Yemen's economy and humanitarian crisis reach breaking point

Salaries amounting to just a few dollars, received infrequently, make self-sufficiency impossible. A decade after the onset of Yemen's civil war, the country's economic situation is dire. "Realistically speaking, it's hard to be optimistic," admits Afnan, a humanitarian worker in Ma'rib.

The civil war in Yemen has persisted since 2014. The conflict began between Iranian-backed Houthi rebels and the Yemeni government, supported by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Hostilities have resulted in massive infrastructure destruction, blockades, and challenges in delivering humanitarian aid.

Even before the armed conflict began, Yemen struggled with poverty. Residents faced a lack of access to clean water and food and an inadequate healthcare system. The conflict has worsened these issues, leading to famine, disease spread, and the displacement of millions of people.

Currently, it's estimated that about 18.2 million Yemenis need humanitarian aid, which accounts for approximately 50% of the country's total population. Regarding GDP per capita globally, Yemen ranks seventh from the bottom, falling behind countries like Somalia.

We discuss Yemen's current situation with Afnan Al-Shawea coordinating activities in camps around Ma'rib.

Why do 50% of Yemenis need humanitarian aid today?

Afnan Al-Shawea: They have no other alternative. The lack of jobs, employment opportunities, and low wages mean humanitarian aid is the only source of survival for many families. In recent months, food projects like those run by the World Food Program (WFP) were temporarily suspended, highlighting just how reliant Yemenis are on this aid.

Many people couldn't find even bread to eat, illustrating how critical the situation is. Humanitarian aid is often the only source of food for millions who have no other means of livelihood.

Are there any job opportunities?

It's essential to note that even before the war, the labor market situation in Yemen was very challenging. Many people have already faced difficulties finding employment or professional development opportunities. Unfortunately, the war has dramatically worsened this situation.

The war has impacted every sector of the economy. It's challenging to identify a sector offering more job opportunities than others. Essentially, no industry remains untouched by the ongoing conflict.

How are Yemenis coping with this?

They attempt to find alternative income sources. Many have set up small private businesses, such as selling fruits and vegetables at markets or running small shops. Some provide transport services. However, these are often very modest endeavors, and many people lack the means to start such ventures.

Does the state provide well-paying jobs?

The public sector has suffered enormously in recent years. Government employees, like teachers, doctors, or soldiers, do not receive regular salaries. Soldiers, for instance, receive wages only three times a year.

A soldier's monthly salary is about 50,000 rials (1,000 Yemeni rials is approximately 4 USD—ed. note), meaning they earn less than 6,5 dollar a day. This amount is far from sufficient to survive, especially since prices in Yemen are currently very high.

What can you buy with that money?

One chicken costs about 15,000 rials ($60). As a soldier, you could buy only three with a month's salary. Consequently, the diet of Yemenis primarily consists of bread and beans.

Moreover, in government-controlled regions, the currency is four times more valuable than in areas controlled by Houthi forces, leading to significant price differences for goods. People struggle with a lack of jobs, food, and basic services, making life increasingly difficult.

What about access to healthcare?

This is one of the most serious issues the country currently faces. While access to government hospitals is technically available, even if someone reaches a hospital, they lack funds to purchase necessary medications or pay for treatment.

Government hospitals are overwhelmed, with too few beds available for patients. Many are forced to use costly private hospitals.

Does that mean Yemenis can't afford such treatment?

I've encountered situations where patients needed immediate medical assistance in private hospitals. Families couldn’t afford treatment costs, which amounted to 120,000 rials (about 480 USD—ed. note), so the man didn’t receive help in time and unfortunately died. Such situations are unfortunately common.

Poor sanitary conditions exacerbate the situation, especially in camps for internally displaced people. Rural areas and these camps suffer from a lack of sanitary infrastructure. Uncontrolled garbage disposal leads to epidemics, such as cholera.

And what about education?

Access to education in Yemen, particularly in Ma'rib, where I work, is very limited. The number of students far exceeds the capacity of local schools. Recent data shows about 130,000 children in Ma'rib do not attend school due to a lack of space, educational materials, and teachers.

Many schools are overcrowded, forcing families to forgo enrolling their children. The war has devastated the education system—many schools were destroyed or closed. Even if open, they lack basic equipment, preventing children from fully benefiting from learning.

What are Yemen's prospects for emerging from the war and humanitarian crisis soon?

Realistically, it's hard to be optimistic. I don't see significant actions from countries involved in the conflict that could end the war soon. Although we all hope for a better tomorrow, the reality is that the conflict has lasted a decade, and the situation is only deteriorating.

However, if the war ends, many Yemenis might return to their homes, which could be the first step toward rebuilding the country. If hostilities ceased, internally displaced camps could close, people would return to work, and the economy could begin to recover. But for now, the situation is very tough, and Yemen's future remains uncertain.