Yemen’s coffee and honey carry centuries of heritage to global markets

ROME – Yemen’s coffee and honey value chains offer significant opportunities to strengthen rural livelihoods, preserve agricultural heritage and connect local producers with international markets, participants heard during the session, “From Yemen to the world: honey and coffee value chains.”

The discussion, moderated by Rebbie Harawa, FAO Senior Agricultural Officer, explored how Yemen’s varied landscapes, traditional farming systems and generations of local knowledge have shaped two of the country’s most distinctive agricultural products.

FAO Senior Programme Specialist Farea Mohammed, who is based in Yemen, described coffee and honey as products that carry Yemen’s identity and history. Coffee has been cultivated on the country’s mountain terraces for centuries, at elevations ranging from approximately 700 to 3 000 metres above sea level.

Differences in altitude, rainfall and microclimates have contributed to the development of locally adapted coffee varieties with distinctive aromas, flavours and characteristics. Traditional terraces have enabled farmers to cultivate coffee in challenging mountain environments while conserving soil and scarce water resources.

“Behind every cup of Yemeni coffee and every jar of Yemeni honey is a farmer or beekeeper whose knowledge has been built over generations,” Mohammed said.

Yemen also holds a prominent place in the history of the global coffee trade. From the port of Mocha, Yemeni coffee reached international markets and gave its name to one of the world’s best-known coffee traditions. Varieties associated with different production areas continue to reflect the country’s geographical and genetic diversity.

Honey tells a similarly place-based story. Yemeni beekeepers draw on detailed knowledge of flowering seasons, local landscapes and traditional production practices. Sidr honey, one of the country’s most renowned varieties, is valued for its distinctive colour, aroma, flavour and texture.

Despite their potential, both value chains face considerable challenges. Climate change and drought are placing pressure on production, while conflict, damaged infrastructure, price volatility and limited access to finance and markets constrain farmers and beekeepers.

Mohammed called for greater technical and financial support, including climate-smart agricultural practices, training, stronger producer organizations and improved access to global markets. Investment in processing, roasting, packaging, branding and certification could add value to products before they leave the country.

Partnerships among producers, government institutions and the private sector will also be essential to improve infrastructure and build more resilient value chains.

“Coffee carries the story of Yemen’s mountains, while honey carries the story of its landscapes and flowering seasons,” Mohammed said.

By investing in the people who protect this living heritage, Yemen can move from resilience towards prosperity, ensuring that every cup of coffee and drop of honey supports rural communities while carrying the country’s identity to consumers around the world.