[27/11/2024 12:05]

ADEN - SABA
Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Dr. Waed Batheeb discussed Wednesday with the Regional Director of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Tawfiq Al-Bazri enhancing the existing partnership between the government and IFAD to support the agricultural sector and the implementation level of projects provided by the fund during the current year.

The two parties addressed the interventions and projects currently funded by IFAD, as well as the progress of the first phase of the Rural Livelihoods Development Project, implemented by the Social Fund for Development and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

They also discussed the ongoing arrangements to complete the second phase of the project, in addition to the CRI project, which has a budget of $3 million and is implemented by the World Food Programme.

This project includes improving food security and nutrition, enhancing the resilience of small and micro enterprises in the agricultural sector, increasing the productive capacity of smallholders, and investing in assets and infrastructure for the agricultural food system.

The meeting also covered several topics related to reopening IFAD's office in the temporary capital, Aden, to closely monitor projects and the government's current efforts to address the outstanding dues owed to various financial institutions, including IFAD, to enable Yemen to secure new funding for developmental projects that contribute to improving economic conditions.
The Minister of Planning and International Cooperation confirmed that IFAD has been a key partner for Yemen, especially in the agricultural sector since 1977, having funded 22 developmental projects in agriculture and fisheries at a cost of $730 million.

He noted that the fund resumed its activities in 2021 after a halt due to the war.

Minister Batheeb emphasized that Yemen relies on a greater role from the fund in supporting the agricultural sector and the needs of small rural farmers, stressing the need for continued and increased support from the International Fund for Agricultural Development.

For his part, the regional director of IFAD in Yemen confirmed that the fund will continue its efforts to provide support and essential projects for the agricultural sector and improve the incomes of small farmers to ensure the stability of the agricultural situation amid the exceptional circumstances Yemen is currently facing.

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