Abha, January 2, 2025 – In the Aseer region of Saudi Arabia, the ancient practice of coffee cultivation has undergone a remarkable revival, transforming into a key economic activity in Rijal Almaa Governorate. This resurgence has captured the attention of local farmers, who have breathed new life into historic coffee farms while blending traditional techniques with modern agricultural practices. The renewed focus on coffee cultivation is not only reviving a significant cultural heritage but also contributing to the economic growth of the region.
Ali Abdullah Sayyad, Chief Executive Officer of the Rijal Almaa Coffee Cooperative Association, emphasized that over the past few years, residents of Rijal Almaa have revitalized numerous old coffee farms. These farms, which have long been recognized for their high-quality coffee, have been restored using innovative cultivation methods. Today, the governorate boasts a total of 286 coffee farms, with an impressive 93,082 coffee trees, of which 63,328 are productive and yield approximately 33,216 kilograms of coffee each year. This marks a significant step forward in rejuvenating the region’s agricultural sector, positioning coffee as a key crop in the local economy.
The Rijal Almaa Coffee Cooperative Association plays a pivotal role in supporting these farmers through comprehensive training programs and workshops. Led by specialized agricultural engineers, these initiatives provide farmers with the knowledge and tools necessary to implement advanced cultivation techniques. By improving farming practices, the association aims to increase crop quality and productivity while ensuring the preservation of the region’s agricultural heritage. The cooperative’s efforts are centered on enhancing both the quantity and quality of coffee production, helping local farmers achieve sustainable success in this vital sector.
As part of its commitment to the development of coffee cultivation, the association also provides farmers with essential resources, including fertilizers, farming equipment, and integrated irrigation systems. Traditional farming tools such as shovels, plows, and mattocks are also distributed to ensure that local farmers can continue to practice time-honored techniques alongside modern advancements. This holistic support system is designed to maximize productivity and ensure the long-term viability of the coffee farming industry in Rijal Almaa.
CEO Sayyad further explained that these initiatives align with the broader goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to shift the Kingdom's agricultural practices from subsistence farming to sustainable, high-yield production. By fostering the development of coffee cultivation in Rijal Almaa, the association is contributing to the region’s economic diversification and supporting the broader vision of economic growth across multiple sectors. The revitalization of coffee farming is an example of how the Kingdom is embracing sustainable agricultural practices to secure a prosperous future for its rural communities and ensure the long-term success of local industries.
In conclusion, the resurgence of coffee cultivation in Rijal Almaa Governorate serves as a shining example of how tradition and innovation can work hand in hand to create economic opportunities and preserve cultural heritage. As coffee farming continues to thrive in the region, it is poised to become a key driver of local economic development, with far-reaching benefits for both the people of Rijal Almaa and the Kingdom as a whole. Through ongoing support, education, and modernization efforts, the Rijal Almaa Coffee Cooperative Association is helping to ensure that the ancient art of coffee cultivation remains a vibrant and sustainable part of the region’s agricultural landscape.
