Agricultural Training Program Launched in Yemen

Hadramout, Yemen – 30 June 2024 – The Small and Micro Enterprises Development Agency (SMEPS), in collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development (ISFD), and the Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen (SPDRY), launched “the Agricultural Training Program" in Hadramout, Yemen. The program's inauguration ceremony was sponsored by His Excellency the Deputy Governor of Hadramout and other local officials. 

This initiative is designed to enhance market access for Yemeni agricultural products, specifically focusing on onions, honey, and coffee. It addresses existing challenges within these sectors through a comprehensive approach: 

Value Chain Interventions: The program promotes best agricultural practices, international sorting and packaging standards, and effective branding and marketing strategies to elevate product quality. 

Capacity Building: SMEPS, the implementing partner for this program and many others, provides business consulting and training to enhance the technical skills of MSMEs and value chain actors, empowering them to access markets more effectively. 

E-commerce Solutions: An online platform will be established to facilitate business connections between Yemeni producers and international buyers. This platform aims to strengthen the reputation and marketability of Yemeni honey and coffee. 

The Market Access Readiness in Key Economic Trade Sectors Program (MARKETS) is a joint initiative of the Islamic Development Bank, the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development, and the Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen. It is implemented by the Yemeni SMEPs Agency to address the underlying causes of poor performance in markets that matter to people living in poverty to promote sustainable livelihoods, create jobs, and improve incomes.