Somalia is facing a rapidly worsening drought caused by La Niña, negative Indian Ocean Dipole, and Climate Change (Relief Web), resulting in four consecutive failed rainfall seasons according to OCHA (2024 & 2025). making fragile communities vulnerable and food insecure,
The drought is characterized by below-average rainfall, severe water shortages, depleted pasture, declining livestock conditions, and weakened coping mechanisms OCHA.
Conflict and insecurity have further compounded the crisis by disrupting traditional migration routes, limiting access to water and markets, and restricting humanitarian operations, according to Relief Web, in addition to funding shortfalls.
Based on the forum’s initial assessment, the drought crisis would be a large-scale national emergency, as declared on 10th November 2025, by the Somali government, which is calling all stakeholders to mobilize resources to scale up lifesaving support. This came as worsening rainfall deficits, atypically dry conditions, and deteriorating livestock productivity signalled a sharp rise in humanitarian needs.
ACT Somalia Forum intends to respond to the drought in the most affected regions.
