In February 2025, food insecurity in Yemen reached alarming levels, with 60.3% of households reporting inadequate food consumption score - the highest in three years, according to High-Frequency Monitoring (HFM ) Snapshot issued on 3rd April. 2025.
The Snapshot described that situation as remains a significant concern, given as many households experiencing severe food deprivation, indicating that 2 to 3 households nationwide struggle to afford even a minimum meal for survival.
The rise in food insecurity in February can be attributed primarily to economic and seasonal factors. The cost of minimum food baskets (MFB) increased due to local currency depreciation, with a significant rise observed.
Simultaneously, vulnerable households continue to struggle with insufficient income to afford an adequate diet.
HFM snapshot indicated that February 2025 marks a lean season, characterized by limited agriculture activity, which leads to reduced demand for casual labour and a corresponding decline in housed income and purchasing power for food. Labour wages remained relatively stable compared to the previous month.
Additionally, reports indicate that food and fuel prices were higher than the previous month, with households experiencing a relatively larger increase in these costs.
On the other hand, employment losses were more pronounced in Houthi rebels control areas, highlighting greater constraints on access to employment.
However, the onset of Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr festivities in March and beginning of April may provide temporary relief for extremely poor households.
HFM snapshot concluded that It is important to note, though, that the benefits are expected to be less significant than in previous years, indicating a deeper entrenchment of the ongoing crisis