Mokha Revival Project: Revitalizing Coffee-Producing Communities in Yemen

Under the banner of “Mokha Revival,” an ambitious project in Yemen aims to address social and economic challenges in the coffee sector. Led by the Lavazza Foundation in collaboration with the Qima Foundation and GIZ, the project began in 2023 and will run until 2025, focusing on the Yemeni provinces of Taiz and Yafa’a. The initiative seeks to rejuvenate and transform the coffee industry from the ground up, from improving agricultural practices to promoting and enhancing the final product.

Project Objectives

The “Mokha Revival” project aims to achieve several key objectives:

1. Improving Farm-Level Practices: This includes implementing modern, sustainable agricultural practices to increase the productivity and quality of coffee.
2. Promoting the Final Product: Enhancing and marketing Yemeni coffee globally to increase its economic value.
3. Data Collection: Gathering comprehensive information on coffee cultivation through a national survey of 145 households to understand the dynamics of agricultural and household economies.

Key Achievements

Some of the significant achievements of the project so far include:

• Signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA): A MoA was signed with the Yemeni Minister of Agriculture to foster development and research in the coffee industry through comprehensive training programs.
• Involving Women: 65 women have actively participated in training programs aimed at enhancing their role in the coffee industry.
• Training Youth: More than 1,160 hours have been dedicated to training young people in essential skills for coffee cultivation and production improvement.

Details and Partnerships

Technical Details of the Project

1. Geographical Focus: The project concentrates on the provinces of Taiz and Yafa’a, which are significant coffee-growing areas in Yemen.
2. Project Duration: The project spans from 2023 to 2025.
3. Beneficiaries: The project targets over 265 farmers and their families.

Partnerships

1. Qima Foundation: Provides field support and expertise necessary for project implementation.
2. GIZ: The German international cooperation agency contributes funding and technical expertise.
3. Yemeni Ministry of Agriculture: Offers government support and oversight for the implementation of training programs.

Project Components

1. Sustainable Agriculture: Implementing modern and sustainable agricultural techniques.
2. Training and Education: Providing training programs for farmers and youth to enhance their agricultural skills.
3. Marketing and Promotion: Elevating the profile of Yemeni coffee in global markets.

Community Impact

The “Mokha Revival” project aims to achieve sustainable economic and social benefits for local communities by:

1. Increasing Productivity: Improving agricultural practices to boost farm productivity.
2. Empowering Women: Enhancing women’s roles in the coffee industry through active participation in training programs.
3. Youth Development: Providing educational and training opportunities to empower the youth economically.

Future Expectations

The “Mokha Revival” project serves as a model that can be replicated in other regions of Yemen and possibly in other coffee-producing countries. The project is expected to:

• Ensure Sustainable Production: Provide sustainable agricultural practices that enhance coffee productivity and quality.
• Empower Communities: Empower women and youth through training programs that improve their skills and economic opportunities.
• Boost Local Economy: Increase the value of Yemeni coffee in global markets, contributing to local economic growth.

Conclusion

The “Mokha Revival” project represents a significant step towards revitalizing the coffee industry in Yemen and enhancing the local economy by focusing on improving agricultural practices, promoting the product, and empowering local communities. Through the collaboration between the Lavazza Foundation and local and international partners, the project provides a model for sustainable development that can serve as a valuable reference for researchers and policymakers.

Sources

• Mokha Revival Project – Lavazza Foundation
• Additional Information – Qima Foundation
• GIZ Reports on International Cooperation in Yemen

This report provides a comprehensive overview of the “Mokha Revival” project, serving as a valuable reference for anyone researching this field and contributing to a broader understanding of the project’s positive impact on Yemeni communities.