The National Yemeni Coffee Household Survey


Country : Yemen
Region : National
Year : 2020
Project Theme : Coffee Value Chain Development
Beneficiaries : 1,500
Impact : Capacity Building
Partners : Lavazza Foundation, RD2 Vision

In 2020, in partnership with Lavazza Foundation, Qima Foundation conducted the largest ever national survey of Yemeni coffee producers. The survey revealed important constraints and opportunities in Yemen’s coffee farming landscape. The results were also used to create a comprehensive plan of action for subsequent coffee projects, with a focus on gender inclusivity.


Key insights from the survey include:

  • Coffee farming represents an important opportunity for increasing resiliency and alleviating poverty in rural Yemen, particularly for women.

  • Coffee can be highly profitable, with an average profit margin of 85%.

  • Coffee is an attractive cash crop, contributing significantly to farmers' income compared to other crops like Qat and Corn.

  • There is significant potential to scale coffee production in fallow lands, which can lead to increased income for farming households.

  • Water shortages are the principal challenge for coffee farmers, and rainwater harvesting and storage are critical sustainability concerns.

  • Fertilisation has little to no impact on net income per coffee tree due to extremely high soil alkalinity.

  • Disease and pests significantly reduce household incomes and proper management strategies are needed.

  • Price is a key motivator for farmers to invest in coffee production.

  • Women farmers lack access to social and economic opportunities, and gender equity initiatives are important for empowering women.

  • Shade on coffee farms correlates with higher net income per tree, and the use of "Tun" trees for shading is preferred.

  • Crop diversification, especially with Qat, resulted in higher net incomes per household