- Consultants and specialists answer farmers' and traders' inquiries and offer expert advice.
- The clinic supports the entire coffee value chain, from selecting the right seedlings to export.
Investment Magazine | Exclusive
For the first time, a "Coffee Business Clinic" has been launched, turning an idea into reality at the Sanaa International Coffee Exhibition 2025, which kicked off in Sanaa on Sunday, February 16, 2025, and will run for five days.
The clinic is one of the initiatives by the General Investment Authority, welcoming dozens of coffee farmers and traders daily. Visitors engage with a team of academic consultants and industry specialists who provide free scientific advice and valuable insights on coffee cultivation and trade.
Expert Consultations in Farming, Trade, and Marketing
Dr. Kamel Saeed Al-Qudsi, Executive Trainer at the Coffee Business Clinic, explains:
"The clinic offers scientific consultations on the latest methods in coffee farming, irrigation, and harvesting."
Speaking to Investment Magazine, he adds:
"We also provide guidance on coffee roasting, packaging, and proper marketing and export strategies."
According to Dr. Al-Qudsi, most visitors to the clinic are startup owners and aspiring entrepreneurs in the coffee sector.
The Coffee Value Chain: From Seedling to Export
Seated nearby, Dr. Ameen Ali Al-Azab, Senior Researcher at the National Coffee Research Center, is busy addressing farmers, traders, and marketers' inquiries.
Dr. Al-Azab describes this first-of-its-kind initiative as a crucial step and commends the General Investment Authority for its support.
"The significance of the clinic lies in its focus on the entire coffee production chain, from start to finish," he tells Investment Magazine.
He explains that the chain begins with the farmers, guiding them in selecting suitable coffee seedlings. Many farmers unknowingly choose varieties unsuitable for their environment, leading to low yields or disease-prone trees.
"Some farmers plant varieties that do not thrive in their region's climate, resulting in weak fruit production. Often, they only realize their mistake after four or five years," Dr. Al-Azab points out. Thus, the clinic provides scientific guidance on selecting the right trees and ensuring seedling quality. Weak seedlings ultimately lead to poor harvests in the long run.
Coffee Diseases and How to Combat Them
Coffee trees are susceptible to various diseases, some manageable while others significantly impact production.
Dr. Al-Azab highlights a disease called “Coffee Rust”, which, according to reports, can cause a 30-40% crop loss.
"At the clinic, we educate farmers on effective control measures," he says.
Other threats include stem borers, powdery mildew, and scale insects, some of which can lead to tree death. The clinic’s consultants offer practical advice on disease prevention and recommend sources for proper treatments.
Proper Handling of Coffee Cherries
One of the biggest challenges affecting coffee quality is improper handling during harvesting and storage, often due to limited agricultural guidance.
"Yemen produces some of the finest coffee in the world, yet poor harvesting practices can compromise its quality," Dr. Al-Azab notes.
Improper storage is another issue—top-grade coffee can degrade into low-quality beans due to incorrect practices, such as:
- Harvesting unripe green beans,
- Drying coffee on soil surfaces,
- Using primitive drying methods that alter the beans’ color and affect their roast flavor.
The Clinic: A Commitment to Ongoing Support
At the clinic, farmers and traders fill out forms, which help in identifying key challenges and developing tailored solutions.
"We will categorize these forms based on farming, trade, and marketing issues," Dr. Al-Azab explains.
"This data will then be used to design specialized training programs, and we will stay in touch with participants via phone and email."
The clinic’s primary goal is to identify gaps in the coffee production chain, from farming to export, encompassing farmers, intermediaries, exporters, coffee shop owners, and small business entrepreneurs.
A Step Toward Advancing the Coffee Industry
The Coffee Business Clinic aims to educate and guide stakeholders across the coffee value chain, with the ultimate goal of:
Enhancing production efficiency
Improving Yemeni coffee quality
Boosting its competitiveness in global markets
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