Somalia

More than 750,000 people remain affected by drought conditions in Somalia. According to the UN, the most vulnerable populations in Somalia are the agro-pastoralists who are dependent on rain-fed crop production and those populations already weakened by previous shocks such as displacement and malnutrition. As many as 450,000 additional people are displaced due to fighting among clans, bringing the total affected population in Somalia to 1.2 million.

Despite the late arrival of the main Gu season rains, most predictions indicate that the August harvest may be the second best in the post postwar period. However, total agricultural production will remain up to 38 percent below the prewar average. An increase in available food supply will not be apparent for an additional 4-8 weeks. Water and pasture availability is improving and is expected to be sufficient until the next rainy season begins in October. While livestock are beginning to recover, many agro-pastorialists are expected to remain vulnerable due to three successive years of asset depletion and livelihood stress. Pockets of vulnerability remain throughout the country, especially in Gedo and Lower Juba, where rains have failed. Insecurity continues to hamper relief operations, as evidenced by several attacks on humanitarian relief personnel during June and July in Mogadishu and Merka.