Saturday September 28, 2024
WFP/Michael Tewelde, Drought affected livestocks walking to a river side in Adadle district, Biyolow Kebele in Somali region of Ethiopia.
Mogadishu (HOL) — Millions of Somalis are at risk of severe hunger as forecasts predict below-average rainfall due to the La Niña weather phenomenon, potentially pushing the country back to near-famine conditions seen in late 2022. The United Nations has issued an urgent call for humanitarian aid to avert what could become a devastating food security crisis.
The latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report, released by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), UNICEF, and the UN World Food Programme (WFP), estimates that 3.6 million people—about 19% of the population—are already facing crisis-level hunger (IPC3+). This figure is projected to rise to 4.4 million between October and December 2024 due to the expected failure of the Deyr rains, a key rainy season.
Compounding the crisis, 1.6 million children under the age of five are at risk of acute malnutrition, with 403,000 expected to suffer from severe malnutrition through mid-2025. The situation is aggravated by rising food prices, poor crop yields, and livestock losses, which continue to threaten livelihoods.
“We are at a crucial moment,” said Elkhidir Daloum, WFP’s Country Director in Somalia. “Without swift action, Somalia could slip back into the hunger crisis that nearly led to famine just two years ago. Our priority is to provide immediate assistance and also strengthen long-term resilience through climate-smart strategies and social protection measures.”
Global weather forecasts indicate an 80% probability of La Niña conditions, which could lead to a drought in Somalia. The expected below-average rainfall and above-normal temperatures would significantly reduce soil moisture and crop productivity, worsening food insecurity in vulnerable communities. Livestock, a critical livelihood for rural populations, also faces increased threats from dwindling water and grazing resources.
FAO Somalia Country Representative Etienne Peterschmitt warned that La Niña’s impact could severely damage Somalia’s agrifood systems. “The loss of crops and livestock will deepen hunger and poverty, especially in rural areas. We must act early to mitigate these impacts and prevent a full-scale food security crisis.”
In addition to immediate food aid, agencies stress the need for long-term solutions to build community resilience. UNICEF’s Somalia Representative, Wafaa Saeed, noted the fragile progress made in recent months. “While the number of acutely malnourished children has decreased, these gains are at risk of being reversed. Water sources are depleting, and we could see a significant rise in malnutrition if urgent action is not taken.”
The 2024 Somalia Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan outlines the funding required for critical interventions, which is only 37% funded as of September 24, leaving a significant gap in resources needed to address the growing crisis. UN agencies are urgently calling on international donors to step up funding to expand both humanitarian aid and resilience-building efforts.
The looming hunger crisis underscores Somalia’s vulnerability to climate change and its ongoing struggle with food insecurity. Without immediate intervention, millions more could be plunged into life-threatening conditions.