Yemen Starves as Economy Collapses
Summary:
A record 60% of Yemeni households face food shortages, with severe deprivation doubling in the north.
The Yemeni riyal's rapid depreciation and rising fuel costs have sent food prices skyrocketing, making necessities unaffordable for most.
Underfunded aid programs and the suspension of food assistance in the north compound widespread hunger.
Yemen is on the brink of a catastrophic food crisis, with an unprecedented 60 percent of households struggling to access adequate food. The situation is particularly dire in the south, controlled by the internationally recognized government, where 61 percent of households are food insecure. Under the Sana'a-based authorities, the north is not far behind, with 59 percent facing food shortages.
"Yemen is on the brink of a catastrophic food crisis, with an unprecedented 60 percent of households struggling to access adequate food"
A key driver of this crisis is the rapid depreciation of the Yemeni riyal, especially in the south. The currency has lost nearly a quarter of its value against the US dollar in a year, fueled by dwindling foreign reserves and halted oil exports. This economic collapse has sent prices of essential goods soaring, making food unaffordable for millions.
The cost of importing food has also increased due to rising fuel prices. While fuel imports through Red Sea ports have surged, supply through southern ports has declined significantly. This, combined with the weakened currency, has pushed up the price of petrol and diesel, impacting the transportation and distribution of food.
Despite increased food imports through Red Sea ports, the availability of essential food items has not translated into improved food security. The soaring cost of living has eroded people's purchasing power, leaving them unable to afford even necessities.
The global rise in food prices further exacerbates the situation, particularly for vegetable oil. The FAO Food Price Index, while stable compared to the previous month, remains elevated compared to the same period last year. This upward trend in global food costs adds pressure on Yemen's already fragile food supply chain.
Humanitarian agencies are struggling to cope with the crisis. The World Food Program (WFP) is severely underfunded, with its needs-based plan only 28 percent funded for the coming months. The suspension of food assistance in the north has worsened the situation, leaving millions at risk of starvation.
Unless urgent action is taken to stabilize the economy, increase food imports, and expand humanitarian aid, the food crisis in Yemen is likely to deepen, with potentially devastating consequences for the population.
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