WFP Yemen Food Security Update, October 2025

Key Highlights;

In September 2025, around 61% of surveyed households in Yemen struggled to meet their minimum food needs, reflecting similar level as in the same period last year. The 2025 Global Hunger Index indicates that hunger remains alarming in Yemen, with available indicators pointing to deteriorating conditions and that the country is likely to fall into the “extremely alarming” category.

All governorates in Yemen remained above the “very high” threshold of ≥20% for poor food consumption, with peaks recorded in Al Bayda, Lahj, Raymah, Ad Dali’, and Al Jawf governorates (43%-48%). To cope with food shortages, half of households nationwide (49%) restricted adult food intake to prioritize children.

IDPs are among the most vulnerable groups in Yemen, particularly those living in camps. In September, among IDPs, 42% reported moderate to severe hunger , while 26% among residents. Begging was adopted by 8% of IDPs, with higher levels among those in camps (13%). Within camp settings, the prevalence of severe food deprivation was much higher among IDPs in SBA areas (45 percent) compared to those living in IRG areas (33 percent).

WFP remote monitoring data indicated a very low dietary diversity score among children aged 6–23 months, with a very high prevalence of severe child food poverty. Self-reported diarrhea affected 34% of ill children under five, putting them at risk of acute malnutrition. The prevalence was higher in SBA areas (36%) compared to IRG areas (29%).

In IRG areas, the cost of the minimum food basket (MFB) declined by 6% month-on-month and by 16% Year-on-year (the largest YoY drop recorded to date). Key drivers include the market’s gradual self-correction following currency appreciation, continued decline in fuel prices, and strengthened market monitoring by the Government. However, economic challenges persist, as the IMF indicated critically low USD reserves in IRG areas, and public debt exceeded 100% of IRG GDP as of mid-2025.

The 2025 Global Peace Index ranks Yemen as the fifth least peaceful country globally. The continued attacks on Red Sea ports resulted in damage to infrastructure and reduced capacity, primarily triggering a 23% decline in food imports and 26% in fuel imports during January-September 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. In IRG-controlled ports, food imports increased during the same period by 52% YoY, yet fuel supplies dropped by 29%.

WFP had completed five cycles of food assistance in IRG areas (sixth cycle is ongoing). In SBA areas, humanitarian agencies face crippling challenges in the operating environment, and all WFP activities have been paused in northern Yemen as of 31 August.

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