Friday August 2, 2024
WFP Deputy Executive Director Carl Skau visiting WFP progamme sites in Baidoa, Somalia.
Mogadishu (HOL) — Carl Skau, Deputy Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), emphasized the urgent need for ongoing humanitarian aid in Somalia following a three-day mission to the country, where severe food insecurity and climate-related challenges persist.
Skau visited Baidoa, a region severely impacted by the 2020-2023 drought and subsequent devastating floods in November 2023. These floods, some of the worst in decades, affected two million people and displaced 750,000.
"Families in Baidoa have been forced from their homes by conflict and relentless climate shocks, caught in a cycle of disaster, displacement, and lack of basic needs like nutritious food and education," Skau said. "The resilience of the Somali people is extraordinary. It is imperative that the government, UN, and partners prioritize the most vulnerable and deliver timely assistance."
Thanks to a massive humanitarian scale-up led by WFP and international partners, Somalia narrowly averted famine in 2022. However, nearly 3.4 million Somalis still face crisis-level hunger (IPC3) despite improved food security from increased rainfall this year.
"Our achievements with the Government and partners are commendable, yet we cannot afford to rest. WFP remains dedicated to assisting the most vulnerable. Ensuring humanitarian access and staff safety is paramount," Skau added.
Although this year's milder rains reduced flood risks, communities continue to suffer from the lingering effects of past disasters. Forecasts predict ongoing dry conditions with below-average rainfall for the upcoming season, exacerbating existing challenges.
"Somalia stands at a pivotal moment. We must not only provide nutritious food but also tackle the root causes of hunger and help communities adapt to recurring climate shocks," Skau emphasized.
In 2023, WFP's resilience-building efforts in Somalia included supporting 315,000 people with climate-smart food systems, livelihoods, preparedness, recovery, and water resource management. The WFP's Anticipatory Action Plan also delivered early warning messages to 1.9 million people and cash transfers worth $1 million to 80,000 individuals at risk of floods in 2024. Collaborating closely with the Somali Disaster Management Agency, WFP monitors and activates early warning systems during the rainy seasons.
"Despite limited resources, now is the critical time to invest in resilience and climate adaptation to mitigate the impact of future shocks. WFP is intensifying efforts to build more resilient communities," Skau said.
During his mission, Skau met with the Somali Deputy Prime Minister and key Ministries, including Agriculture, Energy and Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change, and Livestock, as well as international development partners. Discussions focused on enhancing food systems, social protection, and embracing new technologies for sustainable development, contingent on maintaining unimpeded access to affected populations.