Drought, conflict may drive 1M more Somalians into critical food insecurity, warns WFP
The World Food Program (WFP) has issued a dire warning that drought, conflict, and high food prices could push an additional one million Somalians into critical food insecurity in the coming months, Anadolu Agency reported. Currently, 3.4 million people in Somalia are experiencing crisis-level hunger, a figure expected to rise to 4.4 million by mid-2025.
WFP’s director of food security and nutrition analysis, Jean-Martin Bauer, highlighted that below-average rains are projected, potentially exacerbating drought conditions. The country has already suffered from the longest drought in recorded history, which devastated agriculture and water supplies.
Bauer noted that approximately 1.7 million children under five are at risk of acute malnutrition, with 466,000 facing severe cases. The most affected populations include those with low agricultural yields and internally displaced persons.
Starting in April, WFP plans to assist 820,000 vulnerable individuals monthly, a reduction from 2.2 million in 2024. The 2025 Humanitarian Needs Plan for Somalia requires $1.42 billion but is only 12.4% funded.
