Yemen's Food Crisis Worsens as Conflict and Economic Collapse Take Their Toll
Millions of Yemenis are facing severe hunger in 2026 due to widespread food shortages, with over half the population - around 18 million people - at risk of starvation. According to projections released by the International Rescue Committee (IRC), an additional one million people will be pushed to life-threatening hunger.
The current humanitarian crisis is largely driven by a combination of factors including conflict, economic collapse, and reduced aid funding. Years of war have devastated livelihoods, limiting access to basic health and nutrition services. Now, Yemen's economy is in shambles, with household purchasing power plummeting and food prices skyrocketing.
Humanitarian assistance has sharply declined, leaving the country's required response less than 25 percent funded by the end of 2025 - the lowest level in a decade. Life-saving nutrition programs are similarly underfunded, receiving less than 10 percent of the required funding.
"It's like we're returning to that dark chapter again," says Caroline Sekyewa, IRC country director in Yemen. "People still remember when they didn't know where their next meal would come from." Families are being forced into impossible choices, with some resorting to collecting wild plants to feed their children.
While the crisis is dire, Sekyewa believes it's not inevitable. "Yemen's food security crisis is not inevitable," she says, urging immediate donor action and pointing to cash assistance as one of the most effective tools to help families meet their basic needs with dignity.
The situation remains fluid due to renewed political and security tensions, particularly between Saudi Arabia and the UAE over Yemen's future. Analysts warn that unresolved rivalries could drag Yemen back into wider conflict, further exacerbating a hunger crisis already spiralling out of control.
Millions of Yemenis are facing severe hunger in 2026 due to widespread food shortages, with over half the population - around 18 million people - at risk of starvation. According to projections released by the International Rescue Committee (IRC), an additional one million people will be pushed to life-threatening hunger.
The current humanitarian crisis is largely driven by a combination of factors including conflict, economic collapse, and reduced aid funding. Years of war have devastated livelihoods, limiting access to basic health and nutrition services. Now, Yemen's economy is in shambles, with household purchasing power plummeting and food prices skyrocketing.
Humanitarian assistance has sharply declined, leaving the country's required response less than 25 percent funded by the end of 2025 - the lowest level in a decade. Life-saving nutrition programs are similarly underfunded, receiving less than 10 percent of the required funding.
"It's like we're returning to that dark chapter again," says Caroline Sekyewa, IRC country director in Yemen. "People still remember when they didn't know where their next meal would come from." Families are being forced into impossible choices, with some resorting to collecting wild plants to feed their children.
While the crisis is dire, Sekyewa believes it's not inevitable. "Yemen's food security crisis is not inevitable," she says, urging immediate donor action and pointing to cash assistance as one of the most effective tools to help families meet their basic needs with dignity.
The situation remains fluid due to renewed political and security tensions, particularly between Saudi Arabia and the UAE over Yemen's future. Analysts warn that unresolved rivalries could drag Yemen back into wider conflict, further exacerbating a hunger crisis already spiralling out of control.
. We often talk about economic collapse, but what's even more concerning is how it affects the people, not just their pockets. Yemen's situation is a harsh reminder that we're all connected, and our actions (or lack thereof) have real-world consequences.
. The IRC is right – Yemen's food crisis isn't inevitable; it's a result of our collective inaction.
... I mean, on one hand, it's super sad and alarming that millions are facing severe hunger - we gotta do something to help those people! 
But, at the same time, I don't know if I agree that cash assistance is the best solution... like, isn't it just gonna be a handout instead of fixing the real problems? 
And what about the whole situation with Saudi Arabia and the UAE - shouldn't they be doing more to help? 
But then again, maybe they're just trying to stabilize the country so we can all benefit from it... 
I mean, I'm not saying that's a good excuse, but it's like, nuance, you know? 
Food shortages in Yemen are getting insane 
18 million people at risk of starvation? How is this even possible? It's like the world forgot about Yemen 
I mean, I know conflict and economic collapse can happen to anyone, but come on! We need to step up our humanitarian aid game ASAP 
. Cash assistance sounds like a solid solution 
... it's not rocket science, people! Just think about all those families having to choose between food or water 
. Can we please help these people out before it's too late? 
. its all about perspective, right? maybe instead of throwing more aid, we should be teaching people how to grow their own food and stuff 
. if we don't do something soon, i'm worried that things are gonna get even worse 
.
18 million ppl struggling to eat? it's like we're watching a slow-motion disaster unfold... and the worst part is that fams have to choose between collecting plants or just giving up hope 
i cant even imagine how hard its for them, having to make those impossible choices. but im hopeful that ppl like Caroline Sekyewa are sounding the alarm and pushing for more action from donors 
we gotta keep our fingers crossed that ppl in power will listen & take action soon 
. But seriously, 18 million people at risk of starvation is just insane... what's the point of having aid if we're not gonna put our money where our mouth is 
. It's heartbreaking to think about families having to collect wild plants just to feed their kids... what kind of world are we living in? 
. I remember when we were talking about Yemen just last year, it was like the situation was bad enough. But 6 months have passed and it's just gotten worse? I'm worried sick about those people 
. It's like, even in the darkest times, there's always hope for a brighter future 
. We just gotta keep our fingers crossed that donors step up and help out 
. We need to do better, especially with all the progress we've made in terms of global aid 
.
. I feel like we're not doing enough as a global community, like we're just watching from the sidelines as people suffer. Don't get me wrong, I know there r some amazing orgs out there doin incredible work but it's still crazy to think that only 25% of aid funding is coming in 
This is getting crazy fam, 18 million ppl at risk of starvation 
we need to support the IRC & other orgs that are trying to help & also donors need to step up their game 
. I feel for the families who are struggling to put food on the table, especially those who have to resort to collecting wild plants like that's a viable option