top of page

Expectations of a decline in food security gains in Yemen at the beginning of 2024

Seasonal food security benefits in Yemen are expected to continue until the end of December 2023, before deteriorating in January and February of the following year.

صيد الأسماك أحد عناصر الأمن الغذائي في اليمن. مصدر الصورة المشروع الطارئ لتعزيز الحماية الاجتماعية والتصدي لجائحة كورونا
Fishing is one of the components of food security in Yemen. Image source: The emergency project to enhance social protection and respond to the Corona pandemic

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Yemen's seasonal food security increases began in October 2023 and continued through November, albeit marginally monthly. October and November are harvest months for grain harvests in Yemen's central and southern highlands, as well as a strong fishing season in coastal areas. Food price stability in recent months has also contributed to Yemen's stated gains in food security.


Households using crisis coping or emergency livelihood methods dropped by 2% beginning in October 2023, in accordance with the increase in food security. However, households that commonly utilize food-based coping methods climbed by 3% over the previous month.


Seasonal food security benefits are predicted to last until the end of December 2023, before worsening in January and February of the following year in Yemen. During Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr in March and April 2024, a short improvement is projected.


الزراعة أحد عناصر الأمن الغذائي في اليمن. مصدر الصورة shutter stock تصوير Muneer Binwaber
الزراعة أحد عناصر الأمن الغذائي في اليمن. مصدر الصورة shutter stock تصوير Muneer Binwaber

To successfully manage harvest and fishing seasons and maintain food security when they finish, a comprehensive approach concentrating on sustainable practices and effective resource management is required. To begin, careful planning is required to establish the optimal times to harvest and catch fish based on factors such as species migratory patterns, reproductive cycles, and environmental conditions. Authorities can construct exact time periods that maximize yield while minimizing environmental damage by closely monitoring these variables in conjunction with scientific data and forecasting systems.


Yemen Watcher affirms that Yemen's regulatory organizations should enforce rigorous limitations that are consistent with the overarching purpose of attaining food security while not damaging natural resources. Setting catch and harvest restrictions per person or vessel operating inside approved regions is part of this. Adherence to these constraints helps to preserve a healthy environment by limiting the overexploitation of marine life or agricultural goods beyond their replenishment capacity.


Beyond seasonal limits, diversification is crucial to improving food security. To lessen their reliance on a single food supply, farmers and fishermen should be encouraged to plant multiple crops or employ alternative fishing techniques. Furthermore, investment in R&D activities fosters innovation in agricultural technology such as hydroponic systems, which enable year-round farming regardless of weather circumstances.


Education is also vital in addressing post-season food security issues. Educating farmers and fishers on sustainable ways increases long-term viability by improving productivity while decreasing negative impacts on ecosystems.

Comments


bottom of page