AS DROUGHT CONDITIONS WORSEN, 4.4 MILLION SOMALIS WILL FACE HIGH LEVELS OF ACUTE FOOD INSECURITY; 1.7 MILLION CHILDREN LIKELY TO SUFFER FROM ACUTE MALNUTRITION
Issued: February 24, 2025
The food security situation in Somalia remains precarious: the below average rainfall between October and December 2024 led to a substantial reduction in crop production in agropastoral and riverine livelihoods, and faster pasture and water depletion in pastoral areas. Localized floods in riverine areas in Hiraan, Middle Shabelle and Middle Juba, and insecurity and conflict in central and southern Somalia and some parts of northern regions caused population displacement, disrupted livelihood activities and market access. Therefore, between January to March 2025, 3.4 million people are experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 or above), representing almost 17 percent of the population analysed. This includes more than 2.9 million people (15 percent of the population) in IPC AFI Phase 3 (Crisis), and around 442 000 people (2 percent of the population) experiencing worse conditions in IPC AFI Phase 4 (Emergency). Out of the 119 areas analysed, 45 are classified in IPC AFI Phase 3 (Crisis) while 72 appears in IPC Phase 2 (Stressed).
Key drivers for acute food insecurity and malnutrition
Poor rainfall: Below average 2024 Deyr season (October-December) rainfall affected agropastoral areas; additional impact expected due to anticipated below average 2025 Gu season (April-June) rainfall.
Flooding: Riverine floods caused population displacement and crop losses in some southern parts of Somalia during 2024 Deyr season and localized flooding expected to cause additional damage during 2025 Gu..
Conflict and insecurity: Persistent conflict and insecurity likely to result in population displacement, disrupt market access and functionality, hinder households’ access to livelihood opportunities, and humanitarian assistance.
High food prices: Both local and imported food prices are expected to trend above the five-year averages due to the poor Deyr harvest, limited carryover stocks and high shipping costs
Diseases and poor health access: Low access to adequate water, sanitation, hygiene, immunization and other health services contributes to increased disease and malnutrition.
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