ADRA Canada and ADRA Somalia are cooperating on a food assistance project in the Bari Region, Puntland state, Somalia.
Somalia is facing a protracted humanitarian crisis driven by recurrent climate shocks, conflict, and economic instability. Following below-average rainfall during the 2025 Deyr season, approximately 4.4 million people—23% of the population—are experiencing acute food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 or above). The cumulative impact of the historic 2020–2023 drought has resulted in widespread crop failure and livestock loss, keeping malnutrition rates above emergency thresholds.
The situation in Bari Region is critical. Northern pastoral areas are projected to reach Emergency levels (IPC Phase 4) in March 2026. This deterioration is primarily caused by the failed 2025 rains and a stalled recovery from previous droughts, which have led to negligible milk availability and severe livestock mortality. These challenges are compounded by rapidly rising food and water prices and intensifying resource-based clan conflicts. Furthermore, increased internal displacement is straining scarce resources in urban centers. With rainfall deficits predicted to continue into mid-2026, there is a significant risk that the region could face Famine (IPC Phase 5) outcomes by September 2026 if humanitarian assistance and programmatic needs are not prioritized.
The project will provide 7 monthly, mobile-cash transfers of CAD $135 / household to purchase food locally. The project aims to reach 5,724 participants in 954 households.