WFP helps reduce poverty rate in Yemen

The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) is launching an emergency response operation to provide food to poor Yemeni households struggling to survive the global food crisis, according to its press release.

The decision follows a recent WFP food security assessment that warned of a sharp decline in food security among Yemenis due to high food prices.

Yemen is one of the countries hardest hit by high food prices. In one year, the price of wheat, the main staple of the Yemeni diet, jumped from $350 to $650 per 1,000 kg. The costs of other basic commodities have also increased, though less drastically. In recent months, prices have decreased slightly, though they are still out of reach for many.  

The Italian government has contributed € 5 million to launch money operations that will be used to help feed over one million hungry individuals in the country.  

“The Italian government donation is very timely and much needed. It will allow us to continue feeding thousands of vulnerable families – including refugees, displaced persons, female students and pregnant and nursing women – additionally it will extend support to those segments of the population who have been most affected by the skyrocketing food prices,” said Mohamed el-Kouhene, WFP Representative in Yemen.

A large proportion of the Italian contribution - €2 million - will go towards the new emergency operation to feed these individuals most affected by high prices. The remaining funds will be channeled to support WFP’s regular development activities (promoting nutrition and girls’ access to education in Yemen) as well as the agency’s relief programs feeding vulnerable Somali refugees and those families affected by the war in Sa’ada.   

The Ambassador of Italy to Yemen, Mr. Mario Boffo, added “The Italian government is very pleased to make this donation to Yemen and to support WFP in its swift response to the high food prices in the country. The contribution is yet another illustration of the excellent level of cooperation with WFP.” 

The Italian donation is the second largest direct contribution to WFP’s new operation to help overcome the high food price crisis in Yemen. Minister Al-Arhabi of Yemen expressed his “appreciation for this donation and other contributions made to WFP, as well as to the agency for mobilizing additional resources and for joining the government in its efforts to combat food insecurity in Yemen.”  

In addition to the Italian donation, last month the government of Germany provided €10 million to WFP to address food security and nutrition in Yemen through the emergency operation.  

“This new operation, along with ongoing development and humanitarian relief activities in the country, will raise WFP’s portfolio to above $120 million, providing food assistance to over 1.5 million people, an unprecedented level of support to vulnerable families in Yemen,” said el-Kouhene. 

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