قصصنا. اعرفوا المزيد حول عملنا لتحقيق أهداف التنمية المستدامة

Before coffee became a cherished ritual around the world, it was already part of Yemen’s story.Yemeni coffee is grown on ancient, high-altitude mountain terraces carved into the country's steep highlands, where generations of farmers have cultivated the crop using traditional methods passed down through time. These landscapes, shaped by patience and hard work, have given the world a coffee renowned for its distinctive flavour and rich heritage.This is the birthplace of Mocha.Named after Yemen’s historic Red Sea port of Al-Makha, once a global hub for the coffee trade, Mocha has become a name recognized in coffee cultures around the world. But behind that name lies something far more meaningful: the story of Yemeni farmers, their land and a tradition that remains deeply woven into the country’s identity. A heritage carried by generationsFor the approximately 120,000 smallholder farmers who cultivate coffee across nearly 35,000 hectares, coffee is more than a crop. It is a source of livelihood, a connection to the land and a legacy worth preserving.Coffee is predominantly grown on the terraces of the western highlands of the country, harvested and traditionally processed to develop their distinctive flavour. Even the coffee hulls find a place in local traditions, used to prepare Qishr, a beloved Yemeni beverage.Coffee is also at the heart of Yemeni hospitality. It brings people together, creates moments of connection and reflects a culture where sharing a cup is an expression of welcome.A cherished legacy facing new challengesYet this remarkable heritage has not been easy to sustain. Yemen’s coffee sector has faced decades of difficulties, including political instability, limited access to farming inputs, water scarcity and the effects of climate change. Low market prices and aging coffee trees have placed additional pressure on producers.Despite these challenges, the story of Yemeni coffee is not one of decline alone. It is a story of resilience and of renewed hope.A new chapter through OCOPThrough FAO’s One Country One Priority Product initiative, coffee has been identified as Yemen’s distinctive agricultural product, recognizing its importance to the country’s heritage, rural livelihoods and agricultural future.FAO is supporting efforts to strengthen Yemen’s coffee value chain, from improving agricultural practices and farmer knowledge to enhancing processing, value addition and market opportunities.A Coffee National Working Group/Task Force has been established to manage the Coffee Centre in Aden, while a value chain assessment and an Upgrading Strategy and Investment Plan have laid the groundwork for coordinated action.The ambition is clear: to help Yemeni coffee build on its unique strengths, improve quality and productivity, and reach more markets while creating better opportunities for the communities who cultivate it.From Yemen’s terraces to the worldToday, Yemeni coffee stands as a living testament to its origins, renowned for its unique characteristics, traditional farming methods, and rich cultural heritage unlike any other.The   International Coffee Day, celebrated on 1st of October each year, brings coffee lovers around the world together. It is an opportunity to celebrate not only the beverage in our cups, but also the people and places behind it.In Yemen, every coffee cherry reflects generations of knowledge. Every terrace tells a story of perseverance. And every cup of Mocha carries a legacy that continues to inspire a more sustainable future.