Response Food and Drought Crisis in Somalia

Dear Esteemed Donors and Supporters,

Since our last report in August 2025, the humanitarian crisis in Somalia particularly in Puntland has continued to deepen. The first quarter of 2026 has been marked by persistent drought conditions, rising food insecurity, and increasing displacement of vulnerable communities.

Despite these challenges, your continued support has enabled HRDC to sustain and expand life-saving interventions for drought-affected families.

1. Situation Update (January – March 2026)

Prolonged Drought Crisis

The drought emergency declared in late 2025 remains ongoing, with below-average rainfall recorded during the most recent season. Water sources continue to diminish, and pastoral livelihoods have not recovered.

Escalating Food Insecurity

• An estimated 4.8 million people across Somalia are now facing acute food insecurity.
• Malnutrition rates have increased, particularly among children under five.
• Many households are surviving on one meal per day or less.

Displacement Trends

• Continued rural-to-urban migration has intensified.
• IDP settlements in Puntland have expanded, placing pressure on already limited services such as water, sanitation, and health care.

2. HRDC Project Progress & Achievements

With your generous contributions through GlobalGiving, HRDC has made the following impact during this quarter:

Food Assistance & Emergency Relief

• Distributed monthly food rations to drought-affected households across targeted districts in Puntland.
• Reached newly displaced families arriving in urban settlements.
• Prioritized female-headed households and vulnerable groups.

Nutrition Support

• Provided supplementary nutrition support to:
• Children under five
• Pregnant and lactating women
• Conducted community-based malnutrition screenings and referrals.

Water & Basic Services Support

• Supported emergency water access through:
• Water trucking in severely affected areas
• Rehabilitation of limited water points (where feasible)

Community Engagement & Accountability

• Strengthened collaboration with:
• Local leaders
• Community relief committees
• Ensured transparent beneficiary selection and distribution processes.

3. Key Challenges

While progress has been made, the humanitarian needs continue to exceed available resources:

• Severe Funding Gaps: Reduced global humanitarian funding has limited the scale of response.
• Worsening Water Scarcity: Dry boreholes and shallow wells continue to affect both people and livestock.
• Access Constraints: Remote rural communities remain underserved due to logistical challenges.
• Rising Needs: Increasing displacement is placing additional pressure on limited assistance programs.

4. Impact Snapshot (This Quarter)

• Thousands of individuals reached with life-saving food assistance
• Improved access to basic nutrition services for vulnerable groups
• Strengthened community-based response mechanisms
• Reduced immediate hunger risks for targeted households

5. Outlook & Next Quarter Priorities

Looking ahead, HRDC aims to:

• Expand food assistance coverage to additional high-need areas
• Scale up nutrition interventions to prevent severe malnutrition
• Increase water access support, especially in drought hotspots
• Strengthen resilience programs, including livelihood recovery (where conditions allow)

6. Urgent Appeal for Continued Support

The situation remains critical. Without sustained and increased support, many families risk falling into extreme hunger and life-threatening conditions.

Your continued partnership through GlobalGiving enables us to respond where the need is greatest.

We urgently appeal for your ongoing generosity to:

• Save lives
• Protect vulnerable communities
• Support recovery and resilience

Thank You

On behalf of HRDC and the communities we serve, we extend our deepest gratitude for your unwavering support.

Your contributions are not just aid they are hope, dignity, and survival for thousands of families.

With sincere appreciation,

HRDC Team