Yemen is currently grappling with a protracted humanitarian crisis characterized by armed conflict, political instability, economic decline, and widespread poverty. These challenges have severely impacted the resilience of the Yemeni population, leaving them highly vulnerable to the effects of the crisis.

Economically, Yemen ranks among the poorest countries globally, with a staggering 80% of the population in need of humanitarian assistance. The country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has significantly contracted due to the conflict, with an average annual growth rate of -7.6% between 2015 and 2022. This economic downturn has resulted in rampant unemployment, estimated to be around 42%, exacerbating poverty levels and limiting livelihood opportunities for many Yemenis.

Food security is a critical concern in Yemen, with a substantial proportion of the population experiencing severe food insecurity. According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis, approximately 20 million people lack regular access to sufficient and nutritious food. Malnutrition rates are alarmingly high, with nearly half of Yemeni children under the age of five suffering from stunted growth due to chronic malnutrition. Additionally, the Food Consumption Score (FCS) reveals that a significant portion of the population struggles to meet their dietary needs, further undermining their resilience.

Access to basic services, such as healthcare, education, and clean water, is severely constrained in Yemen. The conflict has resulted in extensive damage to infrastructure, including healthcare facilities, schools, and water and sanitation systems. The limited availability and quality of these essential services contribute to increased vulnerability and reduced resilience among the Yemeni population.

The conflict has also disrupted economic activities and hindered trade, leading to a decline in government revenues and foreign exchange reserves. The Yemeni Rial (YER) has depreciated significantly, exacerbating inflationary pressures and making imported goods less affordable for the population. These economic challenges further erode the resilience of households and communities, as they struggle to meet their basic needs and sustain their livelihoods.

Moreover, the conflict has had a detrimental impact on social cohesion and community resilience. Displacement has disrupted social networks and strained community dynamics, leading to increased social tensions and divisions. Trust among community members has been undermined, making collective action and cooperation more challenging. This erosion of social capital hampers the ability of communities to respond effectively to shocks and recover from adversity.

In summary, Yemen is currently facing a multifaceted crisis characterized by armed conflict, economic decline, and widespread poverty. The country's economic indicators reflect a dire situation, with significant unemployment, food insecurity, and limited access to basic services. These challenges, coupled with the erosion of social cohesion, have led to low resilience levels and high vulnerability among the Yemeni population.

The 36-month intervention, financed under the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument, is a multi-donor action, with a grant of 35,000,000 EUR from the EU through a Contribution Agreement and with the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) contributing USD 8,766,313. The United Nations Development Programme, represented by its Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office (MPTF Office), acts as the administrative agent on behalf of itself and all the participating UN organizations of the programme (Food and Agriculture Organization, International Labour Organization, and World Food Programme). Local and international organizations are selected as implementing partners for all specific projects under each component.