As a mighty El Niño deepens global hunger, early action pays off

World Food Programme feature story on the expected effects of El Niño and the implementation of anticipatory action across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. WFP analysis estimates that the event could push nearly 50 million people into acute hunger. The documented interventions include cash transfers, food assistance, agricultural support, insurance, early-warning information, training, and farm inputs. In South Sudan, 53,000 people received anticipatory cash assistance and the country's first drought anticipatory action plan was triggered for nearly 66,000 people. In Chad, more than 170,000 people received warnings and cash assistance; Malawi is preparing support for 600,000 people and Madagascar for 75,000. In Central America's Dry Corridor, early support reached more than 376,000 people, while 36,000 people in Honduras received training, farm inputs, and food rations. The story concludes that acting before climate impacts strengthens food security, protects livelihoods, and reduces response costs.