Mogadishu, Somalia – Somalia is confronting a growing humanitarian and environmental emergency as climate change intensifies food insecurity across the country. A recent joint report by the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) classifies Somalia as a “very high concern” nation, highlighting the urgent need for intervention.

Years of recurrent droughts, coupled with rising temperatures and erratic rainfall, have devastated crop yields and livestock, the backbone of Somalia’s largely pastoral and agricultural economy. Families in rural areas are increasingly struggling to access sufficient food, with malnutrition rates climbing, particularly among children and vulnerable populations.

The situation is further aggravated by ongoing conflicts and displacement, which disrupt farming and trade, leaving communities dependent on humanitarian assistance. In urban centers, soaring food prices strain household budgets, forcing many to cut meals or turn to unsafe alternatives.

Experts warn that Somalia’s climate challenges are not temporary but part of a worsening trend. Water scarcity and desertification are expected to intensify, making sustainable farming increasingly difficult. Communities are caught in a cycle of environmental shocks, economic fragility, and limited access to social safety nets.

Humanitarian organizations are calling for urgent international support to expand food assistance, improve water access, and invest in climate-resilient agriculture. Without swift action, the country risks deeper humanitarian crises and long-term economic setbacks.

The WFP and FAO reports underscore that addressing Somalia’s climate-driven hunger requires coordinated efforts that combine immediate relief with long-term strategies, ensuring that communities are not just surviving but building resilience against an uncertain climate future.