UN report: Food insecurity levels in Yemen remain high

A recent UN report confirmed that levels of food insecurity in Yemen are still high, with nearly half of the population not getting enough food across the country.

"In August, food insecurity levels remained high compared to the previous month," said a report issued by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on Wednesday.

The report showed an increase of about 10% in the number of families reporting insufficient food consumption in areas under the legitimate government on an annual level, and 2% in areas under Houthi control.

“More than 50% of households in Government of Yemen areas had insufficient consumption, indicating a very serious situation, and in Houthi-controlled areas the proportion of households with insufficient access to food was higher than in most months, except for March and July 2024, indicating deteriorating food insecurity,” the report added.

He noted that temporary employment opportunities, food shortages in peak seasons, high food prices, irregular and unpredictable humanitarian food assistance, and broader challenges related to the previous macroeconomic crisis and recession (currency depreciation, falling public revenues, and depleted foreign reserves) are the main drivers of food insecurity in the country.

The report stated that Al Jawf Governorate was the most affected by food insecurity in all five food security indicators, while the governorates of Al Dhale’e, Al Hudaydah, Al Bayda, Al Mahwit and Hajjah showed a high prevalence of food insecurity in at least three out of five food insecurity outcome indicators.

The UN organization stressed that the situation calls for providing targeted, improved, predictable and regular emergency food and livelihood assistance in the most affected areas.