Somalia’s Famine Crisis: World Food Programme Calls for Continued Support
Mogadishu, Somalia – Despite averting famine in 2022, Somalia’s humanitarian crisis remains dire, with needs still critically high, according to Carl Skau, World Food Programme (WFP) Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer. Skau recently concluded a three-day mission to Somalia, where he met with families affected by conflict and climate shocks in the drought-stricken region of Baidoa.
Skau emphasized that Somalia is at a turning point, requiring continued support to address the root causes of hunger and help communities adapt to climate shocks. The country’s longest drought, which lasted from 2020 to 2023, ended with devastating floods in November 2023, affecting two million people and displacing 750,000.
WFP’s humanitarian scale-up, in partnership with other organizations, helped avert famine in Somalia. However, almost 3.4 million people still experience crisis-level hunger, and 315,000 people received resilience-building support from WFP in 2023. The organization is committed to delivering assistance to the most vulnerable, ensuring that all those in need receive aid and that humanitarian access is preserved.
Skau’s visit to Baidoa highlighted the struggles faced by families, who are stuck in a cycle of climate disasters, displacement, and lack of nutritious food and education. The Somali people show remarkable resilience, but the government, UN, and partners must target the most vulnerable and ensure timely assistance.
WFP is stepping up its efforts to foster more resilient communities, investing in climate-smart food systems, livelihoods support, preparedness, recovery, and water resource management. The organization’s Anticipatory Action Plan has delivered early warning messages to 1.9 million people and cash transfers worth US$1 million to 80,000 people facing potential flood risks in 2024.
As Somalia faces ongoing dry conditions with below-average rainfall in the upcoming season, WFP’s work is crucial in providing nutritious food, addressing the root causes of hunger, and helping communities adapt to climate shocks. With limited resources, it is essential to invest in resilience and climate adaptation to prepare for and mitigate the impact of shocks.
WFP is the largest humanitarian organization in Somalia, operating in remote and hard-to-reach areas, assisting around 3 million people every month. The organization has become a lifeline for communities through support to the government and humanitarian partners.
