Data or statistical facts on the situation and perspectives of agri-food systems and the impact of policies
Less than 20% of normal precipitation fell across southern and southwestern Puerto Rico during the 60 days preceding July 21, 2026, representing deficits of 3 to 6 inches. Most of the island received less than 60% of normal rainfall.
The entire U.S. Virgin Islands territory was classified in Extreme Drought (D3) as of July 21, 2026. Lack of rainfall was causing cracked soils, vegetation stress, depleted ponds, and water-access difficulties for residents and farmers.
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.
266 million people in 47 countries and territories faced high levels of acute food insecurity in 2025, equivalent to 22.9% of the analyzed population.
147.4 million people were affected in contexts where conflict and insecurity were the main driver of acute food insecurity.
87.5 million people were affected in contexts where extreme weather events predominated as the main driver of acute food insecurity.
4 productive sectors, agriculture, livestock, aquaculture and fisheries, have differentiated preventive measures under Ecuador's Contingency Plan for the possible occurrence of El Niño.
Between 4.0 and 4.99 million people are expected to need humanitarian food assistance in Colombia during the projection period through January 2027 as the negative impacts of El Niño increasingly affect livelihoods. La Guajira and Chocó are expected to remain in Crisis, IPC Phase 3, due to weather shocks, localized insecurity, reduced production and income, and prices rising above general inflat...
Between 2.0 and 2.49 million people will need food assistance in Guatemala from June to September 2026, reaching the upper end of the range between July and August as food stocks decline, income sources decrease and dependence on food purchases intensifies. From October 2026 to January 2027, the population in need is expected to decline to between 1.5 and 1.99 million.
20 Brazilian government ministries were coordinated to implement preventive and response measures against the potential impacts of El Niño on agriculture, water resources, infrastructure, and vulnerable populations.
