Prevailing severe dry weather conditions since October 2016 affected rangelands and crops in southeastern Ethiopia, resulting in serious deterioration of food security conditions. A major area of concern is the Somali Region, where an estimated 2.3 million people require emergency livelihood and food assistance. The critical food security situation reflects a sharply-reduced availability of food, pasture and water, particularly in southern and southeastern pastoral districts. The incoming October-December rains are forecast at below-average levels, potentially resulting in the third consecutive poor rainy season. Recurrent climate-related shocks have undermined household resilience, and urgent support to agricultural livelihoods is needed.