The Impact of Floods and Climate Change in Somalia: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Somalia is at the forefront of a severe climate crisis, trapped in a devastating cycle of extreme droughts and catastrophic floods that exacerbates existing vulnerabilities from decades of conflict and political instability. This comprehensive review synthesizes and analyzes the multifaceted impacts of climate change and flooding on Somalia's environment, society, and economy. Employing a qualitative literature review methodology, the study draws on an extensive range of sources, including peer-reviewed articles, reports from international organizations (e.g., UN, World Bank) [1], and national policy documents. The findings reveal a rapid warming trend and increasingly erratic rainfall, which are destabilizing the Juba and Shabelle river systems the nation's agricultural heartland. These climatic shifts have led to the collapse of climate-sensitive livelihoods like pastoralism and agriculture, triggering widespread food insecurity, acute malnutrition, and one of the world's largest internal displacement crises. The public health system is overwhelmed by recurrent outbreaks of waterborne diseases, such as cholera, and the mental health toll on affected populations is immense. While Somalia has established foundational policy frameworks like the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and is advancing early warning systems, these efforts are critically undermined by weak institutional capacity, insecurity, and a significant climate finance gap. This review concludes by offering a set of integrated recommendations focused on strengthening governance, investing in resilient infrastructure and water management, enhancing livelihood diversification, integrating climate considerations into public health, and mobilizing sustainable climate finance. The paper underscores the urgent need for a paradigm shift from reactive humanitarian aid to proactive, long-term resilience-building to secure a stable and sustainable future for Somalia.