Famine in Yemen: Causes, effects, and lessons for prevention

Presentation Type

Abstract

Faculty Advisor

Anthony Spanakos

Access Type

Event

Start Date

25-4-2025 10:30 AM

End Date

25-4-2025 11:29 AM

Description

Yemen is currently experiencing one of the most severe famine crises in the world, yet it remains marginalized in global conversations on food security and humanitarian response. Since the outbreak of civil war in 2014, the country’s agricultural systems, economy, and healthcare infrastructure have deteriorated significantly, leading to widespread hunger, malnutrition, and a medical collapse. This research investigates the root causes and human consequences of famine, analyzing both internal drivers, such as conflict, economic collapse, and blockades, as well as external influences, including foreign intervention and aid limitations. The central claim of this project is that Yemen’s famine is not a natural disaster but a politically manufactured crisis resulting from prolonged structural violence and strategic neglect. The project uses a mixed-methods approach, incorporating Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping and the World Food Programme’s Vulnerability Analysis and Mapping (VAM) to assess spatial and demographic patterns. Additional data is drawn from the Global Hunger Index, Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), Joint Monitoring Report (JMR), peer-reviewed studies, and case analyses. This methodology enables a comprehensive assessment of how conflict and systemic breakdowns have intensified food insecurity. Ultimately, the research identifies key lessons for famine prevention and recovery, offering policy recommendations aimed at strengthening food systems, restoring healthcare access, and promoting long-term resilience in Yemen and other at-risk regions.

Comments

Poster presentation at the 2025 Student Research Symposium.

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Apr 25th, 10:30 AM Apr 25th, 11:29 AM

Famine in Yemen: Causes, effects, and lessons for prevention

Yemen is currently experiencing one of the most severe famine crises in the world, yet it remains marginalized in global conversations on food security and humanitarian response. Since the outbreak of civil war in 2014, the country’s agricultural systems, economy, and healthcare infrastructure have deteriorated significantly, leading to widespread hunger, malnutrition, and a medical collapse. This research investigates the root causes and human consequences of famine, analyzing both internal drivers, such as conflict, economic collapse, and blockades, as well as external influences, including foreign intervention and aid limitations. The central claim of this project is that Yemen’s famine is not a natural disaster but a politically manufactured crisis resulting from prolonged structural violence and strategic neglect. The project uses a mixed-methods approach, incorporating Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping and the World Food Programme’s Vulnerability Analysis and Mapping (VAM) to assess spatial and demographic patterns. Additional data is drawn from the Global Hunger Index, Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), Joint Monitoring Report (JMR), peer-reviewed studies, and case analyses. This methodology enables a comprehensive assessment of how conflict and systemic breakdowns have intensified food insecurity. Ultimately, the research identifies key lessons for famine prevention and recovery, offering policy recommendations aimed at strengthening food systems, restoring healthcare access, and promoting long-term resilience in Yemen and other at-risk regions.