Somalia steps up to ward off climate shocks

Somalia is making bold strides in its efforts to build food and climate resilience through its National Transformation Plan, as the country emerges from years of conflict and economic hardship. In an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa, Abdihakim Ainte, Director of Food Security & Climate Change in Somalia, highlighted the challenges the country faces due to climate shocks, with 3.5 million people internally displaced as a result. Despite these obstacles, Somalia remains committed to investing in its future, emphasizing food and climate resilience as key pillars of its national transformation plan. Ainte stressed the importance of collaboration with partners and countries facing similar challenges, as Somalia aims to strengthen its response to humanitarian crises affecting livestock and food systems. The country has established a Ministry of Climate and Environment and implemented measures to support local communities in disaster preparedness. The Somali Disaster Management Agency plays a crucial role in responding to crises, signaling a shift towards empowering domestic institutions to lead relief efforts. In terms of financing climate mitigation efforts, Somalia has engaged with various partners, including the US government and multilateral agencies such as the IMF and World Bank. Ainte underscored the need for increased domestic responsibility in responding to disasters, moving away from reliance on external aid towards more effective and impactful government-led interventions. The government's improved capacity to respond to natural disasters reflects its commitment to enhancing resilience and reducing vulnerability. Looking ahead, Ainte emphasized the critical role of climate finance in supporting countries like Somalia that bear the brunt of climate change despite minimal contributions to global pollution. Somalia's elevation to a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council provides a platform to advocate for fair and equitable climate financing at both the international and regional levels. By collaborating with East African partners and aligning efforts within the East African community, Somalia aims to mobilize support for unlocking climate finance and addressing the disparities in global funding mechanisms. The interview with Abdihakim Ainte sheds light on Somalia's proactive approach to climate resilience and its strategic focus on sustainable development. As the country navigates the challenges posed by climate shocks, its commitment to building domestic capacity and mobilizing international support underscores a concerted effort to safeguard food security and mitigate the impact of climate change.