Somalia Secures $11.8 Million to Combat Climate-Driven Food Insecurity

Six million people in Somalia currently face crisis-level hunger as recurring climate shocks devastate local livelihoods. To counter this, a new $11.8 million initiative, Activating Climate-Resilient Agricultural Livelihoods in Somalia (ACALS), aims to stabilize food production for 180,000 residents across the drought-stricken Hirshabelle and Puntland states.

The three-year project, funded by the African Development Bank, marks a strategic shift from emergency aid toward sustainable development. By rehabilitating irrigation systems and promoting climate-resilient crops, partners including the World Food Programme and UNOPS intend to insulate pastoralists and farmers from the volatility of extreme weather. Minister of Livestock, Forestry and Range Hassan Hussein Mohamed emphasized that targeted interventions are vital for the survival of the nation's agricultural sector, which remains the backbone of the economy.

Building Institutional and Community Resilience

Beyond direct farming support, ACALS introduces early warning systems for droughts and floods to improve disaster preparedness. The program prioritizes women and youth, integrating them into local value chains to foster rural economic stability. Pascal Sanginga, the African Development Bank’s regional manager, noted that agriculture now accounts for 12 percent of the bank's active Somali portfolio, reflecting an institutional pivot toward long-term food security. By aligning with the National Transformation Plan 2025–2029, the initiative seeks to move past temporary relief, creating infrastructure that withstands climate pressures while strengthening governance at both federal and state levels.