Enhancing food security in Yemen: A new agreement from the King Salman Center
In a significant step aimed at supporting stability and sustainable development, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center signed a joint cooperation agreement to enhance food security in Yemenby supporting farmers in the Hadramawt and Socotra governorates. This agreement, signed virtually, falls under the ambitious “Seed” initiative and is expected to directly benefit 800 people and indirectly benefit more than 6,500 others, reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s unwavering commitment to the brotherly Yemeni people.
This project comes at a time of extremely complex humanitarian conditions in Yemen, where the conflict has led to a significant deterioration in vital sectors, most notably agriculture, which is a primary source of livelihood for millions of Yemenis, particularly in rural areas. The crisis has caused a decline in local production and a rise in food prices, exacerbating the suffering of the population and increasing the risk of food insecurity. Therefore, the importance of these initiatives is paramount; they go beyond providing emergency aid and aim to build the resilience of local communities and achieve long-term self-sufficiency.
“Seed” Initiative: Empowering farmers and supporting local production
The agreement was signed by the Assistant General Supervisor of the Center for Operations and Programs, Engineer Ahmed bin Ali Al-Baiz, with a specialized civil society organization. Under the agreement, a comprehensive package of activities will be implemented, focusing on rehabilitating agricultural infrastructure. These activities include reclaiming damaged agricultural land, establishing greenhouses in arid regions to conserve water and increase productivity, and providing specialized training programs for farmers. The training courses will focus on the latest agricultural extension methods, organic fertilizer production techniques, and best practices in safe and sustainable pest control.
A sustainable impact to enhance food security in Yemen
The project's impact extends beyond supporting primary agricultural production; it also encompasses supporting food processing industries that rely on local agricultural products, thus contributing to added value and creating new job opportunities. The agreement will also revitalize local agricultural associations and enhance their organizational and productive capacities by providing them with the necessary agricultural inputs and equipment. This comprehensive approach ensures sustainable agricultural development that directly benefits rural families, improves their living standards, and effectively contributes to the stability of local food markets. These efforts are an integral part of the Kingdom's leading humanitarian role, through its humanitarian arm, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, in supporting all vital sectors in Yemen.
