With the rapid escalation of the internal conflict in Yemen, the country’s food security threatens to deteriorate. The ongoing political crisis of the country proved to be causing currency depreciation and disruption to the supply of basic goods. According to the United Nations, World Population Prospects, Yemen is a developing country with an estimated population of more than 25 million people as of 2015. This number is expected to double in the next 20 years.
The country’s food and water production capacity is limited, thus Yemenis import 90% of them to feed over 25 million people. Yemen relies on the international market for food supply.
With the current political instability within the country, disruptions in navigating Yemen’s territorial waters have been paramount. Just last week, at least 5 shipping vessels were unable to enter Yemini waters. The cargo ships carrying food supplies were anchored off Yemen. Saudi Arabia and Arab allies have positioned naval ships to seize vessels supplying arms to the Houthi rebels. Merchant vessels are only given free passageway after a thorough inspection. If this situation continues, Yemen will likely have problems in finding ship owners ready to provide vessels for food transport. Shipments are stuck off Yemen and held for an unknown period of time. These unwanted delays already added to the increasing logistical problems with regard to food transport by sea.
Yemen’s current status quo has been more chaotic soon after the Houthi rebels took over the Presidential Palace in January, 2015. Sunni President, Abd Rabbo Mansour Hadi; Prime Minister, Khaled Bahah; and the entire cabinet members, resigned their posts on 22 January 2015.
The ‘slow-pacing coup’ added to the already widespread poverty situation of the country. Its economy is rapidly declining and water reserves are diminishing. The conflict has worsened food security and a great number of Yeminis are moving to Sana’a, the country’s capital city, hoping for a better chance of employment and security to scarce resources.
X2Elite will keep you updated as the situation in Yemen progresses.For related articles, please see previous blogs.
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