FAO – The Federal Republic of Somalia: Drought Severely Affecting Crops and Livestock

The report addresses severe drought conditions in Somalia during the first part of the 2025 October–December Deyr rainy season.

The drought has severely affected crop establishment and development, particularly in southern key cereal-producing areas, which account for about 40% of the annual cereal output. Between 70% and more than 85% of cropland in key regions experienced severe drought, causing widespread germination failures and crop wilting. Northern and central pastoral areas also face worsening water and pasture shortages, severely impacting livestock. The drought is expected to worsen the acute food insecurity situation, with about one-quarter of the population currently facing severe acute food insecurity. Urgent scale-up of livelihood support and food assistance is needed to prevent collapse of livelihoods, severe food shortages, and loss of lives.