International Report: Food Crisis Most Severe in Houthi-Controlled Areas of Northern Yemen
Yemen Monitor / Newsroom:
A recent report by the World Food Programme (WFP) has revealed a worsening hunger crisis in areas under Houthi control in northern Yemen, where approximately 32% of households suffered from moderate to severe hunger in November 2025.
The report explained that this percentage reflects a sharp deterioration in food security at crisis levels or worse, with widening food consumption gaps and increasing rates of acute malnutrition among the population. One in every five households is experiencing severe food shortages.
The report indicated that the severity of hunger in these areas exceeds that recorded in areas under the influence of the internationally recognized government, where only 25% of households were affected by hunger.
The report detailed that households in Houthi-controlled areas are employing harsh coping strategies to face the crisis, with 66% resorting to skipping daily meals, compared to 58% in government areas.
The report also showed that 49% of households in Houthi areas are forced to reduce adults’ food consumption in favor of children, compared to 44% in government areas.
WFP sources stated that the worsening hunger crisis in Houthi areas is primarily due to the continued suspension of food aid for extended periods, in addition to limited livelihood opportunities, leading to a higher number of people in need compared to government areas.
