Preserving Quality: Honey Sector for Future Generations

The sector has the potential to contribute significantly to the country's economic development, particularly in rural areas where poverty rates are high. However, the sector faces numerous challenges, including low productivity, limited market access, and inadequate quality control. The Community Livelihoods Project (CLP) is a program of the USAID/Yemen that aims to improve the lives of people in need by working with communities, the Yemeni Government, and local companies to create a more stable and resilient society. The CLP agricultural sector works with the Yemeni Government, partners, and beneficiaries to boost food security and improve incomes in project governorates. A value chain assessment was conducted to identify the key players, production, and export volumes, as well as the challenges faced by the sector. The assessment revealed that the majority of honey production in Yemen is for local consumption, with limited export volumes. The sector is characterized by a lack of standardization, inadequate quality control, and limited market access. The market analysis revealed that Yemeni honey faces significant challenges in terms of quality control, with many producers and exporters failing to meet international standards. The sector is also characterized by a lack of transparency and accountability, with many players engaging in unfair trade practices. The analysis also highlighted the need for a national marketing strategy to promote Yemeni honey and increase exports. A national marketing strategy was proposed to promote Yemeni honey and increase exports. The strategy aims to improve the quality and standardization of honey production, increase market access, and promote Yemeni honey through a national brand. The strategy also aims to increase the participation of women and youth in the sector, particularly in value-added activities such as honey processing and packaging. Institutional and organizational capacity building is essential to support the development of the honey sector. The sector requires a strong institutional framework to ensure the implementation of quality control measures, improve market access, and promote Yemeni honey. The sector also requires the development of a national marketing strategy to promote Yemeni honey and increase exports. The report concludes that the honey sector in Yemen has significant potential for growth and development, but it requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders to address the challenges facing the sector. The proposed national marketing strategy and institutional capacity building initiatives are essential to support the development of the sector and promote Yemeni honey. The report concludes that the honey