Recent data from the World Food Programme (WFP) reveals that Yemen is experiencing an unprecedented level of food insecurity.
According to the latest report, the severe food deprivation rate has surged to 79% in Houthi-controlled areas, with four regions now classified as facing a critical level of malnutrition.
In its monthly food security update, the WFP highlighted alarming statistics from July. The report indicates that 62% of households reported inadequate food consumption.
This marks the highest recorded figure, with 64% in government-controlled areas and 61% in Houthi-controlled regions.
The report notes that severe food deprivation has reached a peak of 36% among households in both regions.
However, Houthi-controlled areas have seen a dramatic annual increase to 79%, while government-controlled areas have experienced a 51% rise.
The most affected Yemeni provinces include Al-Jawf, Hajjah, Al-Hudaydah, and Al-Mahwit in Houthi territories, and Hadhramaut under government control. Taiz, which is shared between the Houthis and the government, also suffers significantly.
The WFP attributes four primary factors to the worsening food insecurity: deteriorating economic conditions, delays in food aid, limited livelihood opportunities, and the onset of the dry season.
Additionally, devastating floods in July and August have exacerbated the situation, particularly in Al-Hudaydah, Hajjah, Marib, Saada, and Taiz.
Regarding acute malnutrition, the WFP predicts that districts under government control may face dangerous or critical conditions through October.
The report cites four districts that are now at the most critical level of malnutrition, classified as phase five in the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC).
The Yemeni rial has depreciated by 26% in government-controlled areas due to decreased foreign reserves and a halt in crude oil exports. Conversely, the rial in Houthi territories has only dropped by 2%.
Fuel prices have reached record highs in government-controlled areas, with increases of 22% for gasoline and 26% for diesel, driven by the currency devaluation and rising global oil prices.
The cost of the minimum food basket has also surged, up 13% since the beginning of the year and 18% year-on-year, due to the rising costs of essential commodities such as vegetable oil, sugar, wheat flour, and red beans.
In the past seven months, fuel imports through Houthi-controlled Red Sea ports have increased by 24% year-on-year, while imports through government-controlled ports have decreased by 27%.
Israeli strikes on the Al-Hudaydah port destroyed 33 oil tanks and approximately 800,000 liters of fuel owned by the WFP, though the port has resumed full operations.
Food imports through Yemen’s maritime ports increased by 15% compared to the same period last year.
The WFP has provided reduced food rations to 3.6 million people in internationally recognized government areas, but has only completed two rounds of general food assistance by August due to funding constraints.
Food aid distribution in Houthi-controlled areas remains halted, exacerbating food deprivation. The WFP’s emergency response plan aims to reach 1.6 million people in high-risk areas.
However, the WFP has reported a shortfall in funding, with its needs-based plan only 42% funded for the period from September 2024 to February 2025.
The ongoing crisis underscores the urgent need for increased international support and funding to address Yemen’s severe food insecurity and support affected populations.
