UN Agencies Strengthen Coordination in Latin America as El Niño Threatens Food Security and Agriculture

Despite recent progress in poverty reduction and food systems development, Latin America and the Caribbean continue to face serious food security challenges.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the World Food Programme (WFP) are intensifying efforts to support governments across Latin America and the Caribbean as forecasts warn of potentially severe impacts from the El Niño climate phenomenon.

During a high-level regional roundtable, the three United Nations agencies discussed strategies focused on early action, climate preparedness, humanitarian coordination, and long-term resilience-building measures aimed at protecting vulnerable communities from worsening food insecurity and agricultural disruption.

The agencies warned that El Niño could significantly deepen existing social and economic vulnerabilities across the region, particularly in rural and agricultural communities already struggling with rising food prices, climate shocks, and economic instability.

Growing Hunger and Food Insecurity Across the Region

Despite recent progress in poverty reduction and food systems development, Latin America and the Caribbean continue to face serious food security challenges.

According to figures presented during the roundtable:

• More than 33 million people currently suffer from hunger

• Around 167 million people experience moderate or severe food insecurity

• Over 181 million people cannot afford a healthy diet

The agencies also highlighted the devastating financial impact climate-related disasters continue to have on agriculture in the Americas. The region accounts for approximately 22 percent of global agricultural disaster losses, with total damages estimated at around USD 713 billion.

Experts warned that another strong El Niño cycle could further strain already vulnerable populations by damaging crop production, reducing water availability, and increasing humanitarian needs.

El Niño Expected to Bring Severe Climate Disruptions

Meteorological experts participating in the meeting warned that the current El Niño event is expected to have moderate to severe consequences across different parts of Latin America and the Caribbean.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) estimates the probability of the El Niño phenomenon occurring at between 70 and 80 percent, with peak intensity anticipated toward the end of the year.

Julian Báez, Director of the WMO Regional Office for the Americas, explained that El Niño is likely to trigger major disruptions in rainfall and temperature patterns across the region.

Potential impacts include:

• Severe droughts in Central America's Dry Corridor

• Rainfall shortages in parts of Central and North America

• Excessive rainfall and flooding risks in South America

• Increased pressure on agricultural production systems

• Greater risks to water supplies and food production

The Dry Corridor, which stretches across parts of Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua, is particularly vulnerable to prolonged drought conditions and crop failures.

Agricultural experts say disruptions to maize and bean production in these areas could significantly affect food access for millions of low-income households that rely heavily on subsistence farming.

Rising Global Prices Adding Pressure

The UN agencies also expressed concern about the broader economic environment, warning that elevated international prices for fuel, fertilizers, and food could worsen the impact of climate shocks.

Higher production costs and inflationary pressures are reducing purchasing power for households while increasing the burden on social protection systems and humanitarian assistance programmes.

Officials warned that governments may struggle to respond adequately if climate emergencies intensify alongside economic pressures.

Importance of Early Action and Preparedness

A major focus of the discussions was the importance of anticipatory action — taking preventive measures before climate disasters fully unfold.

UN officials emphasized that investing in preparedness and resilience-building now can significantly reduce long-term humanitarian costs and prevent recurring food crises.

"Preparedness matters because budgets are shrinking, while climate-driven humanitarian needs are increasing worldwide," the agencies noted during the discussions.

With support from United Nations agencies, several Central American countries have already activated anticipatory action plans after meteorological indicators signaled increased risks of water scarcity.

More than 76,000 people are currently receiving assistance through measures such as:

• Practical preparedness messaging

• Cash transfer programmes

• Distribution of staple grains

• Monitoring of weather stations

• Early warning systems

These efforts aim to help vulnerable communities adapt before droughts or floods cause severe damage to crops and livelihoods.

Success of Previous El Niño Preparedness Measures

Officials highlighted that anticipatory actions implemented during the 2023–2024 El Niño event produced encouraging results across the region.

According to the agencies, more than 100,000 people in 250 rural communities across nine countries benefited from resilience and preparedness interventions.

The measures included:

• Cash transfers for vulnerable households

• Distribution of agricultural inputs

• Rehabilitation of water systems

• Installation of irrigation infrastructure

• Animal health brigades

• Capacity-building initiatives for local communities

In several Central American countries, these interventions reportedly increased maize and bean production by up to 40 percent while improving overall food security conditions.

FAO Emphasises Resilience and Risk Reduction

Rene Orellana Halkyer, Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative of FAO for Latin America and the Caribbean, stressed the importance of combining emergency responses with long-term resilience strategies.

He explained that FAO works with governments to identify vulnerable territories, assess critical gaps, and guide investments aimed at reducing exposure to climate risks.

"In response to El Niño, anticipatory actions implemented together with governments and partners in nine countries across the region benefited hundreds of rural communities through direct support, the rehabilitation of water and irrigation systems, the distribution of inputs, and capacity strengthening," he said.

According to FAO, strengthening rural livelihoods is critical to preventing future humanitarian crises.

IFAD Calls for Long-Term Rural Investment

Rocío Medina Bolívar, Regional Director of IFAD's Latin America and the Caribbean Division, highlighted the need for sustained investment in rural communities.

She emphasized that improving resilience is not only about responding to emergencies but also about creating opportunities for long-term economic and social development.

"Long-term investment in rural communities and strengthening their capacities is essential so they can adapt to climate events, be prepared for future impacts, and continue producing food for the region," she said.

She added that resilient rural economies help generate employment, improve living standards, and strengthen food production systems.

WFP Focuses on Financial Protection and Early Warnings

Lena Savelli, Regional Director of the World Food Programme, stressed the importance of transforming humanitarian response systems to become faster, more preventive, and financially inclusive.

She explained that combining insurance systems, credit access, and digital financial services can help communities better withstand climate shocks such as droughts, floods, and storms.

"Extreme climate events will continue to occur, but we can prevent them from triggering humanitarian crises," Savelli said.

She also emphasized the importance of ensuring social protection systems can rapidly provide support once early warning systems are activated rather than waiting until after disasters occur.

Regional Leaders Join Climate Preparedness Discussions

The high-level roundtable brought together government officials, humanitarian experts, and regional risk management authorities from across Latin America and the Caribbean.

Participants included:

• Hodwell Ferguson, Minister of Agriculture of Belize

• Amanda Rivera, Director of Temporary Shelters at Ecuador's National Risk Management Secretariat

• Adherbal De La Rosa, Executive Secretary of CEPREDENAC

• Luigi Pandolfi, Head of DG ECHO's Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean

The discussions underscored the growing urgency of regional cooperation as climate-related disasters become more frequent and severe.

As El Niño conditions continue developing, UN agencies and regional governments are working to strengthen preparedness efforts, protect vulnerable populations, and reduce the long-term humanitarian and economic impacts across Latin America and the Caribbean.