Despite a temporary respite of 8 percentage points, month on month, with 62% of households reporting inadequate food consumption, Food insecurity remained alarmingly high in August 2025, according to latest update by World Food Program (WFP).
The update noticed that severe food deprivation continued to affect 34% households nationwide. The monthly change in Internationally Recognized Government areas was primarily driven by currency appreciation, falling food and fuel prices, and regularity of food assistance, while key drivers in Houthi rebels controlled areas included the release of partial salaries for public sector employees and improved casual labour opportunities linked to increased qat production and demand following July and August rainfall. The rainfall also supported regeneration of pastures for livestock. Food aid also provided some relief in the targeted districts.
Damage to Red Sea port infrastructure and reduced operational capacity primarily triggered a notable 20% decline in food imports and 27% in fuel imports during January-August 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. In IRG-controlled ports, food imports have increased during the same period by 45% , yet fuel supplies dropped by 17%.
As of September 2025, WFP had completed four cycles food assistance in IRG areas (fifth cycle is ongoing) and only two cycles of Targeted Emergency Food Assistance (TEFA) in Houthi rebels controlled areas with a reduced food basket.