3.2 Case Study - Food Shortages in Yemen

Question 1

Location

Answer 1

On the south-east of the Arabian Peninsula in Asia

Question 2

Climate

Answer 2

• Yemen has a mainly hot desert climate with a temperate climate in the western mountains
• In summer months temperatures reach 40oC and there is little rainfall
• Winter months are cooler between 25-35oC but with little rainfall

Question 3

Causes of food shortages in Yemen (5)

Answer 3

• Conflict
• Drought
• Pests
• Corruption
• Population increase

Question 4

How has conflict caused food shortages in Yemen?

Answer 4

• In 2015 after years of internal conflict, civil war broke out
• Continued conflicts have led over 4 million Yemenis to be displaced
• Food aid supplies have been affected by blockades at the ports intended to stop weapons entering the country
• Internal infrastructure (roads, airports and communication) has also been affected by the conflict which stops the movement of food around the country

Question 5

How have droughts caused food shortages in Yemen?

Answer 5

In recent years drought has further affected supplies: the main crop growing areas have received only one third to a half of the usual precipitation

Question 6

How have pests caused food shortages in Yemen?

Answer 6

• In 2019 swarms of locust hit Yemen destroying many of the crops
• The conflict had affected the control and monitoring program
• Lack of pesticides meant that the Yemeni struggled to control the insects

Question 7

How has corruption caused food shortages in Yemen?

Answer 7

• Food aid is taken by those involved in the fighting and those in power
• It often does not reach those who need it most

Question 8

How has population increase caused food shortages in Yemen?

Answer 8

• The population has increased to almost 30 million from 26.5 million in 2015
• This increases the demand for food

Question 9

Effects of food shortages in Yemen (name 4)

Answer 9

• The Yemeni economy has declined
• These issues have mostly happened in the crop growing areas in the south-west
• In 2016 it is estimated that farm produce losses totalled $964.5million
• Yemen became dependent on imports for 90% of its grain supplies - much of this was from Ukraine, the supply of which has been affected by the Russian invasion
• More than 80% of the population live below the poverty line
• 50% of the population working in agriculture have lost their jobs
• Food prices have increased between 30-70% meaning people cannot afford a healthy diet

Question 10

Solutions to the food shortage in Yemen

Answer 10

Since the start of the conflict billions in aid has been sent to Yemen through organisations such as:
* UNICEF
* Red Cross
* World Food Program
* Oxfam

The World Food Program provides 13 million people with food assistance through:
* Rations
* Vouchers
* Cash transfers