Continental Knowledge Platform / Country
Somalia
Overview on Climate Resilience Efforts
A strong policy environment is a prerequisite for achieving climate finance readiness. Robust policy, legal, and institutional frameworks attract diverse investments and assure funders of effective implementation and accountability.
Somalia has made significant progress in developing climate-related frameworks. The National Development Plan (NDP-9, 2020–2024) integrates climate change into the country’s development agenda, focusing on resilience in agriculture and livestock, water management, renewable energy, and social protection.
The National Climate Change Policy (2023) outlines strategic directions for adaptation and mitigation and strengthens coordination among government levels and international partners.
The National Environment Policy (2023) aligns with the sustainable development agenda, targeting biodiversity protection, waste management, clean technology, and climate adaptation.
Somalia’s Updated NDC (2021–2030) under the Paris Agreement reflects a strong focus on adaptation due to the country’s high climate vulnerability. Priorities are informed by baseline assessments and adaptation plans at both national and local levels.
Despite this progress, implementation remains a challenge due to limited technical capacity, low community awareness, and insufficient financial resources, as highlighted in the Readiness Needs Assessment and stakeholder consultations.
Gender Dimensions of Climate Change
Gender inequality in Somalia is deep-rooted. With a gender inequality index of 0.776, Somalia ranks among the most unequal countries globally. Female literacy (37.8%) lags behind male literacy (49.8%), limiting women’s opportunities.
Women and girls are disproportionately affected by climate change due to limited resource access, unequal labor division, and exclusion from decision-making processes. Up to 80% of internally displaced persons are women and children, and traditional gender roles hinder access to education and services.
While Somali women and youth are vulnerable, they also act as change agents. Although policies acknowledge gender as a cross-cutting issue, they often do not address root causes of inequality or harmful norms.
A Gender Policy is under review, aiming to mainstream gender across sectors. However, there is still a lack of comprehensive gender analyses, capacity, tools for integration, and inclusive participation in climate finance and green economy initiatives.