MOGADISHU, Somalia — The combination of irregular weather and late rainfall in Somalia, as reported by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO,) has the international community concerned about the country’s already weak food security. The previous harvest in January yielded little, and that supply is beginning to run out. With this second consecutive poor harvest, food prices are beginning to dramatically increase while the food supply steadily decreases.
The fighting within Somalia only compounds the situation. Internal conflict in the southern and central regions has destroyed the country’s infrastructure and makes it difficult for farmers to bring their produce to market. The fighting also disrupts lives and leaves farmers unable to tend to their crops.
Weather patterns and flooding around rivers have caused the vital Somali crop of gu to grow late. In the central and southern regions, harvests are far below average production. And with the previous little yield from deyr cereal crops in January, the supply of food is alarmingly low.
This bad harvest combined with the difficulties in getting the crops to market has caused the price of essential food staples to soar. In some southern regions the price of Somali family staples, such as maize and sorghum, are 60 percent to 80 percent more expensive than last year. The inflated prices are also a result of a decrease in foreign aid and international assistance. The famine in Somalia that lasted from 2010 to 2012 caused a huge outpouring of international intervention. But with the famine over, aid has declined leaving the people with little support.
With poor crops, farmers have less to bring to markets. The decrease in the supply of food causes the prices to increase. Families who could afford to purchase food last year are now forced to go hungry.
The FAO estimates that the number of people in need of assistance in Somalia is around 860,000. This number includes over 200,000 children under the age of 5 years old who are malnourished.
Agriculture is the most important part of Somalia’s economy, making up about 60 percent of the country’s gross domestic product. Since the collapse of central authority in 1991, the government has been unable to regain control and stability. As a result, the people cannot rely on the state for support when harvests fail and instead need international assistance.
The situation regarding food security in Somalia is expected to improve slightly in August and September, when the gu crops can be harvested, sold and consumed. But based on the current weather, the harvest again is unlikely to be fruitful. The time before August is critical, as many do not have enough food to wait until the next harvest, people need assistance now.
The FAO and its partners are planning to directly intervene in the crisis, targeting communities most affected by food insecurity. Their plan includes a 90-day priority needs response to increase food security and requires about $18 million more in funds. The proposed assistance strategy is comprised of the creation of temporary employment, distribution of farming supplies (seeds, fertilizer and tractors,) restocking cattle and prevention of pests and disease.