From the FAO Country Office in Yemen 08/10/2026 Aden/Amman – The European Union (EU), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have signed a €10 million (US$11. 4 million) agreement to strengthen in Yemen climate-resilient agrifood systems, create jobs, build more sustainable livelihoods and enhance economic recovery. Over the next 42 months, the Sustainable Agrifood and Natural Resources for Accelerating Business Growth, Economic Resilience and Livelihoods (SANABEL) Project will work with farmers, businesses and local institutions to make agricultural value chains stronger, more productive and better connected to markets. By investing in agriculture, SANABEL will help create the conditions for jobs to grow and last. When farmers can produce more reliably, businesses can access markets, food can be processed locally and products can reach consumers, new opportunities emerge across the entire value chain. These opportunities can mean work for young people, stronger businesses for entrepreneurs and more stable income for families. SANABEL builds on existing initiatives and local development priorities, with a focus on solutions that can continue to deliver benefits beyond the life of the project. The aim is not simply to respond to today’s challenges, but to help create the foundations for stronger local economies and sustainable employment in the years to come, by supporting farmers to adopt climate-smart farming practices, improve water management and strengthen their links with businesses and markets. It will also support the sustainable management of natural resources, especially water, which underpins Yemen’s rural economy. Patrick Simonnet, EU Ambassador to the Republic of Yemen said: “The European Union is committed to supporting Yemen’s resilience and sustainable economic recovery. This project brings together the different pieces needed to turn Yemen’s agricultural potential into lasting economic opportunities, from climate-smart production and sustainable management of natural resources to stronger markets, businesses and access to jobs. By strengthening these connections, the project aims to help create stable livelihoods, support families and communities, and give people greater opportunities to build a future in their own communities.” Adam Yao, FAO Yemen Representative a. i. said: “SANABEL responds to the realities faced by communities across Yemen by supporting farmers, businesses and local institutions to strengthen resilient food systems and create opportunities for sustainable economic recovery. Through the SANABEL partnership with the European Union and UNDP, FAO will work with farmers, local institutions, and agrifood businesses to improve water management, strengthen value chains, and expand opportunities for vulnerable communities to build a more resilient and sustainable future. ” Noura Hamladji, UNDP Yemen Resident Representative said: “With displacement expected to rise, acting now to protect incomes and keep local systems working is critical. UNDP will focus on creating jobs, restoring livelihoods, supporting private sector development and strengthening local governance, so that families and communities can withstand shocks and avoid falling further into hardship. By linking climate-smart agriculture, stronger value chains and local enterprise development, this project will help communities and businesses build lasting resilience.” Contact Evani Debone Emergency Outreach Reporting Specialist | FAO Yemen Evani. Debone@fao. org Marah Nazzal Team Lead for Communications and Advocacy | UNDP Yemen Marah. Nazzal@undp. org
Yemen: €10 million EU, FAO and UNDP agreement seeks to create jobs and build climate-resilient agrifood systems
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