[28/02/2024 02:20]

ADEN-SABA
The Project Steering Committee for Livelihoods Support, Food Security, and Climate Adaptation in Yemen (Phase III) held its meeting here on Wednesday.

The meeting was chaired by Deputy Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Dr. Nizar Basuhayb to discuss the implementation of the project funded by the European Union and implemented by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) with the support from the United Nations agencies.

Dr. Basuhayb emphasized the importance of the project as one of the economic empowerment initiatives that contribute to improving food security, supporting small farmers, reducing malnutrition, mitigating climate change risks, and serving as a distinguished model for livelihood projects and employment opportunities for farmers.

He also highlighted the project's role in increasing agricultural productivity, empowering youth and women to own agricultural assets, and enhancing technical and vocational skills in rural areas.

Furthermore, Dr. Basuhayb reaffirmed the government's commitment to addressing the economic and livelihood conditions, providing basic services and supporting the agricultural and fisheries sectors in partnership with donors and Yemen's development partners.

He discussed the structural and emerging challenges facing development in Yemen in general, and the agricultural sector in particular, such as water resource scarcity, low agricultural productivity, heavy reliance on food imports (up to 90%), the impact of war and conflict, and Yemen's vulnerability to climate change.

He commended the level of strategic partnership with the European Union and its significant contributions in supporting Yemen in various vital areas, particularly livelihoods, agriculture, food security, women's empowerment, human rights and sustainable peace.

He stressed that the Ministry of Planning prioritizes the agricultural sector and food security in mobilizing external funding to contribute to reducing food insecurity and alleviating the humanitarian crisis affecting 80% of the population. He also highlighted that the agricultural sector contributes for around 20% of the gross domestic product and employs over 60% of the workforce.

For her part, Nadia al-Awamleh, the Deputy Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), emphasized the economic and social importance of the project and the efforts of UNDP in supporting development in Yemen and transferring from relief to development.

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