Project Summary

This project aims to support improved climate security and boost employment in Yemen by piloting the transition from Qat-to-Coffee. The Qat sector has grown immensely in Yemen in the past 5-10 years and with it, increased the pressure on critical groundwater reserves, threatening to further limit access to water for Yemenis across one of the world’s driest countries. At the same time, global coffee demand has increased and the potential for Yemeni coffee production not yet fully recognised. 

The Qat-to-Coffee project will (1) carry out a value chain analysis of Qat production in Yemen, with a focus on the financial income benefits and livelihood opportunities offered by Qat production and identify how this can be used to promote coffee as an alternative and (2) pilot climate-resilient Yemeni coffee varieties and sustainable water resource management practices as an alternative to unsustainable Qat production, to enhance climate security in select communities. This approach will focus on elaborating recommendations to improve the coffee value chain in Yemen to enhance Yemen’s ability to export coffee in international markets. 

Under Component 2 an inclusive participatory community plan will be developed for select woman and man farmers to pilot the Qat-to-Coffee approach. The pilots will support training, as well as procurement of coffee seedlings, small-scale infrastructure such as rainwater harvesting systems, or coffee cleaning & grading equipment, for at least two pilot communities. 

Objectives

The project aims to promote sustainable coffee production and value chains in Yemen as a high-value alternative crop to reduce groundwater exploitation, enhance livelihood opportunities, and empower women. 

Expected Results

1. A value chain analysis of Qat production completed with a focus on the financial benefits and livelihood opportunities offered by the sector, with recommendations on how the coffee value chain can be promoted as an alternative. 
2. Inclusive community plans for coffee production developed, including resource management practices. 
3. Farmers’ groups provided necessary equipment and supplies to undertake a coffee production pilot.

Download related documents

• Project Factsheet 2021