Malnutrition results from a complex set of factors and not one simple cause. The UNICEF conceptual model of causes of malnutrition (page 16) provides a useful framework for the discussion of the causes of malnutrition in Somalia. The volatile political situation and civil unrest have led to a chronic and continuing humanitarian crisis that is at the root of the high prevalence of malnutrition in Somalia. Somalia is also prone to drought and floods. Many of the environmental and man made shocks have been multiple and recurrent, over stretching families’ coping mechanisms resulting in inadequate access to and availability of.
