Mogadishu, Somalia — The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has sounded the alarm on a triple threat to Somalia’s food security, warning of the combined impact of severe drought, the economic turmoil stemming from the Middle East conflict, and the predicted El Niño flooding.
The agency estimates that over 5. 5 million Somalis are facing acute food insecurity, a situation that threatens to escalate into a severe humanitarian crisis.
The Middle East conflict has had a direct and devastating effect on Somalia, with the Iran war causing a sharp increase in food and water prices, eroding household purchasing power and disrupting trade and markets.
In Mogadishu, the cost of fuel has doubled, with knock — on effects across the supply chain in a nation heavily reliant on imported food.
The prolonged drought has further compounded the situation, leading to consecutive climate shocks that have reduced crop yields, depleted water sources, and caused significant livestock losses. Erratic rainfall and riverine flooding in key agricultural areas have exacerbated the food insecurity, with high prices and widespread crop and pastureland failures.
The FAO has declared a national drought emergency and is calling for urgent funding to prevent a full — scale famine.
The predicted El Niño event, expected to bring heavy rains and flooding later this year, poses an additional threat to the already vulnerable population.
The agency’s Global Emergency and Resilience Appeal 2026 seeks USD 2. 5 billion to assist over 100 million people in 54 countries, with USD 76 million specifically allocated for Somalia to provide emergency cash assistance and vital livelihood support.
The FAO emphasizes the need for long — term strategies to build resilience against future crises, as the situation in Somalia serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of global events and their impact on vulnerable populations.
The international community is urged to come together and address the complex challenges facing the Horn of Africa region.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: reliefweb
Source: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
