On the outskirts of Kismayo, Somalia, the land is bearing silent witness to a devastating catastrophe. What was once lush grazing land for pastoralist communities in southern Somalia has now become a graveyard for livestock. But behind the stench of dead cattle lies a far more harrowing reality: an entire generation of Somali children is perishing from hunger.
According to the latest data from the United Nations and aid organizations, an estimated 1.8 million children under the age of five are at risk of acute malnutrition. The combination of climate change, escalating regional conflict, and a sharp decline in international support has caused the window of opportunity to save these children’s lives to shrink by the day.
For mothers like Barwaqo Aden, these figures are not just statistics; they are the manifestation of their daily struggle for survival. Barwaqo, who was recently displaced from Jamame, arrived at a temporary shelter in Kismayo carrying only the clothes on her back. Her eight-month-old daughter is currently lying in a local hospital bed, fighting for her life due to severe malnutrition. “We had 200 cattle,” says Barwaqo, her eyes fixed on the ground. “Now we have only four left. There is no milk, no meat, and we have no money to buy grain.” Her story is a voice heard across the entire country.
Currently, 6.5 million people—nearly a third of the population—face severe food insecurity. This crisis is a “perfect storm” caused by multiple factors. Somalia has lost three consecutive rainy seasons, causing rivers to dry up and water wells to remain empty. For a country built on livestock farming, the death of cattle means the death of the economy.
The damage caused by hunger to children goes beyond nutritional deficiency. Malnutrition weakens the body’s immune system, making common diseases like diarrhea, measles, and respiratory infections life-threatening. Francesca Sangiorgi, Humanitarian Director at Save the Children, warns that the situation is deteriorating at an alarming rate. “We are seeing child illnesses spreading across the country,” says Sangiorgi.
“School dropout rates are rising sharply because families are forced to migrate in search of water or because children are simply too weak. We are fighting to ensure these children have a chance to live.” Medical organizations are also under heavy pressure. According to Doctors Without Borders (MSF), more than 200 health and nutrition facilities have closed since the beginning of 2025 due to a severe lack of funding.
While climate change is the starting point for the problem, geopolitical conditions are making the situation even tighter. The ongoing war on Iran has created disruptions in international trade routes, causing transport costs in Somalia to increase by 50 percent. This has made it extremely difficult to provide life-saving nutritious foods and medicines. Additionally, security disturbances caused by al-Shabab continue to displace communities. Currently, the number of internally displaced people has reached over 3.8 million.
