Yemen: Nearly half of the population in government-controlled areas suffer from high levels of food insecurity

A recent international report revealed that nearly half of the population (4.7 million people) in areas under the control of the Yemeni government suffered from high levels of acute food insecurity between July and September 2024, and were classified as being in Phase 3 or higher of the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (crisis or worse).

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification ( IPC ) report said that 4.7 million people experienced high levels of food insecurity in areas controlled by the Yemeni government, including 1.2 million people who experienced critical levels of food insecurity - IPC Phase 4 (Emergency) - which is characterized by large food gaps and high levels of acute malnutrition.

She added that this "reflects the continued deterioration in food security."

The report attributed "a deteriorating economy marked by a depreciating currency and high food prices, coupled with ongoing conflict and irregular humanitarian food assistance" to driving high levels of acute food insecurity, as well as heavy rains in August 2024 that caused localized flooding that destroyed homes, disrupted agricultural activities, lost livestock and farmland, and displaced an estimated 400,000 people.

In the forecast period (October 2024 – February 2025), the report projects that the situation will improve slightly with food insecurity levels expected to decline to 4.6 million people in IPC Phase 3 or above. Of these, 1.1 million people are expected to face critical levels of food insecurity (IPC Phase 4) and 3.5 million people are expected to face crisis levels of food insecurity, classified as IPC Phase 3 (Crisis).

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification ( IPC ) is a common global measure for classifying the severity and magnitude of food insecurity and malnutrition. It is the result of a partnership between various organizations at global, regional and national levels dedicated to developing and maintaining the highest possible quality in food security and nutrition analysis. The IPC is increasingly becoming the international standard for classifying food insecurity and malnutrition.