The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and New Growth Industries, in collaboration with the National Meteorological Service of Belize and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), has activated Belize’s Anticipatory Action (AA) mechanism for drought following a forecast indicating an increased likelihood of below-average rainfall for the upcoming season. Pre‑identified farmers in the drought‑prone districts of Orange Walk, Corozal, and Cayo will receive anticipatory cash assistance ahead of the forecasted drought. This early support will enable farmers to take proactive measures, such as investing in water‑storage equipment, drought‑tolerant seeds, or irrigation supplies, enabling them to protect their crops, safeguard their livelihoods, and reduce the impacts of the expected dry conditions before they occur.
This initiative is the result of nearly two years of collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and New Growth Industries, the National Meteorological Service, and WFP, working together to design a system tailored to Belize’s agricultural and climate context. It reflects the Government’s commitment to proactive disaster risk management, using science and data to protect smallholder farmers and strengthen resilience to combat shocks by acting before the impacts of drought are fully felt.
“As climate risks intensify, acting early can mean the difference between a manageable shock and a devastating crisis,” said Brian Bogart, Representative and Country Director of the World Food Programme Caribbean Multi-Country Office. “Anticipatory action allows us to use scientific evidence to get ahead of drought impacts, protect farmers’ livelihoods, and reduce the long-term cost of disasters.”
The changes driven by El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), particularly El Niño conditions that are highly likely to develop by July, have led to more frequent and severe drought events, primarily affecting rain-fed agriculture in the northern and western districts. These shocks place significant strain on Government resources and disrupt agricultural production, which affects smallholder farmers who rely on predictable rainfall for their incomes and food security. The development of the Anticipatory Action mechanism is timely as Belize continues to face increased climate pressures, including droughts, floods, and tropical storms that threaten livelihoods, food security, and economic stability.
As part of this effort, WFP has been working closely with the National Meteorological Service to strengthen the use of climate information for early action. This collaboration has focused on improving the interpretation and application of seasonal forecasts, supporting early warning communication, and linking climate information to decision-making.
This milestone has been made possible through the generous support of WFP’s partners, including the Government of Canada, the European Union, the Government of Ireland, and the United States Government, whose contributions have supported the development of the Anticipatory Action mechanism for drought and now enable Belize to take proactive, risk-informed action. Investment in anticipatory action ensures that resources reach vulnerable communities early, reducing losses, protecting agricultural livelihoods, and strengthening national resilience in the face of more frequent and intense climate shocks.
The post Belize triggers anticipatory action to support Farmers ahead of drought risk appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and New Growth Industries, in collaboration with the National Meteorological Service of Belize and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), has activated Belize’s Anticipatory Action (AA) mechanism for drought following a forecast indicating an increased likelihood of below-average rainfall for the upcoming season. Pre‑identified farmers in the drought‑prone
The post Belize triggers anticipatory action to support Farmers ahead of drought risk appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
