In 2024, Somalia continues to face severe impacts from climate change, characterized by alternating periods of intense drought and flooding, largely driven by El Niño conditions. The recent ‘Super El Niño’ event has caused widespread flooding, especially along the Shabelle and Juba Rivers, leading to significant crop losses and infrastructure damage.

These climate extremes have exacerbated the ongoing hunger crisis, with nearly 7 million people requiring life-saving assistance and a significant number of children facing acute malnutrition.

In response to these challenges, several initiatives are underway. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is implementing projects to enhance food security, such as distributing drought-tolerant seeds and rehabilitating water management systems through the Jowhar Offstream Storage Programme. This programme aims to support approximately 1.5 million beneficiaries by improving water availability for both drought and flood conditions.

Moreover, the World Food Programme (WFP) has activated anticipatory action programmes, including pre-emptive cash transfers and the pre-positioning of boats for food delivery in flood-prone areas. This approach has helped communities prepare for and mitigate the impact of floods, although the overall funding shortfall remains a significant barrier to scaling these efforts.

Efforts from international organizations and continued global support are crucial for Somalia to build resilience against these climate shocks and to address the intertwined issues of food insecurity, displacement, and environmental degradation.