Somali drought (2021–present)

As of 2021, following four consecutive failed rainy seasons, over 2.3 million people are facing food shortages in Somalia. Over 80% of the country is suffering a severe drought. In affected areas up to 20% of the population have experienced shortages of water, food and pasture, which have displaced an estimated 100,000 people.

Causes

Climate change is a major cause with climate related hazards on the increase.

Impact

• Most agricultural areas are expected to suffer crop failure, and there is little prospect of cereal production during the Deyr season.
• Particularly in central regions and in Puntland, communities are relying on boreholes as most shallow wells and berkads have dried up,
• The water levels of Shabelle and Juba rivers are low and expected to decrease.

Humanitarian situation

71% of people in Somalia are living beneath the poverty threshold. The number of people requiring assistance is predicted to rise in 2022 to about 7.7 million from 5.9 million.

As of November 2021:

• 5.9M are in need of humanitarian assistance.
• 3.5M people are facing acute food insecurity
• 2.9M displaced people
• 1.2M of children are malnourished

Calls for response

In November 2021, UN resident and humanitarian coordinator for Somalia, Adam Abdelmoula, called for urgent action.

In November 2021 the Somali Humanitarian Response Plan for 2021 is 66% funded.

Response

The Somali Humanitarian Fund has allocated $6 million and the UN Emergency Response Fund has allocated $8 million toward relief efforts.

See also

• 2017 Somali drought
• Food security
• Water security
• Horn of Africa drought (2020–present)
• Climate change in Somalia