EU, FAO and UNDP Launch €10 Million Agrifood and Livelihoods Project in Yemen

The European Union, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) announced on 8 October 2026 the signing of a €10 million (US$11.4 million) agreement aimed at strengthening climate-resilient agrifood systems and supporting economic recovery in Yemen.

The 42-month initiative, titled the Sustainable Agrifood and Natural Resources for Accelerating Business Growth, Economic Resilience and Livelihoods (SANABEL) Project, will collaborate with farmers, local businesses, and institutions. According to the participating organizations, the project aims to improve agricultural value chains, increase productivity, and establish stronger connections to commercial markets.

Project planners stated that SANABEL intends to foster long-term employment and economic stability by encouraging climate-smart farming techniques, enhancing water management, and bolstering natural resource governance. The initiative also focuses on local food processing and creating market access across the agricultural supply chain.

EU Ambassador to Yemen Patrick Simonnet stated that the project brings together natural resource management, climate-smart production, and market access to support Yemen's sustainable economic recovery and resilience.

FAO Yemen Representative a.i. Adam Yao noted that the agency will work directly with farmers and agrifood businesses to improve water efficiency and supply chains. Meanwhile, UNDP Yemen Resident Representative Noura Hamladji highlighted that the initiative will concentrate on job creation, local enterprise development, and local governance support to help communities withstand ongoing economic shocks.

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