The level of food insecurity in areas under the influence of the Yemeni government increased by more than 10% last May compared to the same period of the previous year. 

A new report issued by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) stated that the food situation in Yemen continued to deteriorate until May 2024, as the deterioration increased significantly in government areas by 11%.

The report indicated that the rate of insufficient food consumption among families in government areas increased to 53.7%, while it decreased in areas under Houthi control to 41.3%. The FAO attributed this deterioration to the decrease in food aid, the rise in food prices, and the weak value of the Yemeni riyal.

The report revealed that the governorates of Abyan, Al Bayda, Al Jawf, Hajjah, Lahj, Shabwa and Taiz witnessed the highest rates of food insecurity, with the situation exacerbated by the decline in purchasing power and the rise in food prices.

The UN agency called for the need to expand the scope of providing emergency food and targeted livelihood assistance, especially in the areas most in need, which have witnessed a sharp deterioration in food security.