International cooperation: a necessary link to confront the worsening humanitarian disaster in Yemen
- المصدر: فريق تحرير يمن واتشر
- Oct 22, 2024
- 2 min read
Supporting flood-affected communities in Yemen and rebuilding agricultural infrastructure is a top priority.
Summary
Floods in Yemen have destroyed crops and livestock, leading to a severe food crisis. This has resulted in fewer job opportunities and higher food prices, exacerbating the suffering of families, particularly the displaced and the poor.
International cooperation is urgently required to provide emergency food assistance and support livelihoods affected by the floods. The focus should also be on rebuilding agricultural infrastructure and strengthening communities' ability to adapt to climate change.
International aid must be part of a comprehensive strategy that prepares communities to meet future challenges, achieve food security, and reduce reliance on emergency aid.
Strengthening the resilience of Yemeni communities, which are facing significant challenges due to floods and their impact on food security, is an urgent need that can only be met through effective international cooperation.
Yemen's main cereal harvest season begins in September, which usually results in a slight improvement in food conditions by increasing food availability and creating seasonal job opportunities. However, crop destruction caused by recent floods has reduced agricultural employment opportunities and increased reliance on markets, all while food prices have skyrocketed, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Despite the seasonal improvements that the harvest may bring to Yemen, many families, particularly those who are displaced or poor and rely on daily labor, continue to face significant challenges in meeting their food needs. The suspension of WFP humanitarian assistance in some areas has exacerbated the crisis, which is expected to last until early 2025. The need to strengthen the resilience of affected communities and provide immediate assistance has become even more pressing.
One of the most effective ways to help these communities is through international cooperation. International efforts should prioritize immediate food assistance and support for agricultural and pastoral livelihoods affected by the floods. Rapid assessments show that 99,000 hectares of agricultural land have been severely damaged, resulting in massive crop losses and the destruction of vital sources of income for local communities, particularly in Hodeidah and Hajjah. Livestock, a major source of income for many households, has also been severely impacted, exacerbating these groups' nutritional and economic situations.
Furthermore, the international community should assist rebuild agricultural infrastructure and strengthen local resilience to climate challenges like recurring floods. This necessitates multilateral partnerships between governments, international organizations, and civil society to provide the necessary technical and financial support.
Under these complex circumstances, international cooperation is the most effective tool for strengthening the resilience of Yemen's local communities, contributing to food stability and reducing reliance on emergency aid. This assistance should be viewed as part of a larger strategy aimed at empowering local communities to more effectively address future challenges.
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