Since ancient times, agriculture has been the primary and largest economic and livelihood activity in Yemen. It has enabled society to sustain itself by providing food and a source of income. The connection between humans and their fertile land, along with their integration with it, has earned Yemen a distinguished reputation.
Currently, despite the expansion of the qat tree and its dominance over agricultural land, agriculture still plays a crucial role in the national economy. Other crops are cultivated, and continuous efforts are made to encourage agricultural production, aiming for self-sufficiency or contributing to the national economy through the export of agricultural products in exchange for hard currency.
In this context, and in support of the agricultural sector and its societal and national goals, Namaa Small and Microfinance Foundation implemented a Vegetable Production Project in Al Hodeidah Province. Farmers in certain areas of the province are now focusing on cultivating various types of vegetables such as tomatoes, okra, zucchini, bell peppers, and others.
The main challenge faced by these farmers is the need to sell their belongings in order to raise money for purchasing seedlings, seeds, and fertilizers. To address this issue, Namaa Foundation provided support to farmers in the Al Zaydiyah and Al Murawwah directorates of Al Hodeidah Province.
NAMAA Foundation financed the purchase of seedlings for each farmer, based on the desired cultivation area. The seedlings were delivered to the farmers in batches, and they were given a four-month period to cultivate, harvest, and sell the products to repay their debts.
A total of 6,000,000 seedlings were provided to the farmers. The objective is to achieve a production of 3,000 tons of tomatoes for the local markets, as well as 1,000 tons of various vegetables for the local and foreign markets.
Additionally, the project aims to support farmers and overcome the difficulties and obstacles they face. It contributes to the continuity of agricultural production and ensures the availability of vegetables to consumers, meeting their needs at affordable prices for all segments of society.