Household food security in Armenia is improving, according to the latest Food Security and Vulnerability Assessment released by the United Nations World Food Programme, which points to stronger economic stability and gradual recovery across the country.

The 2026 nationwide assessment, conducted among 4,210 households in Yerevan and all Armenian regions, examined food security conditions among both local residents and displaced Armenians from Karabakh, as well as broader social and economic factors affecting vulnerability.

According to the report, the share of food-secure households increased significantly from 26 percent in 2024 to 33 percent in 2026. At the same time, the percentage of food-insecure households declined from 20 percent to 18 percent.

The study also recorded improvements among marginally food-secure families and female-headed households, groups considered particularly vulnerable to economic shocks.

Food insecurity among female-headed households fell from 23 percent to 21 percent, which the WFP described as an encouraging development.

“These findings show that Armenia is moving in a positive direction, with stronger household food security and encouraging signs of recovery,” said Leila Meliouh. “At the same time, the FSVA provides important evidence to help partners focus work where it can have the greatest impact - especially for households that are still building resilience to economic pressures and future shocks,” she added.

Despite the positive trends, the report warned that around 550,000 people in Armenia remain food insecure, while many households classified as marginally food secure continue to face vulnerability to future economic disruptions.

The assessment also highlighted major changes among displaced Armenians from Karabakh. According to the report, 83 percent of displaced respondents now plan to remain permanently in Armenia, compared to 63 percent in 2024.

Employment levels among displaced households also improved considerably. The share of displaced families with at least one employed member rose from 47.6 percent two years ago to 76 percent in 2026.

The WFP said these figures suggest growing long-term integration and self-reliance among displaced communities, though continued support remains necessary.

The organization also stressed the importance of continued gender-sensitive monitoring to better understand how female-led households access income opportunities, social support systems, and stable food supplies.

Since 2020, WFP assessments have been used by the Armenian government, international donors, and development partners as a key evidence base for social policy and humanitarian planning.

The agency also announced that it is expanding cooperation with Armenia’s Statistical Committee with the goal of fully transferring FSVA methodologies and technical expertise to Armenian institutions by 2028.