LocationsSustaining Yemen's fisheries: A collaborative effort
November 20, 2024
On World Fisheries Day, observed annually on November 21, we celebrate the critical role of small-scale fisheries in supporting the resilience of communities that depend on aquatic resources. Yemen’s fishery sector embodies this spirit, serving as a cornerstone of economic development and food security in coastal areas, even while facing immense challenges.
Stretching over 2,500 kilometers of coastline, Yemen's fishery sector contributes 3% to its Gross Domestic Product and employs nearly 2% of the workforce. Despite its potential, prolonged conflict, climate shocks, and outdated infrastructure have hindered the sector's growth. In response, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and its partners have launched transformative initiatives to rehabilitate fishery infrastructure, support vocational training, and empower women-led businesses, ensuring the sector thrives amid adversity.
A legacy of collaboration
For eight years, UNDP, in partnership with the World Bank, has delivered tangible results under projects including the Emergency Social Protection Enhancement and COVID-19 Response Project (ESPECRP), the Sustainable Fishery Development in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Project (SFISH), and the Yemen Emergency Crisis Response Project (YECRP). These projects have:
- Empowered 2,675 fisherfolk with boats and engines.
- Equipped 831 women micro-producers with fish processing and byproduct tools.
- Strengthened 16 fishery cooperatives, improving livelihoods and market access.
- Provided technical and financial support to 668 small and micro-enterprises in the fish value chain.
Two fisherfolk from Qawa Village in Aden, Yemen, display part of their catch. Through YECRP, in with local partner SMEPS, , boat engines were provided to help vulnerable fisherfolk sustain their livelihoods.
A networking workshop organized by UNDP and local partner SMEPS brought together fishers, supply chain actors, and the private sector to strengthen connections within the fishery value chain. This initiative was part of ESPECRP to support the fishery sector.
Promoting resilience and sustainability
The SFISH Project, funded by the World Bank, aims to enhance food security, protect marine ecosystems, and create livelihood opportunities in the fishery value chain. The project focuses on sustainable practices and inclusive development, reaching 5,600 local community members, including 30% women. Key activities include rehabilitating nine fish landing sites in Aden, Hadramout, Al Maharah and Taiz, supporting 4,200 fisherfolk and enterprises with grants, and training 10,000 individuals in sustainable fishing practices.
Fatima, a 26-year-old resident of Broom Mifaa District in Hadhramaut Governorate, proudly showcases her homemade, branded "Al-Amwaj Tuna." With support from the SFISH Project, Fatima used her grant to launch the brand and promote it through a successful social media campaign. Her tuna has become immensely popular, with demand leading to sold-out batches.
Through the SFISH Project, Mohammed received targeted training in financial management, fish handling, engine maintenance, and health and safety—skills identified as critical by the community. After completing the programme, Mohammed was awarded a grant to purchase a new outboard motor.
Revitalizing Aden’s Fishery Harbor
The Fishery Harbour Rehabilitation and Value Chain Development Project, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through the German Development Bank (KFW), is transforming Aden’s fishery harbor into a hub for sustainable fisheries and economic recovery. The project focuses on restoring critical infrastructure such as the quay, cold storage, and fish processing units while upgrading operational systems and equipping facilities to improve efficiency and fish quality.
An aerial view of Aden Fishery Harbour, showing sunken ships being removed as part of UNDP’s comprehensive rehabilitation efforts to restore the harbor's full functionality.
Rehabilitation of the administration building at Aden Fishery Harbour, part of UNDP’s broader efforts to revitalize critical institutional fishery infrastructure.
Training programmes are strengthening harbor management and governance while fostering economic opportunities for women and youth. By incorporating climate-resilient designs, the project ensures long-term sustainability, supporting the vital work of fisheries in Yemen’s recovery.
Governance and economic growth
The Strengthening Institutional and Economic Resilience in Yemen (SIERY) Project, funded by the European Union, supports the fishery sector in Yemen by supporting value chain research, market infrastructure, and Small and Medium-sized enterprises.
Recent infrastructure achievements include the reconstruction of Al-Hawtah Fish Market in Lahj and ongoing construction of Central Fish Export Center in Bureqa district in Aden. This is an addition to the fish export center in Mukalla, Hadramaut, which is expected to be launched in the second half of 2025.
The inauguration of the fish market in Lahj.
A workshop held in Aden held to discuss the fish value chain.
The SIERY Project's targeted interventions in Aden and Hadramaut have supported 102 Small and Medium Enterprises with training in technical and business skills, 75 of which also received grants. Similarly, 51 women smallholders in the fishery value chain benefited from training, with many receiving grants to advance their businesses.
In Al-Buraiqah district in Aden, 34 Small and Medium-sized enterprises and 21 women smallholders received both training and grants, while 10 women producers from the Faqoom Women Association received specialized training on tuna canning, after supporting them to establish the first tuna canning factory in Aden. Across districts like Al-Mansura, Dar Saad, and Ash Shihr, additional enterprises were empowered through capacity-building efforts, fostering resilience and inclusive economic development in the fishery sector.
A training supported by the SIERY Project at the tuna micro-factory at Foqum Association in Aden.
Women from Ash Shihr in Hadramout showcasing their fish products at a bazaar organized as part of UNDP's SIERY Project. The initiative provided these women with training in technical and business skills, empowering them to participate actively in Yemen's fish value chain
Charting a path for growth
During the inauguration of the Al-Buraiqah Central Fish Export Center, Yemen’s Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Fisheries, His Excellency Salem Al-Socotri, remarked: “This project is a continuation of internationally funded efforts, especially by the European Union EU and World Bank, aimed at enhancing Yemen’s fish exports. In 2023, Yemen’s fish production reached 295,000 tons, valued at 737.5 billion Yemeni riyals (approximately USD 367.8 million), with 35% allocated for export. We envision Aden regaining its prominence as a hub for fish exports, supported by modern facilities, value-added processing, and expanded market access.”
The Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Fisheries, His Excellency Salem Al-Socotri, alongside UNDP and local authority officials, during the inauguration of the Al-Buraiqah Central Fish Export Center, Aden.
A message of hope
Yemen’s fishery sector is a vital driver of economic recovery and resilience. Together with local partners and international partners, UNDP is empowering small-scale fisheries, fisherfolk, women, and youth, ensuring sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities while preserving marine ecosystems for generations to come.
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