Balcad, Somalia – The Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) and the African Risk Capacity (ARC) Group have jointly launched a three-month emergency food distribution program aimed at easing hunger in the flood- and drought-affected districts of Jalalaqsi and Balcad. The initiative, which began this week, marks a vital lifeline for thousands of struggling families in central and southern Somalia.
Officials from both agencies said the program’s first phase has already reached 5,705 vulnerable households with essential food aid, including cereals, pulses, and cooking oil. The supplies are intended to sustain families for several weeks as communities recover from successive climate shocks that have devastated crops and livestock.
“This partnership reflects our collective commitment to ensuring that no Somali family goes to bed hungry. The people here have endured years of hardship — floods, drought, and insecurity — but their resilience inspires us to keep pushing forward,” said a SoDMA official at the launch event in Jalalaqsi.
Residents welcomed the assistance, describing it as timely and life-saving amid high food prices and dwindling local harvests.
ARC, which works closely with African governments to strengthen disaster response and climate resilience, emphasized that the project is part of a broader regional strategy to enhance early action and reduce the human toll of extreme weather events.
The next phases of the operation will expand coverage to additional households over the coming months, ensuring sustained support through the difficult lean season. For Somalia, where millions remain food insecure, this collaboration offers not just relief — but a renewed sense of solidarity and hope.