Juma’an Barba’a, Deputy Governor of Hadhramaut for the Valley and Desert Districts, inaugurated a workshop this Wednesday morning focused on building the capacity of agricultural entrepreneurs to strengthen and develop sustainable agribusinesses. The workshop is organized by the Small and Micro Enterprise Promotion Service (SMEPS)—an affiliate of the Social Fund for Development—as part of the Global Innovation Fellowship project, titled "Sustainable Agribusiness for Youth in Yemen."

During the opening, which was also attended by the Director-General of Seiyun District, Mohammed Awad Al-Amri, the Deputy Governor highlighted the significance of such specialized workshops. He noted that they provide a valuable opportunity for entrepreneurs and agricultural project owners to enhance their capabilities and refine the skills needed to manage their ventures based on sustainable economic and developmental principles. He further emphasized the local authority’s commitment to supporting initiatives and programs aimed at developing the agricultural sector and economically empowering the youth.
Deputy Governor Barba’a underscored the importance of encouraging young people to invest in the agricultural sector—a vital and promising field that serves as a cornerstone of the local economy. He stressed the necessity of adopting innovative ideas and modern agricultural projects that contribute to improving production, creating job opportunities, and strengthening food security. For his part, the President of Seiyun University, Professor Dr. Mohammed Ashour Al-Kathiri, highlighted the importance of the agricultural sector and its role in achieving sustainable development. He commended the organization of such workshops, which help bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and practical application, develop the capabilities of youth and entrepreneurs, and encourage them to innovate and adopt modern methods for managing and developing agricultural businesses.
Meanwhile, the Director-General of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation office for the Valley and Desert regions, Mr. Mohammed bin Shikhan, emphasized the importance of developing agricultural projects and enhancing their performance. This can be achieved by qualifying project owners and equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the challenges facing the agricultural sector, as well as by leveraging modern agricultural technologies and practices that contribute to the efficient use of resources, improved production quality, and increased economic returns for farmers.
The two-day workshop aims to strengthen the knowledge and skills of agricultural entrepreneurs, providing them with the expertise needed to develop and manage their projects. It also seeks to introduce concepts of sustainable agricultural entrepreneurship, while encouraging innovation and the utilization of available opportunities within the agricultural sector—ultimately contributing to the sustainability of these projects and enhancing their productive and economic efficiency.