funding from IFAD, the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program.
Strategic Planning for Food Security
During the meeting, Minister Al-Suqtri emphasized the importance of effective planning with relevant stakeholders. He highlighted the need to leverage international organizations’ interventions to implement strategic projects aimed at securing food in Yemen’s agriculture and fisheries sectors.
Addressing Challenges
Al-Suqtri also pointed out the challenges the ministry faces in executing its annual plans amid the ongoing war and climate change. He stressed the necessity of intensifying efforts with partners to develop comprehensive plans tailored to the needs of targeted governorates, focusing on enhancing local community infrastructure.
Enhancing Agricultural Resilience
Minister Badhieb underscored the project’s role in strengthening the agricultural sector’s resilience and boosting productivity. He called for investments in infrastructure that supports agriculture, technical training for farmers, and the creation of livelihood opportunities. These initiatives aim to develop community infrastructure capable of withstanding climate change by improving household water supplies and irrigation systems, ultimately protecting livelihoods devastated by conflict and ensuring food security for vulnerable families.
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