International aid agencies operating in Yemen have issued warnings about a significant increase in food insecurity among households in the war-torn country.
According to recent data from the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), the rate of inadequate food consumption among Yemeni families rose sharply by the end of the first third of this year, reversing temporary improvements observed during Ramadan.
The WFP report highlighted a worrying trend: the rate of food insecurity increased from 46% in March to 51% in April, following a brief dip during Ramadan.
Although this figure remains below the 54% recorded in February, experts attribute the relative stability to the temporary influx of additional food supplies during the holy month. However, the situation remains dire, with the impact of these supplies diminishing over time.
Further analysis revealed that 55% of households in southern Yemen and 49% in the northern regions were unable to meet their basic food needs by the end of April.
The ongoing rise in prices for essential goods has exacerbated the situation, making it increasingly difficult for families to afford basic necessities.
The cost of a “food basket,” a key indicator of living expenses, surged by 13% in various parts of Yemen in April.
Experts point to the continuous depreciation of the local currency and rising fuel import costs as primary drivers of food price inflation, particularly affecting staples like sugar, vegetable oil, and flour.
In addition to these challenges, the WFP’s plan to provide essential assistance to Yemenis faces a severe funding shortfall.
According to information published on the United Nations’ ReliefWeb platform, only 7% of the required funds for WFP activities between June and November 2024 have been secured.
Experts are warning that if additional funding is not provided soon, the number of Yemenis affected by this crisis could swell to 2.5 million in the coming months.
The shortfall threatens to deepen an already catastrophic humanitarian crisis, further endangering millions of lives in Yemen.
