The United Nations has reported that over 17 million people in Yemen will face acute food insecurity this year, with the majority located in the northern regions of the country. In its “2025 Yemen Humanitarian Response Plan” report released on Saturday, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) stated that 17.1 million people, nearly 49% of the population, will suffer from acute food insecurity this year.
This figure represents a decrease of half a million people compared to the previous year, which was estimated at 17.6 million. The report highlighted that the prolonged food crisis in Yemen stems from a complex interplay of vulnerabilities and exacerbating factors, including “intermittent conflicts, displacement, economic disruptions, currency instability, rising food prices, limited income/livelihood opportunities, and the impacts of climate change.”
It noted that 12.4 million people, or 73% of those facing acute food insecurity this year, are in the northern regions, compared to 4.7 million in the southern areas. Among those affected, 5.1 million people will experience critical levels of acute food insecurity, with 4 million in the north and 1.1 million in the south. The report revealed that this year’s humanitarian response plan aims to reach 12 million of the most vulnerable people, including 6.6 million children, 2.6 million women, and 2.8 million men, through emergency food assistance and livelihood support.
The UN announced that the Food Security and Agriculture Cluster, comprising 90 partners, requires $1.1 billion in funding this year to implement multiple interventions aimed at increasing the availability of safe and life-saving food for the most vulnerable households through emergency aid. Additionally, the funding will support projects designed to protect, restore, and enhance livelihoods, build assets, and strengthen resilience.
