Somalia’s National Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) has expanded its emergency food assistance programme to drought-affected communities in Abudwak in the Galgaduud region and Beledweyne in the Hiiraan region, as part of a broader humanitarian response to worsening food insecurity caused by prolonged drought and economic hardship.
The agency officially launched the first phase of food distributions in both towns, targeting vulnerable and low-income households struggling with the effects of recurring drought, rising food prices, and declining livelihoods.
SoDMA said the initiative forms part of its nationwide relief programme aimed at supporting communities facing acute humanitarian needs, with priority given to families most severely affected by climate-related shocks.
The launch of the Abudwak distribution was attended by Member of Parliament Raysal Qorane, SoDMA Commissioner Mahmoud Moallin Abdulle, Galmudug Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management Abdirahman Makawi, and officials from the Abudwak district administration.
The agency said food distributions in Beledweyne, the capital of Hiiraan, also began on Sunday and will continue over the coming days to reach additional beneficiaries.
SoDMA officials reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to expanding humanitarian assistance across Somalia, emphasizing that it will continue working closely with federal member states and humanitarian partners to deliver timely relief to drought-affected communities.
They said strengthening emergency response efforts remains essential as climate-related disasters continue to place millions of Somalis at risk of food insecurity.
Large parts of central Somalia, including Galgaduud and Hiiraan, have endured repeated drought cycles in recent years, leaving many pastoralist and farming communities struggling with water shortages, livestock losses, and reduced agricultural production.
Humanitarian agencies continue to warn that prolonged dry conditions, coupled with economic pressures, have increased the number of people requiring emergency food assistance across the country.
