UN: 62% households in Yemen have inadequate food consumption

Yemen recorded the lowest food consumption rates across the world in July, according to recent data released by the World Food Programme (WFP), which confirmed that the rate of severe food deprivation rose to 79 per cent in areas controlled by the Houthis, and that four areas entered a very critical stage of malnutrition.

In the UN agency’s monthly update on food security in Yemen, the WFP said during the month of July, 62 per cent of households reported insufficient food consumption, the highest rate ever recorded. This includes 64 per cent of families in areas controlled by the internationally-recognised government and 61 per cent in areas controlled by the Houthis.

According to the data, the rate of severe food deprivation peaked at 36 per cent among households in both areas, but areas controlled by the Houthis witnessed a 79 per cent increase in severe food deprivation on an annual basis, while areas controlled by the internationally-backed Yemen government witnessed a 51 per cent increase.

The WFP said the most affected Yemeni governorates are: Al Jawf, Hajjah, Hudaydah and Al Mahwit which are controlled by the Houthis, Hadramawt Governorate controlled by the government, and Taiz, which is controlled by the Houthis and the government.

The WFP identified four main factors causing food insecurity, including the deterioration of economic conditions, delays in delivery of food aid, limited livelihood opportunities, and the beginning of the dry season. It added that the devastating floods that hit several governorates during July and August also contributed to the rising food insecurity.

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