Report: 25% of Somalia's Population Faces Climate-Induced Hunger

Facts

• On Tuesday, the World Food Programme (WFP) reported that a quarter of the Somali population is facing 'crisis-level hunger or worse' with conditions exacerbated by drought and floods.¹
• The WFP estimates that 4.3M people will be forced into starvation by the end of the year as they have yet to recover from record-breaking drought and are now facing catastrophic flooding. Malnutrition levels have soared to reach their greatest height in over 10 years.²
• During November, El Niño has significantly increased rainfall in the Horn of Africa region causing devastating flooding that has killed at least 35 people in Kenya and Ethiopia.²
• When citing the reasons for the sharp increase in need, WFP spokesperson Petroc Wilton said, 'This bombardment of climate shocks, from drought to floods, will prolong the hunger crisis in Somalia. The drought killed millions of livestock and ruined countless hectares of pastures and farmlands. Now, these devastating floods are crippling Somalia's ability to recover.'¹
• In March, environmental conditions moved Somalia to the top of the International Rescue Committee's watchlist. The committee then issued a stark warning that without intervention mass deaths would occur, especially in children.³
• The food insecurity crisis continues to grow across the Horn of Africa; in 2022, Somalia, Ethiopia, and Kenya reported a 70% increase in food and nutrition needs compared to the 2016-2017 reports. That increase spans more than 20M people who face dying of hunger without significant donation increases.⁴

Sources: ¹Reuters, ²Africa News, ³The IRC and ⁴Center for Disaster Philanthropy.

Narratives

• Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by VOA. Millions of people across the Horn of Africa are hanging on by a thread being threatened each day with death by hunger. Climate impacts coupled with conflict and displacement are creating an untenable crisis. Not only have crops and livestock been destroyed, but Ukraine —which serves as the breadbasket of the world — has been cut off. The international community, with all of its robust capabilities, is trying the very best it can with this extraordinary set of complex challenges in the region.
• Establishment-critical narrative, as provided by Euractiv. Record-low commitments from Western nations have left the global south feeling left out and betrayed as they watch residents die from preventable malnutrition and disease. The West should be ashamed of hiding behind 'donor fatigue.' This phrase being tossed about is a false claim when the truth is that committing to humanitarian aid is more about political will. Choosing not to help is a choice that pays a price in real human life.

Predictions