Saudi Program Lifts 92,000 Rural Farmers Out of Poverty

Small-scale farmers across Saudi Arabia are seeing their incomes jump nearly 50% thanks to a program that's proving sustainable agriculture can change lives.

Since launching in 2019, Saudi REEF has provided more than $640 million in support to over 92,000 rural residents. The program focuses on helping small farmers and rural households develop sustainable agricultural businesses across eight sectors, from beekeeping to coffee production.

The results speak for themselves. Average annual income for small rural producers climbed from $2,533 in 2018 to $3,670 by early 2025. That's a 45% increase that's putting food on tables and hope in communities.

Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadley oversees the initiative, which targets practical areas where small producers can thrive. Farmers receive support for Saudi coffee production, beekeeping, fisheries, aromatic plants, and fruit processing among other sectors.

The program doesn't just help individuals. By 2025, the combined market value of Saudi REEF's core sectors exceeded $1.5 billion, strengthening the nation's food security and reducing dependence on imports.

The Ripple Effect

Women are leading the charge in Saudi Arabia's agricultural transformation. Nearly 50,000 women have joined the program, representing three-quarters of all beneficiaries.

These aren't just numbers. Real rural women are gaining skills, starting businesses, and achieving financial independence while supporting their families and communities.

The program earned international recognition when the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization awarded Saudi REEF its Technical Cooperation Award for pioneering work in sustainable food systems. One demonstration farm even entered the Guinness World Records as the world's largest, covering over 790 acres in the Asir region.

Looking ahead, projections show farmer incomes could reach $5,333 annually by 2030. That would represent more than double what rural producers earned just over a decade earlier.

The program aligns with Saudi Vision 2030's goals of economic diversification and increased female workforce participation. By investing in small-scale agriculture, Saudi Arabia is building resilient rural communities while protecting natural resources for future generations.

From mountain coffee farms to coastal fisheries, Saudi REEF proves that when you give farmers the right tools and support, they don't just survive—they flourish.