UN Warns of Worsening Food Insecurity Due to El Niño
Summary
The United Nations World Food Programme warns that a powerful El Niño could push about 49 million more people into extreme food insecurity by next year. Central America and Southern Africa are expected to be hit hardest, while reduced funding is hampering food security monitoring and early response efforts.
Key Points
- The World Food Programme says an 81 percent chance of a very powerful El Niño could drive extreme food insecurity to 274 million people across vulnerable regions.
- Central America and Southern Africa are projected to be among the hardest hit, with major additional pressure also expected in South America, the Caribbean, East Africa and parts of Asia.
- The WFP warns that donor funding cuts are reducing household surveys and data collection, making it harder to detect emerging food crises quickly.
- The agency is expanding forecast-based early assistance in 18 countries, with more than 1.3 million people already receiving support this year.
