Sana’a – Yemen’s Food Crisis Deepens Amid Climate and Agricultural Collapse
Yemen is confronting a worsening food crisis as persistent drought and erratic climate patterns wreak havoc on its already fragile agricultural sector.
With projections indicating that more than 17 million people could face food insecurity this year, the situation is fast becoming one of the world’s most urgent humanitarian emergencies.
Climate Extremes Accelerate Agricultural Breakdown
Once a lifeline for much of the population, Yemen’s agricultural system has been severely weakened by prolonged conflict, economic instability, and now, intensifying climate impacts.
Recurring droughts and sudden floods are stripping away fertile land, wiping out crops, and overburdening irrigation networks.
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports that early 2025 saw exceptionally low rainfall, particularly in the highland regions where essential crops like wheat, barley, and corn are cultivated.
These weather extremes have severely hindered planting and germination, casting doubt over the upcoming harvest.
Soaring Food Insecurity Hits Crisis Point
With around 90% of its food supply—including most wheat—being imported, Yemen is particularly vulnerable to global price shocks. As local food production collapses and prices surge, millions are struggling to access basic necessities.
The World Bank estimates that only 15–20% of Yemen’s staple food demand is met through domestic agriculture.
This scarcity has forced many families to take desperate measures, such as skipping meals, selling household items, or relocating to urban centers in search of work.
Malnutrition is widespread, with over half of children under five experiencing chronic undernourishment.
Aid Efforts and Resilience Programs Underway
In response, international bodies like the UNDP and World Bank have rolled out initiatives such as the Yemen Food Security Response and Resilience Project (FSRRP).
These efforts focus on rehabilitating irrigation systems, introducing climate-resilient farming methods, and providing temporary jobs in rural areas.
Despite these interventions, many local farmers remain discouraged. “The drought destroyed our crops and killed our animals,” said Hamoud, a 61-year-old farmer in Dhamar Governorate. “We have no water. Our children are leaving because there’s nothing left here.”
Urgent Global Action Needed
Experts are calling for immediate and sustained international assistance to prevent the crisis from escalating further.
Yemen’s exposure to climate change, layered on top of ongoing conflict and economic turmoil, makes it one of the most at-risk nations for humanitarian catastrophe.
“Yemen is a stark illustration of how climate change and conflict can collide to create immense human suffering,” said a World Food Programme spokesperson.
“We must act swiftly to avert famine and invest in long-term resilience.”
Key Terms and Concepts
What is Food Insecurity?
Food insecurity refers to a situation where people lack regular access to enough safe and nutritious food for normal growth, development, and an active life. In Yemen, over 17 million people are expected to face food insecurity in 2025 due to drought, crop failure, and dependence on imports.
What is Climate-Resilient Agriculture?
Climate-resilient agriculture involves farming methods and technologies that help crops and livestock survive extreme weather conditions, such as droughts and floods. This is especially relevant in Yemen where such practices are being promoted to adapt to worsening climate impacts.
What is the Role of FAO in Yemen?
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) provides technical support, funding, and on-ground programs to improve agricultural productivity and food security. In 2025, it is closely monitoring rainfall and crop cycles in Yemen’s highlands, where climate disruptions threaten key harvests.
What is the Yemen Food Security Response and Resilience Project (FSRRP)?
Launched by international partners like the World Bank and UNDP, FSRRP aims to rebuild Yemen’s agricultural infrastructure, offer climate-smart tools, and create jobs in rural areas. In 2025, it’s one of the few ongoing projects trying to prevent the food crisis from worsening.
Why Does Yemen Import 90% of Its Food?
Due to decades of conflict, water scarcity, and degraded farmland, Yemen can only meet about 10–20% of its staple food needs through local production. The country’s high dependency on imports makes it highly vulnerable to global price spikes and supply disruptions.
What is the Impact of Global Food Prices in 2025?
In 2025, global food prices remain unstable due to climate shocks, supply chain disruptions, and regional conflicts. Countries like Yemen, which rely heavily on imports, are facing extreme inflation and shortages, pushing millions into hunger and poverty.
What Are Humanitarian Coping Strategies?
These include measures families take in crisis—like eating fewer meals, selling belongings, or migrating to cities. In Yemen, such strategies are becoming more common as rural livelihoods collapse due to drought and crop failure.
What is Malnutrition and Why Is It Rising in Yemen?
Malnutrition occurs when the body doesn’t get enough nutrients, causing stunted growth, weakness, and disease. In 2025, over 50% of children under five in Yemen are chronically malnourished, largely due to poor diet and lack of medical care.
How Can the Global Community Respond to Food Crises Like Yemen’s?
International support must include immediate food aid, long-term investments in farming systems, and climate adaptation programs. In 2025, experts stress that without coordinated global action, Yemen could face famine—highlighting how climate and conflict drive humanitarian disasters.