MARKETS Steering Committee Holds 2nd Meeting in Riyadh

The steering committee for the Market Access Enhancement Project (MARKETS) convened its second meeting in Riyadh on October 9, 2024, to review progress on a major initiative funded by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group and the Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen (SDRPY). The project, implemented by the Small and Micro Enterprise Promotion Service (SMEPS) under Yemen’s Social Fund for Development, aims to strengthen market access for smallholder farmers and boost trade in three key Yemeni products: coffee, honey, and onions.

Context and Background

The MARKETS project represents a strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia, the IsDB, and Yemeni institutions to address critical gaps in Yemen’s trade and production sectors. Since its launch, the initiative has focused on enhancing the value chains of coffee, honey, and onions—commodities with significant economic potential in local and regional markets. By targeting these sectors, the project seeks to improve the livelihoods of small farmers, create job opportunities, and stimulate agriculture-based economic development.

The second steering committee meeting brought together key stakeholders, including Dr. Mohammed Al-Hawari, Undersecretary of Yemen’s Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation; Abdulmalik Naji, Deputy Minister for the Production Sector at the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation; Abdullah bin Kadasa, Director of Media and Strategic Communications at SDRPY; Dr. Awsina Omar, Director of SMEPS branches in Aden and Hadramout; Mohammed Yassin, program management specialist at the IsDB Group; and Maher Khan, project manager at SMEPS. Their collective expertise underscores the collaborative spirit driving the initiative.

How does such cross-border cooperation redefine the possibilities for sustainable development in the region? The meeting served as a platform to assess the project’s achievements and chart the way forward, reinforcing the commitment of all partners to Yemen’s economic recovery.

Key Details

During the meeting, participants reviewed the project’s results and activities aimed at addressing market performance weaknesses that hinder small farmers. The discussion highlighted the importance of improving market access, enhancing sustainable livelihoods, and promoting inclusive economic growth.

Dr. Mohammed Al-Hawari emphasized the project’s role in improving market access and commended the support from SDRPY and the IsDB. He praised the fruitful cooperation between all partners, noting that such collaboration is essential for overcoming the challenges faced by Yemen’s agricultural sector.

Abdullah bin Kadasa acknowledged the efforts of the Yemeni Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation and the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Fisheries. He stressed the importance of joint efforts to achieve the project’s ambitious goals, highlighting the seamless partnership between SDRPY, the IsDB, and SMEPS.

Mohammed Yassin underscored the significance of sustaining such projects, emphasizing their role in achieving sustainable development in Yemen. He noted that long-term commitment is crucial for creating lasting impact.

What makes these three products—coffee, honey, and onions—so vital to Yemen’s economy? Each holds a unique position in local markets and has the potential to reach international consumers, thereby driving foreign exchange earnings and supporting rural communities.

Implications and Impact

The MARKETS project is poised to deliver transformative benefits for Yemen’s agricultural sector. By strengthening value chains, it enables small farmers to access larger markets, secure better prices, and improve their income. This, in turn, contributes to poverty reduction and economic stability.

The initiative also aligns with broader regional efforts to promote trade and investment. Saudi Arabia, through SDRPY, has implemented developmental projects in 14 Yemeni governorates across eight sectors: education, health, water, energy, transportation, agriculture and fisheries, capacity building for government institutions, and developmental programs. This comprehensive approach reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering stability and prosperity in Yemen.

How can empowering small farmers ripple through entire communities? When farmers thrive, they invest in their families, education, and local businesses, creating a multiplier effect that revitalizes rural economies.

The international dimension of the project is equally significant. The IsDB Group’s involvement brings not only funding but also technical expertise and access to global networks. This collaboration exemplifies how multilateral institutions can work alongside national programs to address complex challenges.

What lessons can other nations draw from this partnership model? The MARKETS project demonstrates that coordinated action—bringing together governments, development banks, and local implementers—can overcome barriers to market access and drive sustainable growth.

Vision 2030 Alignment

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 emphasizes economic diversification, social development, and global engagement. The MARKETS project embodies these principles by supporting Yemen’s agricultural sector, creating jobs, and fostering regional stability. Through SDRPY, the Kingdom is not only providing aid but also building partnerships that empower local communities and promote self-reliance.

As the project advances, it will continue to serve as a model for international cooperation, showcasing how strategic investments in agriculture can yield lasting benefits. The steering committee’s second meeting reaffirmed the partners’ shared commitment to Yemen’s prosperity and underscored the role of collaborative efforts in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

How does supporting Yemen’s farmers contribute to global food security? By enhancing production and market access, the project helps stabilize food supplies and prices, benefiting consumers beyond Yemen’s borders.

