This rate in Yemen regarding Food security, which is a pivotal issue of paramount importance, is (72.5%) is approximately 2.5 times the global average of 29%. This reflects a threat to the right to adequate food in Yemen and poses a challenge to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2, which is to end hunger, according to a recent update by the internationally recognized government.
The report notice that Yemen ranks 126th out of 127 countries on the Global Hunger Index, which in turn reflects a challenge to ensuring the livelihoods of the population and meeting their basic needs. Food insecurity is also increasing among vulnerable groups (pregnant and lactating women, children, people with disabilities, and displaced persons), negatively impacting health and education.
The main factors (drivers) of the continued high levels of food security in Yemen, according to the update, include economic instability, high food prices, the effects of the dry season, limited livelihood opportunities, and a lack of funding that causes gaps in humanitarian assistance.
This indicates that food security trends in Yemen reflect economic challenges, expressed in the rising cost of the minimum food basket, deteriorating per capita GDP, and heavy dependence on food imports. There are also other social and humanitarian challenges, most notably challenges related to livelihood opportunities and employment, a lack of funding for humanitarian needs, and challenges related to climate change.
These challenges, according to the update, have significantly negatively impacted the four pillars of food security: food stability, food utilization, food access, and food availability.