A high-level technical coordination meeting bringing together government institutions and development partners has reviewed the country’s worsening drought situation, with a focus on food security, nutrition, and livelihoods in the most affected areas.
The meeting, convened as a follow-up to the 14th Development Partnership Forum, was led by Kello Harsama, Principal Secretary in the State Department for ASALs and Regional Development.
It brought together key national government stakeholders, including Ismael Madey, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Special Programmes, Ahmed Abdisalam, Principal Secretary for National Government Coordination, and the Chief Executive Officer of the National Drought Management Authority, Mr Hared Adan.
Participants engaged in in-depth deliberations on the evolving drought conditions across ten counties, reviewing ongoing response interventions, identifying emerging gaps, and prioritising actions needed to strengthen coordination and effectiveness.
The discussions also examined critical data requirements to better inform decision-making and ensure timely, targeted responses to affected populations.
A key outcome of the meeting was the agreement to fast-track the Nutrition SMART Survey, which will provide updated and reliable data on the nutritional status of vulnerable communities.
In addition, stakeholders resolved to establish a preferably electronic drought response dashboard to enhance coordination, promote data-driven planning, and strengthen accountability among all actors involved in drought mitigation and response.
The meeting further noted that the ongoing Food and Nutrition Security Assessment, coordinated by NDMA, will generate updated estimates of populations in need of food assistance and livelihood support.
These findings are expected to form a critical basis for prioritising interventions and mobilising resources in line with the scale and severity of the drought.
Government officials and development partners reaffirmed their commitment to sustained collaboration, emphasising that strengthened coordination, timely data, and shared accountability are essential to mitigating the impacts of drought and protecting the livelihoods of affected communities.