MOGADISHU, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- The World Food Program (WFP) in Somalia has called on the international community to recognize and invest in solutions for the climate challenges facing the country.
"WFP Somalia is committed to strengthening climate resilience among vulnerable populations, particularly women and youth," Andreia Fausto, head of food systems for the WFP Somalia, said in a statement issued Tuesday evening in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia.
The WFP said that with strategic climate financing and robust partnerships, Somalia's efforts in climate adaptation and resilience-building will create lasting impacts for communities most affected by climate shocks.
The UN agency said it remains dedicated to working alongside Somali communities, government partners, and global stakeholders to build sustainable and climate-smart food systems, rally support for climate adaptation initiatives, and unlock vital climate finance to strengthen resilience across Somalia.
"Through initiatives like anticipatory action, climate-smart agriculture, and community-led resource management, we are not only helping communities adapt but also fostering sustainable partnerships to secure financing for these efforts," Fausto added.
At the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change underway in Baku, Azerbaijan, the WFP Somalia said it is highlighting the critical climate vulnerabilities affecting Somali communities, including frequent droughts, floods, and environmental degradation that severely threaten food security.
The WFP cited its Early Warning and Anticipatory Action initiative as an instance, which enabled 200,000 Somalis to receive anticipatory cash transfers and weather alerts in 2023, benefiting nearly 1.9 million people with essential information to protect their livelihoods from climate shocks.
"These systems give families critical support ahead of crises, allowing them to make decisions that safeguard their assets and well-being," Fausto said.
Furthermore, the WFP noted that its Climate Risk Insurance program is protecting Somali families and small farmers from income loss due to extreme weather events, adding that the program acts as a financial safety net and enables communities to maintain food security even in times of crisis.
"When a drought or flood hits, having insurance means that families don't have to choose between food and other essential needs," Fausto said, noting that the program is about helping people rebuild and regain stability after a shock. ■
