Much of Yemen’s population needs basic assistance to avoid famine. As well as providing food and cash-based support during a decade of war, international aid actors have sustained and strengthened the capacities of local organisations involved. Yet these efforts have overlooked some capacities – particularly valuable skills for community engagement and accountability, seen as vital for inclusion and conflict sensitivity. As conflict in Yemen continues and aid budgets come under further pressure, this Policy Briefing offers a series of recommendations to improve the effectiveness of donor and aid agency support for local capacities for social assistance.