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A Data-Driven Approach for Early Detection of Food Insecurity in Yemen's Humanitarian Crisis

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  • Steve Penson
  • Mathijs Lomme
  • Zacharey Austin Carmichael
  • Manni,Alemu
  • Shrestha,Sudeep
  • Bo Pieter Johannes Andree

Abstract

The Republic of Yemen is enduring the world's most severe protracted humanitarian crisis, compounded by conflict, economic collapse, and natural disasters. Current food insecurity assessments rely on expert evaluation of evidence with limited temporal frequency and foresight. This paper introduces a data-driven methodology for the early detection and diagnosis of food security emergencies. The approach optimizes for simplicity and transparency, and pairs quantitative indicators with data-driven optimal thresholds to generate early warnings of impending food security emergencies. Historical validation demonstrates that warnings can be reliably issued before sharp deterioration in food security occurs, using only a few critical indicators that capture inflation, conflict, and agricultural productivity shocks. These indicators signal deterioration most accurately at five months of lead time. The paper concludes that simple data-driven approaches show a strong capability to generate reliable food security warnings in Yemen, highlighting their potential to complement existing assessments and enhance lead time for effective intervention.

Suggested Citation

  • Steve Penson & Mathijs Lomme & Zacharey Austin Carmichael & Manni,Alemu & Shrestha,Sudeep & Bo Pieter Johannes Andree, 2024. "A Data-Driven Approach for Early Detection of Food Insecurity in Yemen's Humanitarian Crisis," Policy Research Working Paper Series 10768, The World Bank.
  • Handle: RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:10768
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    1. Tosin Kolajo Gbadegesin & Bo Pieter Johannes Andree & Ademola Braimoh, 2024. "Climate Shocks and Their Effects on Food Security, Prices, and Agricultural Wages in Afghanistan," Policy Research Working Paper Series 10999, The World Bank.

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