Drought Crisis in the Horn of Africa – Special Focus on Somaliland
Hargeisa (ANN)-This report is prepared by Araweelo News Network in collaboration with Associated Online Agencies, highlighting the worsening drought situation affecting communities across Somaliland,
Drought Crisis in the Horn of Africa – Special Focus on Somaliland
This full report is jointly prepared by Araweelo News Network in collaboration with Associated Online Agencies, providing an in-depth analysis of the worsening drought conditions across the Horn of Africa, with particular attention to the humanitarian and economic impact in Somaliland.
Introduction
Regional Drought – Special Focus on Somaliland
Rural and Urban Displacement
Hargeisa and other major cities are feeling the strain of migration from rural regions affected by the drought. The region, especially in the southern part of Ergavo and the western part of the rural areas, is reporting a very alarming situation.
Farah Bayr Ismail, one of the elders of the area, traveled to the southern areas of ergavo, sharing with us the shocking images of the places he visited, such as the Ceeryaan- area, which is 70-75 km south of Ergavo.
People and livestock are trampled on the well and there is no water or food, the situation seems dangerous, he said.
“The pasture is gone, the water is gone and the wells are dry, and the situation seems to be that people are dying for lack of food,” he said. Farah Bayr returned to Ceel-Afweyn.
The Role of the Somaliland Government, International Organizations
The United Nations agencies, including
The Food and Agriculture Organization and
UNICEF, do not appear to have any role or involvement in
Emergency food assistance
Water supply operations
Health and nutrition support
Urgent needs, all do not appear to indicate an urgent need, given the deteriorating situation.
The Horn of Africa continues to face one of the most persistent climate challenges in recent history. Consecutive seasons of poor rainfall, combined with rising global temperatures and environmental degradation, have created severe drought conditions across large parts of the region.
The nation of Somalia has been among the most affected, with millions of people facing water shortages, food insecurity, and loss of livelihoods.
Drought Conditions and Climate Pressures
Climate experts attribute the current crisis to multiple overlapping factors, including:
Failure of seasonal rains for consecutive years
Increasing desertification and soil degradation
Rising temperatures affecting water sources
Reduction in pastureland for livestock
These environmental pressures have disrupted traditional pastoral and agricultural systems that sustain rural populations.
Impact on Somaliland Communities
In Somaliland, drought conditions have hit pastoralist communities particularly hard. Many families depend entirely on livestock, making them highly vulnerable to climate shocks.
Key impacts include:
1. Water Scarcity
Many rural communities are experiencing drying wells and empty reservoirs, forcing reliance on expensive water trucking operations.
2. Livestock Losses
Thousands of animals have died due to lack of pasture and water, directly affecting household incomes.
These images show the severe effects of prolonged drought in Sanaag Region, Somaliland, where pastoral communities are struggling to survive. Livestock have died due to lack of water and grazing, and families face extreme food insecurity and displacement risks. Women, children, and elders are depicted coping with harsh, barren landscapes, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian support. Araweelo News Network 15 Feb 2026.
Somalimand Drought Devastation Deepens in Sanaag – Elders Warn of Worsening Humanitarian Crisis. by Araweelo News Network in collaboration with Associated Online Agencies, 15 Feb 2026.
These images show the severe effects of prolonged drought in Sanaag Region, Somaliland, where pastoral communities are struggling to survive. Livestock have died due to lack of water and grazing, and families face extreme food insecurity and displacement risks. Women, children, and elders are depicted coping with harsh, barren landscapes, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian support. Araweelo News Network 15 Feb 2026.
3. Food Price Inflation
Reduced local production and increased transportation costs have contributed to rising food prices.
4. Rural to Urban Migration
Urban centers such as Hargeysa are seeing increased population pressure as drought-affected families move in search of assistance and employment.
Humanitarian Response and International Support
Several agencies within the United Nations system are actively supporting drought response programs. Although it has not had any tangible effect, the most difficult situation is in the eastern regions of Somaliland, where people’s lives are currently at risk, when approximately 60% of livestock have died due to drought.
Among the key agencies involved:
Food and Agriculture Organization – Supporting livestock survival programs and emergency agricultural support
UNICEF – Providing nutrition, clean water access, and child protection services
These agencies work alongside local authorities and humanitarian partners to provide life-saving assistance. There is no sign of any help or assistance in the eastern areas of Somaliland, according to local residents.
Long-Term Risks if Drought Persists
Experts warn that without sustained rainfall recovery and long-term adaptation investments, the region could face:
Chronic food insecurity
Increased displacement
Economic decline in rural regions
Higher vulnerability to future climate shocks
Recommended Strategic Solutions
Specialists recommend a combination of emergency and long-term measures:
Short-Term Measures
Emergency food distribution
Water trucking and temporary water systems
Emergency livestock feed support
Long-Term Measures
Investment in boreholes and water harvesting systems
Climate-resilient agriculture programs
Environmental restoration and tree-planting initiatives
Strengthening early warning drought monitoring systems
Conclusion
The drought crisis in the Horn of Africa represents not only a humanitarian emergency but also a long-term development challenge. Coordinated action between governments, international organizations, and local communities will be essential to build climate resilience and protect vulnerable populations.
The situation remains fragile, and continued monitoring and support will be critical in the coming months.
By Arraale M Jama Freelance Journalist and Human Rights
activist.
Araweelo News Network (Associated Online Agencies).
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