Latin America and the Caribbean faces increased food insecurity risks due to El Niño

The news release reports that FAO, IFAD and WFP are strengthening coordination and support for Latin American and Caribbean governments in response to El Niño forecasts. During a high-level roundtable, the agencies discussed early action, preparedness and resilience-building measures to address extreme climate events. The release states that more than 33 million people suffer from hunger, 167 million face moderate or severe food insecurity and more than 181 million cannot afford a healthy diet in the region. It also notes that the Americas account for 22% of global agricultural disaster losses, estimated at USD 713 billion, and that the probability of El Niño was estimated at between 70% and 80%. The resource documents anticipatory actions in Central America and in nine countries during the 2023-2024 El Niño event, including cash transfers, distribution of staple grains and agricultural inputs, rehabilitation of water systems, installation of irrigation systems, animal health brigades and strengthened local capacities.