To What Extent Were Human Factors Responsible for a Recent Famine? (Yemen)

Famine

A severe shortage of food leading to malnutrition, starvation, and death.

Main human factors causing famine

Conflict, economic collapse, and political instability.

Ongoing famine in Yemen

Began in 2015 due to escalating civil war and has resulted in a humanitarian crisis.

Civil war in Yemen

Conflict between the Saudi-led coalition and the Houthi rebels that has destroyed critical infrastructure.

Hudaydah

A major entry point for food imports in Yemen that has been blockaded.

Economic collapse in Yemen

Resulted in hyperinflation, mass unemployment, and unpaid government salaries, making food unaffordable.

Impact of hyperinflation

The Yemeni currency has lost over 200% of its value, making imported food extremely expensive.

Destruction of agriculture

Conflict has disrupted agricultural activities, destroyed farmland, and made irrigation difficult.

Pre-war food reliance

Over half of Yemen’s population relied on farming for food and income.

Secondary physical factors

Drought and poor soil are contributors to food shortages but secondary to human causes.

Yemen's arable land

Only 3% of Yemen is available for farming.

Key conclusion on Yemen’s famine

The famine is primarily caused by human factors such as war, economic instability, and agricultural destruction.