YFCA Cotton Value Chain Analysis Report, June 2024 – Yemen

Yemen is known for growing medium and long staple cotton. Cotton production dates back to 1946. Cotton, often referred to as “white gold” in traditional Yemeni songs, has deep cultural significance in Yemen. Cotton was first cultivated in the southern and eastern regions during the British occupation. In the north, Hodeidah and the coastal areas of Hajjah governorates are the only areas where medium staple cotton is grown.

The total cotton cultivation area in Yemen in 2021 was 5,226 hectares and yielded an estimated 5,252 tons of cotton. Hodeida had 1,760 hectares of cultivation with a yield of 2,000 tons, while Lahj cultivated 985 hectares and yielded 987 tons. Abyan had an estimated cultivation area of ​​2,352 hectares with a yield of 2,129 tons and Hajjah had 92 hectares with a yield of 96 tons1.

The document highlights that cotton varieties are predominantly grown in the Ahwar Delta and Abyan Delta of Abyan Governorate, with the variety currently grown being the long-staple variety Maalim 2000. In Lahj Governorate, Tuban Delta and Tihama Plain of Hodeidah Governorate, the Akala SG2 variety is mainly grown. Cotton cultivation thrives on loamy soils that are yellow, loamy, salt-free and free of weeds2.

Despite this importance, farmers say there is a trend towards the cultivation of qat and other cash crops that provide quick income. This is coupled with government neglect and lack of support to cotton farmers, which has led to the deterioration and possible extinction of cotton production.