Aden — The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) announced plans to reduce the number of people receiving food assistance in Yemen’s government-controlled areas by more than half starting early next year, citing severe funding shortages.

According to the agency, the cut amounts to a 53 percent reduction in beneficiaries. 

Beginning in January, WFP will provide food assistance to 1.6 million people in areas under government authority, down from more than 3 million currently supported.

The organization stressed that the decision was driven by a lack of donor contributions, which has forced prioritization of the most vulnerable households. 

“Without sufficient funding, we are unable to sustain current levels of support,” WFP officials said, warning that the reduction could deepen food insecurity in a country already facing one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.

Humanitarian observers note that Yemen’s fragile economy and ongoing conflict have left millions dependent on aid. 

The planned cuts highlight the growing gap between humanitarian needs and available resources, raising concerns among civil society groups and local authorities about worsening hardship in 2025.