Sana'a: A two-week training course for 33 loan officers from cooperative associations across several governorates concluded in Sana'a on Saturday under the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources.
According to Yemen News Agency, the course was organized by the Bonyan Training and Qualification Academy, affiliated with the Bonyan Development Foundation. It aimed to equip participants with skills in economic empowerment, focusing on modern loan disbursement and recovery strategies, as well as criteria to ensure loans reach eligible beneficiaries.
At the closing ceremony, Acting Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources Ammar Al-Kareem stated that the course reflects practical efforts to advance the national development project. He noted that the program was funded by the Agricultural Projects and Initiatives Financing Unit in Sa'ada, Raymah, Al Mahwit, Dhamar, and Al Bayda, in partnership with the Bonyan Development Foundation and the Agricultural Cooperative Union.
Al-Kareem mentioned that the interest-free loan program provides an alternative financing model and supports integrated agricultural value chains from production inputs to marketing. He added that ongoing reforms in the agricultural sector aim to reduce imports, protect domestic production, improve marketing, and increase farmers' returns. He also referred to directives banning the import of agricultural and food products when local production achieves 80-100 percent self-sufficiency.
Ali Maher, head of the Field Coordination Sector at the Bonyan Development Foundation, highlighted the importance of economic empowerment in strengthening the national economy. He said graduates would apply their training in the field to ensure loans reach deserving beneficiaries and support sustainable development.
Meanwhile, Agricultural Cooperative Union Secretary-General Mohammed Al-Qahoum described the graduation of the trainees as an important step in supporting small and micro enterprises and productive families, affirming the union's commitment to facilitating the program's implementation. Al-Qahoum also emphasized the role of agricultural production in enhancing economic resilience and food security.