Drought & Looming Famine in East Africa

Heightened conflict and climate shocks are increasing humanitarian needs in Somalia as communities work to recover from the country’s most severe drought in four decades, which has reduced food insecurity, nutrition, water, sanitation, and hygiene levels across the country. The drought and its subsequent impacts catapulted Somalia to the forefront of the Emergency Watchlist last year. Although urgent requirements persist, humanitarian needs are expected to gradually alleviate throughout 2024. 

However, the risk of climate shocks, coupled with political tensions and the government's offensive against the Al-Shabaab group, may intensify demands in Somalia, potentially reversing the progress made towards recovery. 

Severe drought pushes Somalis to the brink of starvation 

Somalia faced its worst drought in four decades from 2021 to 2023, resulting in a critical food crisis for 7.9 million people—about half of Somalia’s population. Drought-related impacts continue to affect 4.3 million individuals across Somalia including an estimated 727,000 who are teetering on the brink of starvation. 

The drought also decimated livelihoods, especially those in the agro-pastoral sector. During the drought in Somalia, over 3.5 million livestock perished, equivalent to a third of the country's total. This has led to the devastation of livelihoods, triggering significant displacement and urban migration. Even if water and land conditions are rehabilitated, the recovery of livestock levels and the dependent livelihoods would span 5 to 10 years. 

Climate shocks poised to exacerbate needs 

Severe flooding in late 2023 displaced more than 706,000 people in central and southern Somalia, indicating the country’s vulnerability to climate shocks. The flooding not only harmed bridges and roads, but also disrupted supply routes. Furthermore, it led to a rise in cases of diarrhea and cholera by impairing water and sanitation services and infrastructure.  

As the country is set to enter its long rainy season, any additional flooding would exacerbate displacement and the spread of waterborne disease, particularly for people without access to clean water and sanitation services. This would devastate Somalia’s already fragile agricultural and pastoral industries, leading to crop failures, reduced household purchasing power, elevated food prices, heightened dependence on imports, and ultimately escalate the threat of food insecurity. 

Clashes between government forces and nonstate groups will harm civilians 

The Somali government launched a major offensive against Al-Shabaab in August 2022. Since then, the government has made limited territorial gains in central Somalia before pushing south into the group’s traditional stronghold. 

Throughout the offensive, civilians have been displaced by violence—accelerating the humanitarian needs brought on by food insecurity and climate shocks.  

How is the IRC supporting Somalia? 

The IRC has been delivering critical services to crisis-affected communities in Somalia since 1981. We currently provide services in Galmudug, Southwest and Puntland states, as well as in the Banaadir (Mogadishu) region. 

In Somalia, the IRC delivers programming in health, nutrition, water and sanitation services, women’s protection and empowerment, and cash assistance. We are continuing our programming to address the impacts of drought and food insecurity and are expanding to new regions where humanitarian needs are mounting. 

Support us today 

The IRC supports communities in adapting to climate change by identifying hazards, promoting sustainable livelihoods, and prioritizing the needs of women and girls. In addition, the ambitious IRC climate action plan has set us on a course to change how we work to reduce our carbon footprint. We have also committed to reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Donate to support the IRC's work around the world. Thank you!