Is there enough food for the many? [Archives:2002/27/Health]

BY YEMEN TIMES STAFF
The average Yemeni family faces difficult economic challenges. Women make up 51% of the overall population which itself is increasing by 3.5 percent annually. This has amplified the problem of self-sufficiency at a time when agricultural production is inadequate and the income of the lower-class Yemeni family has been declining.
The population explosion in Yemen has had many inevitable consequences. The impact of this population increase has unfortunately been accompanied by considerable deterioration in agricultural productivity.
Out of the 1,6 million hectare of lands fit for agriculture only 1,2 million hectare is being cultivated. Furthermore water shortages and deteriorating agricultural infrastructure and investment have further depressed output. Consequently agricultural production covers only 7% of local consumption. This problem is especially acute for cereals. The outcome of all this has been to make it ever more difficult for lower income Yemenis to feed their increasingly large families.
Studies show that the average family consists of seven members. A demographic survey indicates that family size considerably depends upon the level of education of Yemeni woman.
To face the problem of food security for the Yemeni people, there should be some plans being drawn up to curb the population growth and stop the deterioration of agricultural lands.

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