Food Security and Agriculture
Enhancing food security in the midst of the Yemen food crisis
Comprehensive food assistance for Yemen: 2023 relief efforts by Vision Hope and World Food Programme
Project: General Food Assistance
Approach: Relief
Donor: World Food Programme
Budget: 3,279,710 EUR
Beneficiaries: 691,124
Duration: 2023
To address the Yemen food crisis and improve food security Yemen for poor, displaced, and affected families suffering from severe food insecurity due to the loss of fixed income sources, VHI implemented, in partnership with the WFP, a project to distribute monthly food aid. The project covered 12 districts in Hajjah governorate and 9 districts in Al Hodeida governorate. Each targeted family received a food basket consisting of flour, vegetable oil, pulses, salt, rice, and dates. These were distributed to the most vulnerable Yemenis—particularly those with children or female dependents—who are suffering from an acute Yemen food crisis. The beneficiary families were selected according to standards approved by the WFP.
General food distribution: The projects team distributes food to families on a monthly basis using 138 food distribution points in 21 districts within the Hajjah and Al Hudaydah governorates.
One-time food assistance distribution: Through this mechanism, VHI responds to displaced families and families stricken by disasters and floods by distributing a one-time food basket before the affected are placed within the General food distribution.
In 2023, 98,732 families benefited from the food assistance, alleviating some of the strain of the ongoing Yemen food crisis.
Success Story
Fatima (alias name), 55, is a widow living with her grandson and mother, navigating displacement and adaptation struggles. Her son, the family’s provider, tragically died in a fishing accident.
Originally displaced from Hayes due to bombings, they settled in Al-Salif, Hodeidah Governorate, facing ongoing hardships compounded by food security issues.
Fortunately, the General Food Assistance project by Vision Hope and the World Food Programme intervened. Fatima’s family received a monthly food basket, easing their meal concerns and allowing Fatima to better manage their needs.
Expressing gratitude, Fatima said, “Thanks to the World Food Programme through Vision Hope, our situation improved. I’m truly thankful to all involved.”
List of results from 2023
- 691,124 individuals benefiting from food assistance (49% women)
- 95,994 households benefiting from general food distribution via 138 distribution points
- 30,962.33 metric tons of food commodities distributed to the beneficiary families
- 2,738 internally displaced households received one-time food rations
- 883.13 metric tons of food commodities distributed to the beneficiary internally displaced families
Enhancing Food Security and Livelihoods in Al Khabt, Yemen: VHI and UN OCHA 2023-2024 Project Overview
Project: Food Security and Agriculture
Approach: Relief
Donor: UN OCHA
Budget: 598,822.99 EUR
Beneficiaries: 1,460
Duration: 2023-2024
In Al Khabt districts, Mahweet governorate, Yemen, VHI aims to improve beneficiaries’ food security, livelihoods, community infrastructure, agricultural practices, and income generation, leading to enhanced resilience. The activities include provision of cash short income and building and repairing community assets and infrastructure through the Cash for Work Program. Specifically, the program supports the establishment of sustainable micro-businesses by providing vocational training and start-up grants and establishes farmer field schools. The project will target 410 heads of households, including 115 women and 295 men, who will benefit from the provided activities.
Conditional cash transfers – Community asset initiatives
VHI plans to distribute cash to 210 families in order to build community assets. This includes the construction of 5 harvest tanks, 4 cisterns, 5 wells, 500 meters of road paving, and the protection of 1000 square meters of agricultural land.
Restoring livelihood assets – Agricultural initiatives
VHI will establish farmer field schools for 40 men and 10 women. These schools will serve as platforms for smallholder farmers to learn, share experiences, and adopt improved agricultural techniques through a participatory education approach.
Income-generating activities – Skill development and financing
VHI aims to provide vocational training and micro-business support to 150 individuals, both men and women. The training will cover various topics such as sewing (45 women), mobile maintenance (5 women and 10 men), motorcycle repair (15 men), livestock training (25 women and 20 men), and beekeeping (30 women).
