Yemen Coffee and Reforestation Projects
Creating long-term jobs with sustainable agriculture, reforestation projects and coffee in Yemen
Yemen has a long and rich tradition of coffee cultivation, with the Yemeni coffee bean valued worldwide for its unique quality. Yet decades of conflict, deforestation, and economic instability have put farmers and rural communities under immense pressure. Coffee farmers in Yemen face challenges in accessing modern cultivation techniques, irrigation, and reliable markets. Despite generations of expertise, many farmers struggle to make a living.
At the same time, rising gas prices have forced many households to turn to firewood, accelerating deforestation and degrading farmland. As a result, biodiversity is declining, soils are losing fertility, and traditional farming methods alone are no longer enough to sustain livelihoods. Strengthening coffee Yemen production and launching innovative reforestation projects are essential steps to securing both the environment and the economy.
Vision Hope's interventions for reforestation and coffee Yemen
Sustainable coffee cultivation: We support coffee farmers in Yemen by combining traditional knowledge with modern scientific methods, improving irrigation, and introducing sustainable farming techniques.
Value chain development: We collaborate with coffee roasteries to strengthen the entire value chain, enabling farmers to sell Yemeni coffee locally and internationally, thereby creating long-term jobs and strengthening the Yemeni economy.
Reforestation projects with FMNR: We implement the “Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration” (FMNR) method to restore degraded land, stabilize soils, retain water, and promote agroforestry.
Biodiversity and ecosystem restoration: Through reforestation projects, we counteract deforestation, enhance biodiversity, and create positive effects such as improved honey production.
Capacity building and knowledge exchange: We train farmers to integrate traditional practices with modern know-how, creating a unique link between heritage and innovation.
Sustainable livelihoods: By combining coffee Yemen initiatives with reforestation projects, we ensure long-term ecological and economic stability for communities in Al-Dhalee and Lahj Governorates.
The Rich History of Yemeni Coffee
The Yemen coffee history is a story deeply rooted in the origins of the world’s most popular beverage. For over 300 years, the mountains of Yemen were the sole source of coffee. Yemeni farmers were pioneers in cultivating coffee plants, and the port city of Mokha became the global hub for coffee trade, giving the famous mocha coffee its name. This rich heritage continues today, as the country’s unique heirloom coffee varieties and traditional farming methods—passed down through generations—produce a distinct flavor profile that is highly prized by connoisseurs worldwide. Our projects honor and preserve this legacy by empowering local communities to reclaim their ancestral connection to the land and its most famous crop.
Current figures for coffee and reforestation projects Yemen
In our impact reports, you can learn more about our ongoing Yemen coffee and reforestation projects.
FAQ about our Yemen coffee and reforestation projects
Our work in Yemen focuses on a powerful synergy. We use reforestation projects to restore the country’s fragile environment, planting native trees that help combat desertification and improve soil quality. These efforts create the ideal conditions for the successful cultivation of high-quality Yemen coffee, which is grown in the shade of these trees.
Yemen coffee is a rare product with a unique history. Yemen is considered the birthplace of cultivated coffee, and its heirloom varieties and traditional farming methods—passed down for centuries—produce a distinct, complex flavor profile that is unlike any other coffee in the world.
Our reforestation projects provide a sustainable source of income for local farmers by enabling the revival of the coffee industry and beekeeping. The projects also help to protect against soil erosion and water scarcity, creating a more stable environment for future generations and empowering communities to rebuild their lives.
Yes. Your donations directly support our on-the-ground initiatives, including providing tools and training for farmers and investing in water-saving technologies. By donating, you are directly contributing to our reforestation projects that sustain both the environment and the economy in Yemen. You will find a current list of our reforestation projects in our Impact Reports.
We focus on long-term sustainability by training local farmers and communities in best practices for both reforestation and the cultivation of Yemen coffee. Our goal is to empower them to continue this work independently, ensuring that the positive impact of our projects lasts for generations.