For Saeeda, coffee farming in the Taiz region of southern Yemen, is more than a livelihood; it’s a legacy. Growing up on her father’s farm in Sabr Al-Mawadem, Saeeda learned to care for coffee trees alongside her parents, who taught her to prune, harvest, and respect the land. Today, as she cultivates her family’s 8,400 square metre farm, her love for the land and dedication to Yemen’s coffee heritage guide her through both the trials and triumphs that go into every cup.
Rainwater harvesting builds resilience
As climate change intensifies, Yemeni farmers like Saeeda face mounting challenges. Rainfall has decreased dramatically, leaving coffee trees, and the families who depend on them, vulnerable.
In response, UNDP, in partnership with the Public Works Project, has constructed rainwater harvesting tanks across the region as part of the Food Security Response and Resilience Project, (FSRRP), funded and supported by the World Bank. These tanks provide crucial water reserves for coffee farming during Yemen’s dry months.
In Sabr Al-Mawadem, two 400 cubic metre tanks have already made a difference. They’ve allowed Saeeda and a handful of other farmers to maintain their crops through recent droughts.
“Only the farmers who used water from the Public Works Project tanks saw their production improve this season.”
Still, she notes the pressing need for more tanks for the entire valley. A tradition preserved through family and community
Harvest season is a time of unity and tradition in Sabr Al-Mawadem. Each morning, Saeeda gathers her family to pick the ripened cherries before sunrise. As they work, they share stories, sing folk songs, and reminisce about past seasons and the elders who came before them.
The harvested cherries are carefully spread on rooftops to dry, a process that takes several months and to protect their quality, requires constant attention.
“Getting to the point of having a cup of coffee to drink isn’t easy. It takes nearly nine months of dedication.”
Overcoming climate challenges
Beyond water scarcity, Saeeda and other farmers in Sabr Al-Mawadem face rising temperatures, soil degradation, and the spread of pests, such as coffee and stem borers. Without clear guidance on pest control, Saeeda relies on knowledge passed down through generations and hopes that support organizations will provide more training and resources. Despite the challenges, Saeeda’s pride in her work and her heritage remains unwavering. “Our connection to the coffee tree runs deep. When we drink a cup of our coffee, we feel the value of our effort and the months we spent caring for the tree.”
Empowering the next generation
While Saeeda tends to her fields with dedication, she dreams of a future where Yemeni young people will carry forward the country’s coffee legacy. As the head of her family’s farm, she encourages younger farmers to value coffee for its economic potential and cultural importance.
Saeeda’s farm isn’t the only one transformed by FSRRP’s interventions. Across Yemen, farmers who’ve been supported by the project are achieving improved yields and resilience. In the coming years, UNDP and its partners aim to expand these resources to reach thousands more, strengthening food security, and stabilizing livelihoods in Yemen’s agricultural communities.
A legacy in every cup
Saeeda’s story reflects the enduring strength of Yemen’s farmers, who continue to nurture the land despite formidable challenges. With each cup of coffee harvested, dried, and shared, she celebrates not only the fruits of her labour but also a legacy rooted in tradition and strengthened by a hope for the future.
Through projects like FSRRP, Yemeni farmers are getting support to overcome adversity and sustain their communities. Yet, as Saeeda reminds us;
“Preserving this tree and our heritage is more important than just the economic value.”
In a land where every drop of water counts, and every bean carries a story, Saeeda’s resilience is a testament to the promise that even in the face of hardship, traditions will endure.
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