Somalia has a new government, and the al Shabaab insurgents have been driven out of Kismayu, so many in Somalia are hopeful of a bright future. However, because of poor rains, many parts of Somalia are suffering from lack of water and a shortage of food. A survey of some 1,800 households conducted by Oxfam has revealed that more than 70% are worried about food supplies, given that recent rainfall has been less than normal.
The September crops in Somalia rely on substantial rain which normally falls between April and June. The lack of rainfall, compounded by recent insecurity, is likely to lead to a lean harvest, and almost half of the people surveyed are already accustomed to skipping meals to make the food last. In the recent past the country has become dependent on food imports, and relief efforts have been impeded by conflict.
In Kenya, there is some pressure for Somali refugees to return home as soon as possible. Kenya has been hosting the world’s largest refugee camp at Dadaab for many years now, and many Kenyans would like the camp to be wound up. Some, but not all, of the refugees are keen to return home, but there are lingering questions over security, the stability of the new government, and the availability of water and food.