The Impact of Humanitarian Aid on Local Agricultural Production in Southwest Region of Somalia

Abstract

Somalia has experienced prolonged and recurrent crises driven by climate shocks, displacement, and conflicts prompting substantial international humanitarian aid interventions. While humanitarian aid assistance has been critical in addressing immediate food insecurity, its long-term effects on local agricultural systems remain contested. This study examined the impact of humanitarian aid on local agricultural production in Southwest of Somalia particularly focused on Baidoa. The methodology combined quantitative surveys of 400 with qualitative interviews and focus group discussions. The study explored how various forms of humanitarian aid including in-kind, cash-based transfer and resilience programs influence local farming practices, market dynamics and institutional capacity. The findings reveal that poorly timed and misaligned humanitarian aid interventions can distort local markets, reduce demand for locally produced food and discourage farmers from investing agricultural production. Furthermore, the study assessed the effectiveness of humanitarian peace development (HPD) nexus, highlighting both its potential to enhance local community resilience and its limitations due to fragmented coordination and limited local community participation. The study concluded that humanitarian aid must be context sensitive and aligned the local agricultural calendars and development goals to avoid undermining long term food security. It offers actionable recommendations for policy makers, humanitarian actors and development agencies to harmonize relief efforts with sustainable agricultural development in fragile states like Somalia.

Keywords: Humanitarian aid, market distortion, dependency, humanitarian peace development nexus, community resilience, integrated support, market-supportive modalities.