Department of Agricultural Economic and Cooperation Hosts Public Seminar (2) for Ms. Khetam Al-Jaradi’s Master’s Thesis Proposal
Sana’a University, Yemen – Department of Agricultural Economic and Cooperation at the Faculty of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, Sana’a University, held a Public Seminar (2) for Ms. Khetam Al-Jaradi’s Master’s Thesis Proposal. The thesis, titled “Role of Financing Institutions in the Development of Small Agricultural Projects in Ibb Governorate,” is a crucial step towards Al-Jaradi earning her Master’s degree.
During the session, Al-Jaradi presented a comprehensive overview of her thesis, addressing the research title, problem, and the benefits derived from previous studies on the role of financing institutions in developing small agricultural projects. She also discussed the impact on beneficiaries’ lives and the reality of financing institutions, including past experiences of project financing worldwide.
Furthermore, Al-Jaradi detailed her methodology, outlining the main and sub-objectives of her thesis, as well as the materials and methods used in her scientific study. Her thesis included nine financing institutions: Al-Amal Microfinance Bank, Al-Kuraimi Bank, Tadhamon Bank, Saba Islamic Bank, National Microfinance, Namaa Small & Microfinance Foundation, Small and Micro Enterprise Development Agency, the Agriculture and Irrigation Office, and GIZ. She also targeted owners of small agricultural projects in nine districts of Ibb Governorate: Far’ Al-Udayn, Hazm Al-Udayn, Ba’dan, Al-Sabra, Reef Ibb, Dhi Al-Sufal, Jiblah, Yarim, and Al-Makhadir.
Faculty members and attendees actively engaged in discussing the research title and its findings. The main results included:
Despite the positive impact of microfinance on the income level of funded projects, its role in Ibb remains limited due to the scarcity of microfinance institutions. Currently, only about four institutions—Namaa Small & Microfinance Foundation, GIZ, the Small and Micro Enterprise Development Agency, and National Microfinance—operate, in addition to branches of financing banks such like Al-Amal Bank, Al-Kuraimi Bank, Tadhamon Bank, and Saba Islamic Bank.
The size of loans and financing provided is still limited, with a maximum loan amount not exceeding one million Yemeni Riyals, a very small sum.
There is a statistically significant relationship between the role of microfinance institutions and funded small agricultural activities in Ibb Governorate.
A statistically significant relationship exists between the difficulties and challenges faced by microfinance institutions and the problems hindering the development of small projects in Ibb Governorate.
58% of financing institutions operate under Islamic financing formulas, while approximately 61% offer loans with interest rates, and about 39% provide grants and free, interest-free support.
Financing institutions generally provide funding for agricultural activities, specifically in plant and animal production, and beekeeping. Additionally, 61% of institutions set an annual ceiling for loan sizes, and 51% offer loans with monthly installment repayments.
Institutions provide in-kind and cash financing, along with training and capacity building. Murabaha financing accounts for 61%, followed by Musharakah financing at 32%.
Key challenges in providing financing for small agricultural projects in Ibb Governorate include weak demand for loans, limited creditworthiness of small agricultural projects, high risks in agricultural ventures, low profits for financing institutions, and a lack of available information and data on small agricultural projects.
Attendees offered their observations and recommendations for improving the research content.
At the conclusion of the session, the candidate was approved, with some directives provided for consideration during the final production of the thesis. This session (seminar 2) is a vital requirement for the student to gain departmental approval of her findings. Following this, a defense and judging committee will be appointed for the final public defense of her thesis.
The session was attended by the head and faculty members of the department, members of the college’s integrity committee, and a number of postgraduate students, fostering an engaging and academically enriching environment.
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