Somalia is among the ten countries in the world that are most vulnerable to climate change impacts. Despite ongoing efforts to address these challenges, the humanitarian needs are undeniable and urgent.

In recent years, thousands have been displaced by climate change and climate-induced conflicts. Severe droughts and extreme heat during the dry seasons pushed Somalia to the brink of famine, with limited water access forcing farmers to abandon their crops. Livestock owners lost herds, and livelihood opportunities shrink with each dried-up river and parched field.

When the rains do come, they bring challenges of their own. Driven by climate change, erratic and intense rainfall has led to widespread flooding, washing away homes, farms and hopes for stability. Droughts, overgrazing, and inconsistent rainfall have also caused severe soil erosion and land degradation, escalating conflicts over these dwindling resources.

As COP29 unfolds in Baku, Azerbaijan, leaders, advocates and experts are working together to keep climate action at the forefront of the global agenda. IOM will continue to support the Federal Government of Somalia in adapting to the ongoing challenges of climate change and building resilience for a sustainable future.

With leadership from the Federal Government, strong collaboration between local actors, civil society actors, IOM and partner organizations helped avert famine. Innovative programmes like Nagaad, Deegan Bile, Saameynta and Danwadaag have all helped to address displacement, enhance resilience, and promote sustainable urban development in Somalia. Together, these initiatives work toward stability, resilience, and durable solutions for communities in need. We must build on this momentum.

Climate change is here, and it requires our immediate and collective attention. Together, we can imagine a safer, more resilient Somalia - by focusing on durable solutions for displaced communities and promoting sustainable environmental practices for communities. We must act now and be bold in fighting for the future of our planet.  

Children play football on the exposed bedrock of the Dawa River, Doolow, which dried up due to prolonged drought. Photo: IOM 2023/Ismail Salad Osman
As grazing lands and water resources disappeared, Abdiyo's family lost all of their livestock and were displaced in early 2024. Photo: IOM 2024/Raber Aziz
In recent years, Somalia has struggled with floods as well as drought. Displaced communities are highly vulnerable to these erratic weather patterns. Photo: IOM 2023/Moustapha Negueye Ragueh
Floods increase the risks of spreading waterborne diseases. Health interventions are crucial for mitigating these risks and supporting affected communities. Photo: IOM 2023/Moustapha Negueye Ragueh
El Niño rains caused flooding many areas across the country and impacted displacement sites. Photo: IOM 2023/Moustapha Negueye Ragueh
Heavy rains in Beledwayne ended the drought, but caused floods when water levels in the river rose. Photo: IOM 2023/Ismail Salad Osman

RELATED STORIES