Livestock mortality and household food insecurity in Somalia: evidence from the 2020 SDHS

Food insecurity remains a major public health challenge in Somalia, where livelihoods depend heavily on livestock production. Recurrent droughts and endemic livestock diseases threaten household resilience, yet national evidence linking species-specific livestock mortality to food insecurity is limited.

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 26,389 households using data from the 2020 Somalia. Demographic and Health Survey (SDHS). Household food insecurity was defined as self-reported insufficient food during the previous 4 weeks. Exposures included drought- and disease-related mortality among camels, cattle, small ruminants, and poultry. Weighted multivariable logistic regression models estimated adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), controlling for region, residence type, sex of household head, and household wealth.

Overall, 42.9% of households reported food insecurity. The occurrence of drought-related mortality was most prevalent among small ruminants (91.3%), while disease-related deaths were also most common in this species (22.3%). Drought-related mortality occurrence in cattle (aOR = 1.32; 95% CI: 1.21-1.45) and poultry (aOR = 1.27; 95% CI: 1.09-1.49) was associated with significantly higher odds of food insecurity. Disease-related mortality associations were even stronger, particularly for poultry (aOR = 1.71; 95% CI: 1.45-2.02) and small ruminants (aOR = 1.26; 95% CI: 1.17-1.36). Food insecurity was highest in Gedo, Bakool, and Hiraan regions, while wealthier households had significantly lower risk. Female-headed households were more vulnerable.

Livestock mortality, especially disease-related losses among poultry and small ruminants, is strongly associated with household food insecurity in Somalia. Strengthening veterinary services, disease surveillance, and drought resilience interventions should be prioritized within national food security strategies.