Introduction
This report analyzes the causes of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Somalia, drawing insights from the CARE article titled "Somalia: Hunger soars and funding falls" dated May 12, 2025. It further proposes specific solutions for the CARE organization to combat malnutrition and outlines long-term economic strategies to foster stability and growth in Somalia.
Causes of the Humanitarian Crisis in Somalia
The humanitarian crisis in Somalia is a multifaceted problem with several interconnected causes, as highlighted in the CARE article from May 12, 2025. A primary driver is the severe and worsening hunger crisis, with a forecasted 4.6 million people expected to face severe levels of hunger by June of the current year. This situation is exacerbated by a significant increase in child malnutrition; the number of severely malnourished children under five has risen to 1.8 million, with 479,000 of these children at immediate risk of death without urgent intervention.
A critical factor compounding the crisis is a drastic reduction in humanitarian funding. The Somalia Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan is alarmingly underfunded, having received only 11.1% of the required funds as of May 12th. The food and nutrition sectors are the most affected, receiving a mere 2.9% and 3% of necessary life-saving support, respectively. This chronic underfunding has led to the scaling back or complete shutdown of vital aid programs and health centers, which provide essential supplements and care to vulnerable populations, particularly young children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers. Consequently, those in need, like Sucdi mentioned in the article, face greater difficulty accessing life-saving treatment, leading to increased risks of stunting and mortality.
The crisis is further intensified by a confluence of other persistent issues. Seasonal challenges and the lingering effects of the 2024 drought have accelerated the malnutrition rates beyond initial predictions. In 21 of the hardest-hit regions, the proportion of the population experiencing hunger has increased from 28% to 36% since the beginning of the year, and the number of people in emergency conditions has surged by 50%. Underlying these immediate triggers are the broader, ongoing struggles of conflict, recurrent climate shocks, and pervasive economic hardship, which create a continuously fragile environment where humanitarian funding becomes an indispensable lifeline.
Proposed Solutions for CARE to Fight Malnutrition in Somalia
To effectively combat malnutrition in Somalia, particularly in the face of dwindling funding and escalating needs as described by CARE, the organization could implement a multi-pronged approach.
First, CARE could intensify its advocacy and fundraising efforts, specifically targeting a diversified donor base beyond traditional humanitarian channels. Learn more about these intensified advocacy and fundraising efforts. This would involve crafting compelling narratives, like Sucdi’s story, to highlight the direct impact of funding shortages on human lives, especially women and children. CARE could leverage digital platforms and partnerships with influencers and private sector entities to launch targeted campaigns emphasizing the urgent need for resources in the food and nutrition sectors. The objective would be to not only secure immediate funding to prevent the closure of existing health centers and life-saving programs but also to build a more resilient and predictable funding stream for long-term nutritional support. This could also involve advocating for innovative financing mechanisms, such as pooled funds or pre-emptive crisis financing, to ensure that aid can be scaled up rapidly when early warning signs of worsening malnutrition appear, rather than waiting for the crisis to peak.
Second, CARE should prioritize and enhance community-based management of acute malnutrition (CMAM) programs, making them more resilient to funding shocks and access constraints. Learn more about these CMAM programs. This involves training and empowering local health workers and community volunteers to identify, treat, and prevent malnutrition at the grassroots level. This approach can be more cost-effective and sustainable than relying solely on fixed health centers, especially in remote or conflict-affected areas. CARE could integrate these CMAM programs with other essential services such as maternal and child health, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) promotion to address the underlying causes of malnutrition holistically. Furthermore, promoting local production and use of therapeutic foods, where feasible and safe, could reduce dependency on imported supplies and associated costs, while also supporting local livelihoods. Emphasis should be placed on reaching the most vulnerable, including pregnant and breastfeeding women and children under five, with targeted supplementary feeding programs and micronutrient interventions.
Third, CARE can strengthen its focus on building resilience and sustainable livelihoods within communities to address the root causes of food insecurity and malnutrition in the long term. This involves supporting climate-smart agriculture practices to help communities adapt to recurrent droughts and other climate shocks, promoting income-generating activities, especially for women, and improving access to markets. By investing in programs that enhance food production, diversify income sources, and build local capacity to manage shocks, CARE can help reduce communities' long-term dependence on humanitarian aid. This strategy should also include a strong component of nutrition education, promoting diverse and nutritious diets using locally available foods, and empowering women to make informed decisions about their families' nutrition and health. Collaborating closely with local authorities and community leaders will be crucial for the success and sustainability of these initiatives.
Proposed Long-Term Economic Solutions for Somalia
Addressing Somalia's recurrent humanitarian crises requires a concerted effort to foster long-term economic stability and growth. Beyond immediate aid, strategic investments and structural reforms are crucial for building a resilient economy capable of withstanding shocks and providing sustainable livelihoods for its population.
One pivotal long-term economic solution for Somalia lies in the strategic development and modernization of its primary productive sectors, particularly agriculture and fisheries, with a strong emphasis on climate resilience and sustainability. Given Somalia's vulnerability to climate shocks such as recurrent droughts, which severely impact food production and livelihoods, investing in climate-smart agriculture is paramount. This includes promoting drought-resistant crop varieties, implementing efficient water management systems like small-scale irrigation and rainwater harvesting, and supporting sustainable land management practices to combat desertification and land degradation. Simultaneously, Somalia's extensive coastline offers significant potential for a thriving blue economy. Sustainable development of the fisheries sector, including support for artisanal fishers, development of cold chain infrastructure, and responsible aquaculture, could create substantial employment, improve food security, and generate export revenue. Diversifying into related marine resources and services, while ensuring environmental protection, would further strengthen this sector. These initiatives would not only enhance food self-sufficiency but also create income-generating opportunities, reducing dependence on imports and humanitarian aid.
A second crucial long-term economic solution involves a dedicated focus on strengthening governance structures, improving security, and investing significantly in human capital. Sustainable economic development is intrinsically linked to a stable and predictable political and security environment. Efforts to enhance the rule of law, improve public financial management, reduce corruption, and build the capacity of national and local institutions are fundamental to attracting investment, fostering entrepreneurship, and ensuring equitable resource distribution. Parallel to institutional strengthening, substantial investment in human capital through education and healthcare is essential. Expanding access to quality basic education, vocational training tailored to market needs, and primary healthcare services will create a healthier, more skilled, and productive workforce. This, in turn, will enable Somalis to participate more effectively in a diversified economy and drive innovation. Addressing the high rates of malnutrition, as highlighted by CARE, is also an economic imperative, as well-nourished children are more likely to achieve their full cognitive and physical potential, contributing to future economic productivity.
References
CARE. (2025, May 12). Somalia: Hunger soars and funding falls. Retrieved from https://www.care.org/media-and-press/somalia-hunger-soars-and-funding-falls/