Yemen's food security is under significant pressure from several converging threats, according to recent analysis produced jointly by The Food Security and Nutrition Information System (FSNIS) program of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in partnership with the Food Security Technical Secretariat (FSTS) of the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation (MoPIC) funded by the European Union (EU) and the World Bank Group.
The analysis found that in In the Internationally Recognized Government of Yemen (IRG) controlled areas the currency continues to collapse, leading to soaring food and fuel prices.
The analysis expect further price increases for basic food items (flour, wheat, cooking oil, sugar), livestock, and labor wages. Such price hikes, combined with reductions in humanitarian aid, will continue to limit household access to food by decreasing the affordability of the food basket.
Meanwhile, the Houthi rebels controlled areas face stringent market controls, which triggered a widespread wage collapse and introduced seasonal challenges, further compounded by a ban on wheat flour imports.
This, alongside anticipated floods, intensified conflict impacts, and suspended food aid, will deepen food security risks for the population.
The analysis results estimates that up to 18.1 million people—over 50% of Yemen's population—will continue to face food insecurity through February 2026. Therefore, it's crucial to closely monitor key drivers such as prices, port operations and imports, floods, and conflict, including the potential ripple effects of the recent escalation in the Middle East crisis on Yemen.