Published on: 2026-06-18
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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The protection of almost 9 million people in 22 countries who may suffer from the consequences of the powerful climatic phenomenon El Niño requires 202 million dollars. This is stated by representatives of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP).
They issued a joint appeal to the international community: funds must be allocated as soon as possible before the consequences of El Niño undermine agricultural production in the poorest regions of the planet.
According to forecasts, in the remaining months of 2026, as well as in 2027, El Niño will intensify: in some regions, atypical drought will establish itself, while in others, on the contrary, the risk of flooding due to heavy rainfall will increase. This could disrupt the planting campaign, ruin the harvest, and deplete pastures and water resources.
A strong El Niño is expected to increase the likelihood of droughts, floods, and storms in parts of Africa, Asia, the Pacific Ocean region, as well as Latin America and the Caribbean basin in the second half of 2026.
At the same time, millions of people suffer from acute food shortages caused by armed conflicts, economic instability, forced displacement, and economic shocks.
Scaling assistance
Currently, FAO and WFP are ready to provide preventive assistance to 1.2 million people who find themselves in the El Niño impact zone. Additional investments amounting to 167 million dollars will allow agencies to promptly expand support and include another 7.6 million people in the assistance programs.
Preventive measures are not only highly effective but also economically beneficial, say FAO and WFP. Every dollar invested in “preventive response” saves up to 7 dollars in mitigating the consequences of catastrophes.
“Experience consistently proves: early actions are much more effective and significantly cheaper than responding to an already escalated crisis,” said FAO Deputy Director-General Beth Bechdol.
“We have data, tools, and an evidence base that allow us to recognize risks before they escalate into an emergency situation. The main challenge is to ensure timely financing,” he added.
Acting head of WFP Karl Skau emphasized that the world will not be able to cope with the consequences of another food crisis.
“With proper financing, we will be able to act faster, reduce losses, and come to the aid of people before the situation gets out of control,” he said.
The allocated funds will be used to finance a set of proven proactive measures adapted to local conditions. They include direct cash assistance, providing households with drought-resistant and moisture-loving crops, livestock protection and vaccination measures, the creation of water collection and runoff systems, and the construction of flood protection structures.
Target countries
The focus is on 22 countries, including Haiti, Cameroon, Kenya, Sudan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Venezuela, Guatemala, Honduras, and Colombia.
Selected based on a comprehensive risk analysis (taking into account meteorological forecasts for El Niño and its possible consequences), historical weather conditions, agricultural calendars, the current level of food insecurity, and operational readiness at the local level.
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