Climate Change, Food Security and the Protection of Vulnerable Communities in Somalia: A Legal and Human Rights Analysis

Climate change poses a serious threat to food security and vulnerable communities in Somalia due to frequent droughts, unpredictable rains, flooding, increased temperatures and environmental damage. These factors interact with the poverty, conflict, displacement, lack of institutional capacity and accessibility to public services. As a result, vulnerable communities such as pastoralists, small scale farmers, internally displaced persons (IDPs), women, children, elderly and disabled persons often struggle with gaining access to food, clean water, decent housing and livelihood opportunities. This article looks at how climate change impacts food security and protects vulnerable communities in Somalia. It uses qualitative doctrinal research methods, analysing international law treaties, Somali legislation, policy documents, academic and institutional literature to understand the impact of climate change. Some of the treaties analysed include the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, Convention on the Rights of the Child, African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Africa (Kampala Convention), Paris Agreement and Somalia's National Climate Change Policy. While they all have the potential to protect those impacted by climate change, they rely on effective implementation within the country, good collaboration between institutions, adequate funding and accessible redress. It is recommended to develop a detailed legal framework surrounding climate adaptation, food security, disaster risk reduction and displacement. Investment in climate-smart agriculture, early warning systems, gender sensitive support, transparent government and community engagement will ensure a better outcome. Overall it is important to view food security within Somalia as a human right.