Famine Risk Emerges in Southern Somalia as Child Malnutrition Levels Surge

Mintesinot Niggusie

A district in southern Somalia has reached hunger levels not seen since 2022, with global food security monitors warning that parts of the country are at risk of famine if rainfall fails and humanitarian assistance falls short.

The UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) reported that more than 37 percent of children in Burhakaba district in the Bay region are suffering from acute malnutrition. The district has an estimated population of around 200,000 people.

The IPC said Burhakaba is now considered at risk of famine under a worst-case scenario involving failed Gu seasonal rains, rising food prices and insufficient delivery of food assistance. Somalia last experienced famine in 2011, when an estimated 250,000 people died.

FEWS NET, a US-funded early warning system on food insecurity, said its baseline scenario assumes seasonal rains may stabilise conditions temporarily. However, it warned that below-average rainfall could lead to another failed harvest and a rapid deterioration in food security.

Humanitarian financing constraints are adding further pressure to response efforts. According to United Nations data, humanitarian funding for Somalia in 2026 stands at about 160 million US dollars, down significantly from 531 million US dollars last year.