Yemen finds itself in the midst of a deteriorating humanitarian crisis, its people having to deal with rising poverty, a breakdown of social services, diminishing resources, internal conflict and political instability.
According to Bishow Parajuli, World Food Program’s country director in Yemen, food and fuel prices — as well as long-term food security — are also significant concerns. “Forty years ago, Yemen was self-sufficient in food, now it imports 90 percent of it. I wouldn’t say that the country can return to self-sufficiency any time soon, but there is a chance to improve,” Parajuli said.
Devex spoke with Parajuli on the sidelines of his visit to EU institutions to discuss funding for lifesaving support in Yemen. In 2013, the European Commission's humanitarian aid and civil protection department, known as ECHO, was the fourth-largest donor to WFP Yemen, providing some $10 million in funding. And in July, ECHO announced a further donation of $8 million to provide food assistance to displaced families and food distribution for the most vulnerable and poorest Yemenis.
About the author
Eva Donelli
As a correspondent based in Brussels, Eva Donelli covers EU development policy issues and actors, from the EU institutions to the international NGO community. Eva was previously at the United Nations Regional Information Center for Western Europe and in the European Parliament's press office. As a freelance reporter, she has contributed to Italian and international magazines covering a wide range of issues, including EU affairs, development policy, social protection and nuclear energy. She speaks fluent English, French and Spanish in addition to her native Italian.
