Second focused group discussion under the Strengthening Agricultural Sector Revenues initiative in Hadramout

Core Insights Consulting held its second focus group discussion under the Strengthening Agricultural Sector Revenues initiative in Seiyun, Hadhramaut — implemented by Core Insights with funding from Yemen Aid.

The session brought together government, the private sector, farmers, agricultural associations, and sector experts around Hadhramaut’s flagship crop: the palm and dates value chain — a pillar of local heritage, food security, and livelihoods.

Participants examined a value chain built on more than 40 local date varieties, yet held back by weak productivity, ageing orchards, rising input costs, and growing pressure from imported dates. The discussion converged on a shared set of priorities: regulating imports, opening export markets, improving orchard management and processing, and tailoring finance to the palm’s long production cycle.

These findings will feed into evidence-based policy recommendations, to be presented at the final workshop in July and shared with stakeholders to support informed decision-making and sustainable sector development.

At Core Insights, we believe sustainable economic development begins with understanding challenges and opportunities through the eyes of local stakeholders — and turning local knowledge into practical solutions that last.