The Yemeni coffee tree has garnered global recognition for its exceptional quality and abundant growth, serving as the national treasure of Yemen for many decades. Since the late 14th century, Yemen held a monopoly on the secrets of coffee cultivation, achieving unparalleled levels of production and exporting to international markets through the port of Mokha in western Yemen. It was from this port that the renowned Mocha coffee derived its name. However, Yemen’s coffee industry has experienced a decline since the late 20th century, attributable to various factors that have favored competing countries. According to data from the Yemeni Ministry of Industry and Trade, Yemen currently ranks 42nd globally in coffee exports among 64 countries.
Yemeni youth endeavor to revive Yemeni coffee’s global prominence
Despite this downturn, Yemeni youth are dedicatedly working towards reinstating the prominence of Yemeni coffee in global markets through their coffee production and export projects. This grassroots movement is fueled by passionate local efforts and widespread community support.
Waheeb Al-Hamadi, a Yemeni farmer, emphasizes that the coffee tree has been intimately intertwined with the identity of Yemeni farmers since ancient times. Historically, the economic benefits have been a crucial aspect that distinguishes Yemeni coffee as one of the finest varieties worldwide, with its cultivation dating back to the fifth century AD.
Al-Hamadi adds that despite numerous obstacles, including economic difficulties and a lack of government support such as inadequate availability of fertilizers, irrigation projects, and harvesting equipment, Yemeni citizens continue to cultivate coffee. In order to preserve and revive Yemeni coffee’s prominence, a group of Yemeni youth with ties to the coffee industry, including entrepreneurs, farmers, and experienced professionals, have launched several initiatives. These initiatives encompass organizing exhibitions and festivals that provide free booths for young entrepreneurs to showcase their products to consumers. These marketing opportunities have played a pivotal role in overcoming the fear of failure associated with their projects.
Coffee projects in Yemen have garnered widespread acceptance, ensuring their continuity and expansion. Maher Al-Majidi, another Yemeni farmer, highlights the presence of numerous coffee cultivation regions in Yemen, with vast expanses dedicated to producing Yemeni coffee. However, due to the declining economic situation faced by farmers, coffee cultivation has been replaced by qat cultivation.
Al-Majidi further suggests that Yemeni farmers are exploring new ideas, such as uprooting qat trees and replacing them with coffee trees due to the latter’s economic viability. This shift would contribute to strengthening the national economy by generating valuable foreign currency.
Revitalizing Yemeni Coffee
Farmers in the southern region of Yemen are grappling with revitalizing coffee cultivation, which was a staple for many Yemenis in ancient times and exported to various parts of the world. The port of Mokha, closely associated with Yemeni coffee exports, played a significant role in facilitating this trade.
Coffee is grown in Yemen’s central, western, and southern mountainous regions, characterized by elevations ranging from 700 to 2,400 meters above sea level and warm, humid climates. These areas receive rainfall ranging from 40 centimeters to one meter, as per official data.
One Yemeni coffee farmer laments the current lack of profitability in coffee cultivation due to the scarcity of markets resulting from the ongoing emergency conditions in the country. However, there is hope for improving citizens’ income, resuming coffee exports, and restoring coffee cultivation to its previous state.
Studies and research indicate that coffee cultivation in Yemen is gradually diminishing over time due to changing climatic conditions that have already impacted most coffee-growing regions, including the Yafea region located 200 kilometers northeast of Aden in southern Yemen. Yafea is the largest and most renowned Yemeni region recognized for producing the finest Yemeni coffee varieties.
Apart from Yafea, coffee cultivation thrives in other regions such as Bani Matar, Haraz, and the districts of Al-Haimah, both internal and external, located west of the capital Sana’a. Additionally, coffee is cultivated in the districts of Bura’a in Al-Hudaydah Governorate to the west, and Bani Hammad in Taiz to the southwest of the country. The central governorate of Ibb also contributes to coffee production. Traditional practices, passed down through generations, include the replacement of hard clay with soft clay during July and August to ease the production process.
Efforts to preserve Yemeni coffee’s heritage and revitalize its cultivation are underway. Various organizations and individuals are actively engaged in initiatives aimed at supporting Yemeni farmers and promoting their coffee in global markets. These initiatives range from providing financial assistance and training programs to organizing international coffee events and competitions.
Furthermore, Yemeni coffee has garnered attention from specialty coffee enthusiasts worldwide. Its unique flavor profile, characterized by a rich and aromatic taste with hints of spice and fruit, has captivated coffee connoisseurs. The distinctive cultivation methods, which involve shade-grown and hand-picked beans, contribute to the exceptional quality and flavor of Yemeni coffee.
Despite the challenges faced by Yemen’s coffee industry, there is a renewed sense of hope and determination among the country’s youth and farmers. They are working tirelessly to reclaim Yemeni coffee’s position as a leading player in the global coffee market. With continued support and recognition, Yemeni coffee has the potential to once again thrive, benefiting both the local economy and coffee lovers around the world.