Key Developments

Climatic shocks; import dependence and global economic shocks; and declining household purchasing power continue to generate food insecurity and malnutrition among vulnerable populations in Djibouti. These compounding challenges, along with elevated needs among migrant and refugee populations, strain already limited resources and drive increased humanitarian needs in the country.

In response to increased humanitarian needs in Djibouti, USAID is supporting emergency food assistance and complementary nutrition interventions. In fiscal years 2021 and 2022, USAID provided $16.5 million to the UN World Food Program to conduct emergency food, livelihoods, and nutrition programs benefiting host community members, refugees, and other vulnerable communities in Djibouti. USAID also supports the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) to provide critical nutrition interventions in Djibouti aiming to reduce child mortality.

Background

Djibouti is susceptible to a range of natural disasters, including cyclical drought, frequent food insecurity, and flash floods. In addition, Djibouti hosts at least 27,000 refugees and asylum seekers from Ethiopia, Somalia, Eritrea, and Yemen, as well as hundreds of thousands of migrants from nearby countries. The population influx has strained Djibouti’s health and water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure, resulting in recurrent water-borne disease outbreaks across the country.