In the coming months, the MARKETS project will focus on scaling up successful interventions, expanding outreach to more farmers, and strengthening market linkages. With the continued support of Saudi Arabia, the IsDB, and Yemeni institutions, the initiative is well-positioned to make a lasting impact on Yemen’s economy and the lives of its people.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the MARKETS project?

A1. The Market Access Enhancement Project (MARKETS) is an initiative funded by the Islamic Development Bank and the Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen, implemented by the Small and Micro Enterprise Promotion Service, aimed at improving market access for Yemeni farmers.

Q2. When and where was the second steering committee meeting held?

A2. The second steering committee meeting was held in Riyadh on October 9, 2024, to discuss the progress and future direction of the MARKETS project.

Q3. Who attended the steering committee meeting?

A3. Attendees included Dr. Mohammed Al-Hawari, Abdulmalik Naji, Abdullah bin Kadasa, Dr. Awsina Omar, Mohammed Yassin, and Maher Khan, representing Yemeni ministries, SDRPY, SMEPS, and the IsDB Group.

Q4. What are the main products targeted by the MARKETS project?

A4. The project targets three economically significant Yemeni products: coffee, honey, and onions, aiming to strengthen their value chains and enhance market access.

Q5. What did Dr. Al-Hawari emphasize at the meeting?

A5. Dr. Al-Hawari emphasized the project’s importance in improving market access and commended the support from SDRPY and the IsDB, as well as the fruitful cooperation among all partners.

Q6. How did Abdullah bin Kadasa describe the cooperation?

A6. Abdullah bin Kadasa commended the efforts of all partners and highlighted the fruitful cooperation between SDRPY, the IsDB, and SMEPS, stressing the importance of joint efforts to achieve the project’s goals.

Q7. What did Mohammed Yassin stress during the meeting?

A7. Mohammed Yassin underlined the significance of sustaining such projects and their role in achieving sustainable development in Yemen, noting the need for long-term commitment.

Q8. What are the key objectives of the MARKETS project?

A8. The project aims to address market performance weaknesses affecting small farmers, enhance sustainable livelihoods, create job opportunities, improve income, and promote agriculture-based economic development.

Q9. Which Yemeni governorates have benefited from SDRPY’s projects?

A9. SDRPY has implemented developmental projects and initiatives in 14 Yemeni governorates across eight sectors, including education, health, water, energy, transportation, agriculture, capacity building, and developmental programs.

Q10. How does the MARKETS project align with Saudi Vision 2030?

A10. It aligns with Vision 2030 by promoting economic diversification, social development, and global engagement, supporting Yemen’s agricultural sector, creating jobs, and fostering regional stability.

Q11. What is the role of the Islamic Development Bank in the project?

A11. The IsDB Group funds and supports the project, providing financial resources and technical expertise to help achieve its objectives of enhancing market access and sustainable development.

Q12. What is SMEPS and what does it do?

A12. SMEPS, the Small and Micro Enterprise Promotion Service, is affiliated with Yemen’s Social Fund for Development and is responsible for implementing the MARKETS project on the ground.

Q13. What are the expected outcomes of the MARKETS project?

A13. Expected outcomes include improved market access for small farmers, enhanced livelihoods, job creation, increased incomes, and overall agriculture-based economic development in Yemen.

Q14. How does the project address market performance weaknesses?

A14. The project identifies and addresses gaps in trade and production sectors for coffee, honey, and onions, helping small farmers overcome barriers to market entry and improve their competitiveness.

Q15. What is the significance of coffee, honey, and onions for Yemen’s economy?

A15. These products have high economic potential in local and regional markets, and strengthening their value chains can boost exports, create jobs, and support rural communities.

Q16. How does SDRPY contribute to Yemen’s development?

A16. SDRPY implements developmental projects across various sectors in Yemen, contributing to infrastructure, education, health, and economic growth, thereby supporting stability and prosperity.

Q17. What was the purpose of the second steering committee meeting?

A17. The meeting aimed to review the progress of the MARKETS project, discuss challenges, and plan future activities to ensure the project achieves its goals.

Q18. How can international cooperation benefit Yemen’s agricultural sector?

A18. International cooperation brings funding, expertise, and market access, enabling Yemeni farmers to improve production, reach new markets, and enhance their livelihoods.

Q19. What are the next steps for the MARKETS project?

A19. Next steps include scaling up successful interventions, expanding outreach to more farmers, and strengthening market linkages to ensure sustainability and long-term impact.

Q20. Why is sustainable development important for Yemen?

A20. Sustainable development is crucial for Yemen to achieve economic stability, reduce poverty, and improve the quality of life for its citizens, paving the way for a prosperous future.

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