Somalia is facing a severe food security and nutrition crisis due to consecutive multi-season droughts triggered by climate change since late 2020. In January 2022, approximately 2.4 million people (16% of the population) were already experiencing crisis-level or worse food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 or higher). The situation deteriorated rapidly, with an estimated 7.1 million people facing Crisis or worse food insecurity between June and September 2022, requiring urgent humanitarian assistance to prevent extreme outcomes, including the risk of famine. Notably, about 70% of Somali livelihoods rely on the pastoral production system, making fodder production a priority for food security.

The AEFPF project in Somalia complements the Multinational Program to Build Resilience for Food and Nutrition Security in the Horn of Africa. It receives additional funding of UA 4 million to expedite the distribution of certified quality seeds of climate-adapted fodder varieties and establish fodder banks, benefiting an additional 50,000 households and their 250,000 livestock by improving access to fodder and pasture.

FAO, as a global organization, plays a comprehensive role in addressing food and agriculture-related issues, including food security and nutrition, spanning both humanitarian and development efforts. Its intergovernmental status, neutrality, and convening power enable it to engage member states, resource partners, and stakeholders effectively. FAO Somalia's technical expertise, operational presence in rural and hard-to-reach areas, and robust risk-management and monitoring processes position it as a key actor in providing humanitarian assistance in Somalia's complex and challenging environment.