MOGADISHU (KAAB TV) – The United Nations warns that 4.4 million Somalis are at risk of acute food insecurity due to looming drought conditions.
According to a recent report by the Food Security and Nutrition Analysis Unit (FSNAU), approximately 1.6 million children aged 6-59 months are expected to suffer from acute malnutrition between August 2024 and July 2025, with 403,000 cases classified as severe.
Erratic rainfall between May and June 2024 significantly reduced crop production in agro-pastoral areas, worsening the food security situation.
While the Gu rains improved pasture and water availability for pastoral livelihoods, localized floods in Hiraan, Gedo, Middle, and Lower Shabelle displaced many, disrupting agricultural activities and market access.
Conflict and insecurity across these regions further contributed to population displacement.
The report notes a slight reduction in the number of food-insecure people compared to last year’s drought, with 3.6 million people (19% of the population) currently classified in IPC Phase 3 or above (Crisis or worse) between July and September 2024.
However, with below-normal Deyr rains anticipated between October and December, the number of people facing severe food shortages is expected to rise to 4.4 million, or 23% of the population.
Prices of staple crops like maize and sorghum saw a slight decrease in July 2024 due to improved supplies from the Gu harvest, though international cereal prices remain high due to weak local currency and ongoing conflict.
Between January and July 2024, nearly 236,229 people were displaced, with 51% of these displacements caused by floods and 31% by conflict, primarily in Bay, Lower Juba, Mudug, and Lower Shabelle.
Humanitarian aid, including food and cash assistance, has been critical in mitigating the crisis, but funding shortages have forced a reduction in aid delivery.
While 2.1 million people received assistance between January and March 2024, the number dropped to 1.3 million between July and September, with further cuts anticipated if funding gaps persist.