The World Food Programme (WFP) has issued a stark warning about the worsening food insecurity faced by displaced Yemenis, revealing a significant rise in hunger and malnutrition among those forced from their homes due to ongoing conflict. According to the latest report, food insecurity among Yemen’s internally displaced persons (IDPs) has increased by 25% compared to the previous year, with more than 60% of IDPs struggling to meet their basic food needs.
In March 2025, 61% of displaced Yemenis were unable to secure enough food, marking a significant deterioration in their living conditions. This figure represents a sharp rise from 2024, where only 48% faced similar challenges. Moreover, the report highlights that the level of “severe food deprivation” among displaced populations has surged, reaching 35% in 2025, up from 25% in 2024. The crisis is particularly acute in camps, where food deprivation has reached 40%, compared to 34% in host communities.
The report also underscores the disparity in food security between regions under Houthi control and those under the internationally recognized government. In areas controlled by the Houthis, 37% of displaced individuals face severe food deprivation, while the figure stands at 31% in government-held areas.
The situation has forced many displaced Yemenis to adopt desperate coping strategies. Over half of the displaced population (58%) have resorted to skipping meals or relying on emergency aid. Furthermore, 8% of those surveyed have been forced to beg for food to survive. These strategies illustrate the extent of desperation among the displaced population, as their ability to meet basic needs continues to diminish.
The food crisis is further compounded by economic challenges. Many displaced individuals who rent accommodation are struggling to afford rent payments due to the collapse of their purchasing power. With nearly 4.8 million displaced Yemenis living in dire conditions, the WFP has called for increased international aid to prevent a full-scale famine in Yemen.
