A recent report from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reveals that approximately 63% of children in Somalia—nearly two out of every three—are experiencing severe food poverty during their early childhood years. This alarming statistic underscores the critical need for immediate action to address the worsening food crisis in the country.
UNICEF has raised concerns that up to 50% of Somali children are at a heightened risk of suffering from wasting, a life-threatening form of malnutrition. The report also highlights that among children aged 6 to 23 months, only one in five are regularly fed protein-rich foods such as eggs, fish, poultry, or meat, while two-thirds consume no vegetables or fruits at all.
“Child food poverty is a serious issue in Somalia, exacerbated by the relentless cycle of climate-induced crises and conflicts,” said Wafaa Saeed, UNICEF’s representative in Somalia. “This situation leaves children vulnerable to both chronic and severe malnutrition. It is imperative that, together with the government and other partners, we work to improve the food system for young children and ensure that families have access to a wider variety of locally available foods, especially fish, meat, fruits, and vegetables, which are currently scarce in their diets.”
Despite some improvements, the ongoing challenges of climate change, conflict, disease outbreaks, and widespread poverty continue to intensify humanitarian needs across Somalia. An estimated 4 million people are currently facing crisis-level or emergency food insecurity, with 1.7 million children expected to suffer from acute malnutrition in 2024, including 430,000 who are at risk of severe malnutrition.
Globally, 181 million children are living in severe food poverty, with 65% of them residing in just 20 countries, including Somalia. In Eastern and Southern Africa, Somalia ranks highest, with more than 80% of caregivers reporting that their child had gone an entire day without eating.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has called for $1.6 billion in funding to support the 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan (HNRP) for Somalia. However, as of August 2, only $507 million has been secured, highlighting a significant funding gap that threatens the ability to deliver essential aid to vulnerable children and families.
This report emphasizes the urgent need for increased international support and coordinated efforts to address the deepening food crisis in Somalia and protect the lives and well-being of millions of children at risk.