Facing the Dry: Proposed Solutions for Yemen's food security
- Yemen Watcher Team
- 23 hours ago
- 3 min read
Summary:
The Food and Agriculture Organization report highlights the deterioration of food security in Yemen due to drought, threatening sorghum cultivation and increasing production costs, impacting farmers.
The economic situation is dire, with the Yemeni Rial's value significantly dropping, leading to rising food prices and the need for 19.5 million people to receive humanitarian aid in 2025.
Proposed solutions include investing in water-smart agriculture, supporting local farmers, diversifying food sources, addressing the economic crisis, and continuing humanitarian assistance to ensure food security.
A new report from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) paints a concerning picture for Yemen's food security. Prolonged dry weather from December 2024 to February 2025 has severely depleted soil moisture. This poses a direct threat to the sorghum planting that began in March. Early crop growth is at risk.
Further dry conditions and high temperatures are expected between April and June. This will likely worsen the soil moisture deficit. Crop yields could be significantly reduced. Farmers also face rising costs for fuel and other essential supplies. This will make it harder to maintain agricultural activities. Local cereal production is expected to suffer.
Last year's cereal harvest in 2024 was already below average. It reached only 416,000 tonnes, 13 percent lower than usual. Dry weather in May and June 2024 in key farming areas contributed to this. Heavy floods in August and September also damaged vital agricultural infrastructure. High prices for inputs further limited farmers' productivity.
Yemen will still need to import a large amount of cereal. Wheat imports for the 2024/25 marketing year are projected to be near the average, at 3.8 million tonnes. However, ongoing internal conflicts present a major hurdle. The struggling economy and limited foreign currency reserves also create import challenges for 2025.
The economic situation is dire. The Yemeni Rial's exchange rate hit a record low in February 2025. It depreciated by 28 percent compared to the previous year. Low remittances, reduced oil exports, and scarce foreign currency are to blame. This weak currency, combined with high fuel and global food prices, has caused domestic food prices to soar.
Sunflower oil, red beans, and wheat flour prices have seen significant increases. This economic decline and high food inflation are severely impacting people's ability to buy food. Food security for many households is worsening. Humanitarian organizations estimate that 19.5 million people will need assistance in 2025. A staggering 17.1 million face acute food insecurity.
What are the proposed solutions to address this growing crisis?
The FAO report reminds us of the importance of intensive work to overcome these hardships facing the Yemeni people.
For example. Firstly, investing in water-smart agriculture is crucial. This includes promoting drought-resistant crop varieties. Implementing efficient irrigation techniques can conserve precious water resources. Improving water storage facilities damaged by floods is also vital.
Secondly, supporting local farmers is essential. Providing subsidies or financial aid can help offset the rising costs of fuel and agricultural inputs. Ensuring access to affordable seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides will boost local production. Strengthening agricultural extension services can equip farmers with the knowledge to adapt to changing climate conditions.
Thirdly, diversifying food sources and strengthening local markets can reduce reliance on imports. Supporting small-scale farmers and local food production can create more resilient food systems. Investing in infrastructure to improve market access and reduce post-harvest losses is also important.
Fourthly, addressing the economic crisis is paramount. Stabilizing the currency and increasing foreign currency reserves are crucial for ensuring the ability to import essential food items. International aid and economic support will be necessary to mitigate the impact of the economic downturn on food security.
Finally, continued humanitarian assistance remains vital. Providing food aid and other essential support to the most vulnerable populations is necessary to address immediate needs. However, long-term solutions must focus on building resilience and enabling sustainable food production within Yemen. Collaborative efforts involving the government, international organizations, and local communities are essential to navigate these challenging times and ensure food security for all Yemenis.
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