The risk of acute malnutrition in Somalia is increasing as an additional one million people could face starvation due to a projected drought. An estimated 4.4 million people could be in urgent need of food and assistance during the April-June 2025 period due to a lack of rainfall and limited funding.
Children under five are at greatest risk, with nearly 500,000 children at risk of acute malnutrition. The crisis is being exacerbated by a lack of financial resources that has limited aid efforts, leaving millions of affected people without access to basic food supplies.
Impact of the Anticipated Drought on Food Security in Somalia
The number of people facing acute food insecurity could rise from 3.4 million to 4.4 million in the coming months due to the expected drought. In particular, more than 1.7 million children under the age of five are at risk of malnutrition, of whom 466,000 are at risk of severe acute malnutrition.
Humanitarian Challenges Amid the Anticipated Drought Crisis
The threat of drought and funding shortfalls have led to a significant reduction in humanitarian assistance, with food supplies now reaching just 820,000 people, down from 2.2 million in 2022. The World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that the crisis could worsen if urgent action is not taken.
Potential Long-Term Effects of the Anticipated Drought on Somalia’s Economy
The expected drought will have a profound impact on Somalia’s agricultural sector, where more than 60 percent of the population works. Livestock losses could reach 2 million, reducing exports and incomes. In addition, food prices could increase by up to 30 percent, leading to increased poverty and economic instability.
The expected drought in Somalia could pose a serious threat to food supplies, employment and economic stability, leaving millions of people facing acute hunger. The lack of aid resources and the increasing malnutrition problems among 1.7 million children further underscore the need for urgent action.
If urgent action is not taken, the crisis could worsen, leading to economic collapse and social unrest. Sustainable solutions to mitigate the impacts of the expected drought, such as additional financial support and climate-resilient planning, are crucial.
