Horn of Africa faces severe food crisis amid drought

The Horn of Africa is facing severe food insecurity driven by a combination of drought, agricultural losses, livestock deaths, conflict, displacement, and inflation. The region, including Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Djibouti, has experienced some of its most extreme climate events in recent years.

In Somalia, the situation is particularly critical. The World Food Programme (WFP) reports that approximately 6.5 million people are expected to face crisis-level hunger or worse in 2026, with roughly 1.84 million children at risk of acute malnutrition. Consecutive seasons of poor rainfall have severely impacted agricultural production across much of the country.

To address the crisis, humanitarian responses are increasingly utilizing cash transfers. This method allows families to purchase food and essential goods directly from local markets when they remain functional, providing individuals with the agency to prioritize their own most urgent needs.