Data or statistical facts on the situation and perspectives of agri-food systems and the impact of policies
Between April 1 and August 20, 2026, the Pacific coastal areas of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua received only 30-60% of their average seasonal rainfall, ranking among the driest such periods since the CHIRPS record began in 1981.
2.65 metres was the observed level of the Paraguay River at the Pilar station on 31 August 2026.
0.90 metres was the observed level of the Paraguay River at the Asuncion station on 31 August 2026.
3.75 metres was the observed level of the Paraguay River at the Bahia Negra station on 31 August 2026.
Three days per week was the water-rationing schedule for farmers in Puerto Rico's Southwest District in July 2026. Irrigation flow in Juana Díaz was reduced by approximately 5%, while streams in Patillas supplied only 25% of their normal flow.
September onward is the period when Paraguay’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock expects El Niño could have a significant impact, coinciding with the start of the rainy season.
200 millimeters of rain in a single day may occur during localized extreme events associated with El Niño in Paraguay, creating problems for production.
USD 1.1 billion in estimated economic losses were recorded for California's agricultural sector during the 2021 drought.
10% of global agricultural land is affected by waterlogging or severe drainage constraints, reducing crop growth and agricultural productivity.
4.3% was the average reduction in global annual rice yields between 1980 and 2015 due to flooding; losses reached 14% along China's eastern coast.
