Response Food and Drought Crisis in Somalia

Dear Esteemed Donors and Supporters,

Since our last update in August 2025, the humanitarian situation in Somalia particularly in the Puntland region has deteriorated significantly due to prolonged drought, failed rainy seasons, and severe food insecurity. The persistent drought emergency has pushed millions of people to the brink of crisis, underscoring the urgent need for humanitarian support and scaling up relief efforts.

Key Global & National Updates

Drought Emergency Declared

In November 2025, the Federal Government of Somalia officially declared a drought emergency following four consecutive failed rainy seasons, leaving water sources dry and livelihoods collapsing across the country. The United Nations Office at Geneva

Worsening Food Insecurity

According to recent United Nations updates:

• At least 4.6 million people nearly a quarter of Somalia’s population are now affected by severe drought conditions and acute food insecurity. The United Nations Office at Geneva+1
• Funding cuts to humanitarian response plans have drastically reduced emergency assistance to vulnerable populations, including reductions in food aid and water support. The United Nations Office at Geneva

Impact in Puntland

The drought has disproportionately affected Puntland region, where water points and grazing land have dried up, forcing many families to move to urban centers in search of food and water. Local authorities estimate that hundreds of thousands of people now face heightened vulnerability due to the collapse of pastoral and farming livelihoods.
School closures, displacement, food shortages, and livestock losses are widespread especially in rural areas.

HRDC Project Progress & Achievements

Despite the rapidly worsening context, with your support HRDC has continued to deliver critical assistance:

Food Assistance and Nutrition

• Expanded food distribution to drought-affected households, prioritizing areas in Puntland most impacted by water scarcity and food shortages.
• Continued nutritional support for children under five and pregnant women, helping to manage rising malnutrition risks.

Community Engagement

• Strengthened coordination with local committees to ensure transparent and equitable distribution of food and relief items.

Challenges

The scale of need continues to outpace available funding and resources:

• Severe water scarcity and pasture loss are driving displacement and livelihood collapse.
• Funding shortfalls in the Somalia Humanitarian Response Plan have reduced emergency assistance to millions in need. The United Nations Office at Geneva
• Vulnerable populations, especially in remote rural areas face limited access to basic services and humanitarian support.

Urgent Appeal for Support

Our vision remains to reach more drought-affected families with lifesaving food and nutritional support, particularly in Puntland, where the combination of drought and chronic vulnerability has intensified the crisis. However, without immediate and sustained humanitarian funding, many more families are at risk of severe hunger and malnutrition in the coming months.

We urgently appeal for your continued support and generosity to help families withstand this escalating crisis and prevent further loss of lives and livelihoods.

Thank You

Together, we can ensure that those most affected by drought and food insecurity in Somalia receive the support they need. Your partnership continues to be a lifeline for vulnerable communities striving to survive and rebuild amid crisis.

With heartfelt appreciation,
HRDC Team