In Somalia, climate shocks are reshaping where and how people live. Recurrent droughts and floods destroy rural livelihoods and push families towards cities that are not able to absorb sudden population growth. Many arrive in informal settlements with insecure tenure, limited basic services and a risk of forced eviction.
Somalia’s urbanisation rate stands at 54 percent, with cities growing by 4.3 percent a year. As of March 2026, the country had about 3.3 million internally displaced people. Flooding caused 58 percent of displacement in 2023, while drought accounted for 92 percent in the first quarter of 2026.
This session looks at how flood risk and forced urbanisation are converging in Somali cities. It explores integrated solutions that protect displaced and host communities, and the investment pathways needed to build resilient cities.
Institute of Climate and Environment (ICE), SIMAD University.
