Market in Sana'a, Yemen. IFPRI Images
MOTIVATION
During the Arab Awakening of 2010–2011, food prices rose significantly in Yemen. The ensuing crisis caused the government to rethink its economic development policies. Building on an earlier collaboration with the government of Yemen in the development of its National Food Security Strategy (NFSS), IFPRI, with assistance from the CGIAR Research Program on Policies, Institutions, and Markets (PIM), assessed the economic impacts of the socioeconomic changes and scenarios for reconstruction and development in 2012.
RESULTS
The EC-funded project updated the economic models used for policy analysis and decision making with the latest data, including data on the impacts of conflict. In addition, the models were improved by incorporating poverty and nutrition impacts in order to ensure the well-being of the most vulnerable.
Outcomes
- The research results helped to inform the debate of the European Parliament’s Delegation for Relations with the Arab Peninsula in its discussion in 2012 on the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.
- The research results became part of a joint socioeconomic impact assessment by the EC, the Islamic Development Bank, the United Nations, and the World Bank. This assessment influenced the 2012 Yemen donor meeting in Riyadh that led to an $8 billion aid pledge for Yemen
- The research led to the creation of the EU-funded Digital Food Security Atlas for Yemen, an online food security mapping and charting tool, which was extended to develop Yemen Spatial. Launched in 2014 to support the implementation of Yemen’s NFSS, Yemen Spatial monitors and evaluates progress in key food security indicators—such as calorie deficiency and child stunting—and strengthens food security by making data and information available to policy makers.
- Analysts from the Ministry of Planning and Central Bank were trained by IFPRI in research models and methods. In 2014, these analysts provided sound food policy analysis and evidence to the Minister of International Cooperation, which led to the approval of a $553 million International Monetary Fund loan to fund the government’s pro-growth and pro-poor reforms.
For more information on IFPRI's work in partnership with the EC, please go to this brochure.
