Somali drought (2021–2023)
 | This article needs to be updated. (March 2024) |
During 2021-2023, Somalia confronted its most severe drought in forty years, affecting more than 7.8 million people —about half of Somalia’s population.[1] As of 2024, drought-related impacts still continue to affect 4.4 million individuals across Somalia, who face including acute food insecurity. This includes an estimated 724,000 people at IPC Phase 4 (Emergency).[2][3]
Over 80% of the country was suffering a severe drought. In affected areas up to 20% of the population have experienced shortages of water, food and pasture,[4] and over 300,000 people have been displaced, as of May 2023.[5]
Causes
[edit]Climate change is a major cause with climate related hazards on the increase.[6]
Impact
[edit]- 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.[7][8]
Humanitarian situation
[edit]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.[9]
As of November 2021:[10]
- 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
[edit]In November 2021, UN resident and humanitarian coordinator for Somalia, Adam Abdelmoula, called for urgent action.[4]
In November 2021 the Somali Humanitarian Response Plan for 2021 is 66% funded.[6]
Response
[edit]The Somali Humanitarian Fund has allocated $6 million and the UN Emergency Response Fund has allocated $8 million toward relief efforts.[9]
See also
[edit]- 2017 Somali drought
- Food security
- Water security
- Horn of Africa drought (2020–present)
- Climate change in Somalia
References
[edit]- ^ "Partnerships and Data Sharing Enhance Delivery of Somalia Drought Relief". World Bank. 2024-06-24. Retrieved 2024-11-21.
- ^ "Somalia: Acute Food Insecurity Situation July to September 2024 and Projection October to December 2024". IPC (Integrated Food Security Phase Classification). 2024-09-23. Retrieved 2024-11-21.
- ^ "Crisis in Somalia: What You Need to Know and How to Help". International Rescue Committee. April 29, 2024. Retrieved 2024-11-21.
- ^ a b "UN sounds alarm on Somalia's 'rapidly worsening' drought". Al Jazeera. 19 Nov 2021. Retrieved 2024-11-21.
- ^ "Over 1 million people internally displaced in Somalia in record time". UNHCR. 24 May 2023. Retrieved 2024-11-21.
- ^ a b "Worsening drought affects 2.3 million people in Somalia". UN News. 2021-11-19. Retrieved 2021-11-20.
- ^ "Somalia drought update 18 November 2021 - Somalia". ReliefWeb. Retrieved 2021-11-20.
- ^ "Egypt explores water projects with Somalia - Al-Monitor: The Pulse of the Middle East". www.al-monitor.com. Retrieved 2021-11-20.
- ^ a b "Somalia: Joint statement on worsening drought [EN/SO] - Somalia". ReliefWeb. Retrieved 2021-11-20.
- ^ "Somalia Humanitarian Bulletin, October 2021 - Somalia". ReliefWeb. Retrieved 2021-11-20.