Somali drought (2021–present)
 | This article needs to be updated. (March 2024) |
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
References
- ^ "Worsening drought affects 2.3 million people in Somalia". UN News. 2021-11-19. Retrieved 2021-11-20.
- ^ "Somalia drought update 18 November 2021 - Somalia". ReliefWeb. Retrieved 2021-11-20.
- ^ "Egypt explores water projects with Somalia - Al-Monitor: The Pulse of the Middle East". www.al-monitor.com. Retrieved 2021-11-20.
- ^ a b "Somalia: Joint statement on worsening drought [EN/SO] - Somalia". ReliefWeb. Retrieved 2021-11-20.
- ^ "Somalia Humanitarian Bulletin, October 2021 - Somalia". ReliefWeb. Retrieved 2021-11-20.
- ^ "UN sounds alarm on Somalia's 'rapidly worsening' drought". www.aljazeera.com. Retrieved 2021-11-20.
- ^ "Worsening drought affects 2.3 million people in Somalia". Saudigazette. 2021-11-20. Retrieved 2021-11-20.