FAO and Yemeni Authorities Strengthen Collaboration Through Visits to Strategic Agricultural Facilities in Aden

Aden, Yemen – 19 November 2025  

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) reinforced its commitment to supporting agricultural development in Yemen through a high-level project site visit and institutional engagement in Aden. This visit is part of FAO's efforts under the World Bank-funded "Food Security Response and Resilience Project (FSRRP), and the Pandemic-Fund-funded "Yemen Pandemic Preparedness and Response Project" (YPPRP) which aims to enhance national food security and strengthen agricultural systems.

Led by FAO Representative a.i in Yemen Mr. Adam Yao, the FAO delegation, along with His Excellency Major General Salem Abdullah Al-Saqotri, Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Fisheries, and His Excellency Dr. Abdulnasser Al-Wali, Minister of Civil Service and Badr Maawen, Deputy Governor of Aden Governorate, inspected several facilities under construction at the Agricultural Complex in the Dar Saad District. These facilities include the Central Veterinary Laboratory, the National Desert Locust Control Centre, and the Directorate General for Agricultural Extension and Animal Health.

"These facilities exemplify the benefits of strong cooperation," said Mr. Yao. "Through the joint efforts of the Ministry of Agriculture, international partners, and the support of the World Bank, we have established infrastructure that will not only serve Yemen but also benefit the wider region. If we continue collaborating as we are now, we can attract even more support to strengthen food and nutrition security across the country."

The Central Veterinary Laboratory, which is nearing completion, includes over 30 rooms, comprising administrative, technical, and laboratory spaces. Meanwhile, the Desert Locust Centre, inaugurated last year, plays a crucial role in protecting agricultural production from one of the region's most damaging pests. Both facilities are strategic investments supported by the YPPRP initiative, designed to enhance national capacities in animal health, pest surveillance, and emergency preparedness.

His Excellency Minister Al-Saqotri welcomed the FAO's visit and expressed appreciation for the organization's technical assistance and long-standing collaboration with the Ministry. He emphasized that these projects represent key pillars in rebuilding Yemen's agricultural infrastructure and reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to future cooperation.

Following the site visits, the delegation convened at FAO's Aden office for a strategic review session with technical teams. Discussions focused on program performance, government coordination, and planning for priority interventions in 2026 under the Country Programming Framework. The session also highlighted FAO's ongoing efforts to align programming with national priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals.

All participants underscored the need to deepen partnerships to ensure the sustainability and impact of FAO's work in Yemen. The visit concluded with a joint commitment to advancing resilient, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable agrifood systems in support of the Yemeni people.