Hunger crisis deepens in Yemen as USAID withdraws support

Yemen is on the brink of a large-scale hunger crisis. Nearly half of the country’s population already faces food insecurity, and the situation is expected to worsen dramatically now that USAID has halted its humanitarian funding.

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9 May 2025

A forgotten crisis

For 2025, only 8.3% of the required emergency funding for Yemen has been pledged so far. “This decision directly affects the population,” says Bereket Godifay, ZOA’s Country Director in Yemen. “The already critical shortage of food will become even more severe in the coming months.”

Over the past years, international attention for Yemen has faded, even though the humanitarian needs remain immense. Until recently, USAID accounted for roughly half of the effective emergency aid delivered to the country. Its sudden withdrawal has left a significant funding gap, especially for food assistance, clean water, and healthcare.

ZOA is already feeling the impact on its operations. “There is simply less money available,” says Bereket. “And that means the needs on the ground are growing.”

Ten years of conflict

This March marked exactly ten years since conflict erupted in Yemen. It is a country that has long struggled with poverty, but the war has pushed millions into displacement and dependence. With a collapsed economy, most people have no access to income. Seasonal flooding and damaged infrastructure only add to the burden.

“People are living month to month,” Bereket explains. “They rely on what little support humanitarian organisations can still provide. But when that support disappears overnight - what are they supposed to do?”

Need for continued aid

ZOA sees firsthand how the funding shortage impacts displaced families, especially those with children. Most cannot grow food, earn money, or send their children to school.

That is why ZOA draws attention to the growing emergency and to mobilize support where others have stepped away. “Emergency aid is the only way to save lives in Yemen right now,” Bereket says. “We cannot solve all the country’s problems, but we can make sure people live to see the next day.”

What ZOA does in Yemen

ZOA has been working in Yemen since the beginning of the conflict, focusing on both immediate relief and long-term recovery. Our activities include:

Distribution of food and clean drinking water
Provision of seeds and farming tools
Small cash grants to support families
Repairs to basic infrastructure

We operate on both sides of the conflict - in North and South Yemen - to reach the most vulnerable communities.