Somali drought (2021–present) explained

As of 2021, following four consecutive failed rainy seasons, over 2.3 million people are facing food shortages in Somalia. Over 80% of the country is suffering a severe drought. In affected areas up to 20% of the population have experienced shortages of water, food and pasture, which have displaced an estimated 100,000 people.

Causes

Climate change is a major cause with climate related hazards on the increase.^[1]

Impact

• 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.^{[2] [3]}

Humanitarian situation

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.^[4]

As of November 2021:^[5]

• 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

In November 2021, UN resident and humanitarian coordinator for Somalia, Adam Abdelmoula, called for urgent action.^[6]

In November 2021 the Somali Humanitarian Response Plan for 2021 is 66% funded.^[7]

Response

The Somali Humanitarian Fund has allocated $6 million and the UN Emergency Response Fund has allocated $8 million toward relief efforts.^[4]

See also

• 2017 Somali drought
• Food security
• Water security
• Horn of Africa drought (2020–present)
• Climate change in Somalia

Notes and References

1. Web site: 2021-11-19. Worsening drought affects 2.3 million people in Somalia. 2021-11-20. UN News. en.
2. Web site: Somalia drought update 18 November 2021 - Somalia. 2021-11-20. ReliefWeb. en.
3. Web site: Egypt explores water projects with Somalia - Al-Monitor: The Pulse of the Middle East. 2021-11-20. www.al-monitor.com. en.
4. Web site: Somalia: Joint statement on worsening drought [EN/SO] - Somalia]. 2021-11-20. ReliefWeb. en.
5. Web site: Somalia Humanitarian Bulletin, October 2021 - Somalia. 2021-11-20. ReliefWeb. en.
6. Web site: UN sounds alarm on Somalia's 'rapidly worsening' drought. 2021-11-20. www.aljazeera.com. en.
7. Web site: 2021-11-20. Worsening drought affects 2.3 million people in Somalia. 2021-11-20. Saudigazette. English.