Sanaa — The United Nations has issued a stark warning about the accelerating threat of desertification in Yemen, highlighting its devastating impact on agricultural lands and food security across the war-torn country.

In a message marking World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized that land degradation is costing the global economy nearly $880 billion annually, and Yemen is among the most vulnerable nations. 

The UN called for urgent action to restore degraded lands, improve water management, and support smallholder farmers—especially women—who are disproportionately affected by climate change and conflict.

Yemen’s Minister of Water and Environment, Tawfiq Al-Sharjabi, echoed the concerns during a regional session held in Riyadh, stating that the country loses between 3–5% of its arable land each year due to climate change, deforestation, overgrazing, and mismanagement of water resources. He described desertification as one of Yemen’s most pressing environmental crises, threatening sustainable development and deepening the humanitarian emergency.

The UN urged governments, donors, and private investors to accelerate funding for land restoration projects, including afforestation, soil rehabilitation, and expanding vegetation cover. The theme of this year’s campaign—“Restore the Land. Unlock the Opportunities”—underscores the potential for reversing damage and creating jobs, safeguarding water supplies, and improving livelihoods.

With over 17 million Yemenis facing food insecurity and more than 1 million children suffering from acute malnutrition, experts warn that desertification could further destabilize rural communities and worsen displacement trends.