Somalia is facing a severe food security crisis with 6.5 million people estimated to be experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity between February and March 2026, nearly double the number classified in IPC Acute Food Insecurity Phase 3 or above in August 2025. More than 2 million people are in Emergency phase (Phase 4), with all affected populations requiring immediate assistance to protect livelihoods, reduce food deficits, and save lives.

This deterioration is attributed to worsening drought conditions, increasing food prices, and insecurity across central, southern, and parts of northern Somalia, compounded by decreasing humanitarian aid. Rainfall forecasts from April to June predict near-normal conditions in most areas and above-normal in some northern regions, which may result in only a modest improvement in food security. By the end of this period, approximately 5.5 million people are projected to remain in IPC Acute Food Insecurity Phase 3 or above.

Global acute malnutrition rates in Somalia have increased for two consecutive years. From January to December 2026, approximately 1.84 million children aged 6-59 months are expected to suffer from acute malnutrition, including 483,000 severe cases requiring urgent medical intervention.