Aden, Republic of Yemen / Amman, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, – In Yemen, agriculture is more than a source of food. It is a source of livelihoods, income and opportunity for millions of Yemenis. From farmers and farm workers to traders, food processors, transporters and small businesses, a stronger agricultural sector can create opportunities far beyond the farm.
Recognizing the potential, the European Union (EU), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Yemen have signed a €10 million (US$11.4 million) agreement to strengthen climate-resilient agri-food systems, create jobs, build more sustainable livelihoods and enhance economic recovery in Yemen.
Over the next 42 months, the Sustainable Agri-food and Natural Resources for Accelerating Business Growth, Economic Resilience and Livelihoods (SANABEL) Project will work with farmers, businesses and local institutions to make agricultural value chains stronger, more productive and better connected to markets.
The ambition goes beyond supporting agricultural production. By investing in agriculture, SANABEL will help create the conditions for jobs to grow and last. When farmers can produce more reliably, businesses can access markets, food can be processed locally and products can reach consumers, new opportunities emerge across the entire value chain. These opportunities can mean work for young people, stronger businesses for entrepreneurs and more stable income for families. Over time, SANABEL aims to help build livelihoods that people can rely on.
SANABEL builds on existing initiatives and local development priorities, with a focus on solutions that can continue to deliver benefits beyond the life of the project. The aim is not simply to respond to today’s challenges, but to help create the foundations for stronger local economies and sustainable employment in the years to come, by supporting farmers to adopt climate-smart farming practices, improve water management and strengthen their links with businesses and markets. It will also support the sustainable management of natural resources, especially water, which underpins Yemen’s rural economy.
“The European Union is committed to supporting Yemen’s resilience and sustainable economic recovery. This project brings together the different pieces needed to turn Yemen’s agricultural potential into lasting economic opportunities, from climate-smart production and sustainable management of natural resources to stronger markets, businesses and access to jobs. By strengthening these connections, the project aims to help create stable livelihoods, support families and communities, and give people greater opportunities to build a future in their own communities.”
Patrick Simonnet, EU Ambassador to the Republic of Yemen
“With displacement expected to rise, acting now to protect incomes and keep local systems working is critical. UNDP will focus on creating jobs, restoring livelihoods, supporting private sector development and strengthening local governance, so that families and communities can withstand shocks and avoid falling further into hardship. By linking climate-smart agriculture, stronger value chains and local enterprise development, this project will help communities and businesses build lasting resilience.”
Noura Hamladji, UNDP Yemen Resident Representative
“SANABEL responds to the realities faced by communities across Yemen by supporting farmers, businesses and local institutions to strengthen resilient food systems and create opportunities for sustainable economic recovery. Through the SANABEL partnership with the European Union and UNDP, FAO will work with farmers, local institutions, and agri-food businesses to improve water management, strengthen value chains, and expand opportunities for vulnerable communities to build a more resilient and sustainable future.”
Adam Yao, FAO Yemen Representative a.i.
Additional links:
- Original article (FAO Brussels) – 8 October 2026
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
- UN Brussels Team
About FAO
The Food and Agriculture Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Our goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. (https://www.fao.org)
About UNDP
UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet. (http://www.undp.org)
