Data or statistical facts on the situation and perspectives of agri-food systems and the impact of policies
Latin America and the Caribbean require US$33 million to take action and protect 1.1 million people from the anticipated effects of El Niño, including those related to food security. (Food and Agriculture Organization, 2026).
For the Niño 1+2 region, the Coastal Niño would extend until the summer of 2027. The event is expected to reach a magnitude between strong (48%) and moderate (46%). (Multisectoral Commission in Charge of the National Study of the El Niño Phenomenon, 2026).
In the Niño 3.4 region (central equatorial Pacific), El Niño would develop from June 2026 to March 2027. For the summer of 2026-2027, the event is estimated to reach a magnitude between strong (44%) and moderate (36%). (Multisectoral Commission in Charge of the National Study of the El Niño Phenomenon, 2026).
More than 60% of irrigated cropland experiences high water stress, while 11% of rainfed cropland and 14% of pastureland are affected by frequent droughts.
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.
USD 1.1 billion in estimated economic losses were recorded for California's agricultural sector during the 2021 drought.
3 billion additional people could be exposed to water stress by 2050 when water quality is incorporated into water scarcity assessments.
21% of the world's inland wetlands has been lost since 1700, representing approximately 3.4 million km².
21% is the average reduction in wheat yields caused by mild drought conditions; rice yields decrease by 17% on average.
