Violent conflict is one of the main drivers of food insecurity worldwide because conflict disrupts food systems. Conversely, inequitable and unsustainable food systems can drive instability and conflict. Ending hunger—the target of Sustainable Development Goal 2—requires urgent action to make food systems more sustainable and resilient, and doing so can also support peace. However, a lack of context-specific understanding of the pathways between conflict and food security, which are often complex, has slowed the response to this urgent call. 

This three-part policy paper series aims to emphasize the urgency of addressing the relationship between conflict and food insecurity, and to point out opportunities to do so. The first paper explored the pathways and interconnections between conflict and food systems. This second paper contextualizes those pathways and interconnections, using Venezuela and Yemen as case studies. The third paper will discuss opportunities and practical steps that can help to break the vicious cycle of hunger and conflict. 

Case studies can help draw out contextually conditioned processes and untangle the complexities of food systems in conflict and peacebuilding settings. This paper, using Venezuela and Yemen as case studies, seeks to alert policymakers to the importance of understanding how these pathways and interconnections shape food security out-comes, and the potential of equitable and resilient food systems to contribute to peace. The two cases, while their conflict contexts differ, share many similarities. Oil was the primary source of government revenue in both countries and both countries have suffered from the economic effects of declining production. Food imports have fallen drastically due to military involvement and millions of food insecure Venezuelans and Yemenis have been displaced. The paper synthesizes existing research and evidence on Venezuela and Yemen and concludes with four recommendations.