Data or statistical facts on the situation and perspectives of agri-food systems and the impact of policies
Several chemical substances were detected by the NMA in water and fish samples from the Saramacca River area; because the substances and their concentrations were initially not fully known, authorities advised against using the river water, consuming fish from the affected area, or coming into contact with the contaminated water.
A reported plant disease in the area was investigated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, which determined that it was caused by a fungus and not by the use of river water.
A health protocol and additional health measures are being developed by Suriname's Ministry of Health together with the Pan American Health Organization to address potential effects of the contamination, with the approach also intended to cover other areas and rivers.
1.7 million new internal displacements caused by disasters were recorded in 2024 in Brazil, Cuba, Colombia, Haiti and Ecuador alone, according to the 2025 Global Report on Internal Displacement cited by the source.
83% of disasters in Latin America and the Caribbean are related to climate hazards, but only 6% of the regional risk-management budget is allocated to preventing future risks and 16% to reducing existing risks.
19 people, mostly women farmers, operate the Community Hydroclimatic Monitoring Network in southern Ahuachapán, El Salvador; during Tropical Storm Julia, an alert issued after more than six hours of rain enabled vulnerable families to evacuate two hours before the rivers overflowed, with no loss of life.
As of September 22, 2026, 58% of U.S. cattle, 57% of sheep, 57% of hay and 58% of alfalfa hay were located in areas experiencing moderate or more intense drought (D1+).
As of September 22, 2026, 86% of U.S. sugarcane and 61% of sugarbeets were located in areas experiencing moderate or more intense drought (D1+). For sugarcane, the share increased by 83 percentage points from a year earlier.
As of September 22, 2026, the share located in areas experiencing moderate or more intense drought (D1+) reached 80% for rice, 68% for sorghum, 66% for barley, 58% for winter wheat and 52% for spring wheat in the United States.
As of September 22, 2026, 72% of U.S. cotton and 66% of sunflowers were located in areas experiencing moderate or more intense drought (D1+). Compared with a year earlier, the share increased by 23 percentage points for cotton and 65 points for sunflowers.
