By Zoila Palma: The World Food Programme (WFP) is warning that the intensifying 2026-27 El Niño could worsen global hunger and food insecurity, with as many as 49 million people potentially pushed into acute hunger.
WFP climate expert Richard Choularton said the current forecasts suggest the El Niño could become the strongest on record, bringing more intense and widespread droughts, floods and storms.
Choularton said initial impacts have already been seen in Central America and Africa’s Sahel region.
In Central America, severe drought during the early growing season caused farmers to lose crops or experience lower yields, with the effects extending beyond agriculture as farmers reduce planting, investment and labour hiring.
WFP estimates that Latin America and the Caribbean, along with large parts of Africa and Asia and the Pacific, could face some of the greatest impacts.
Choularton said he is particularly concerned about countries already facing severe hunger crises, such as Somalia, as well as vulnerable countries in Southern Africa that are still recovering from previous El Niño-related droughts.
He also warned that disruptions to major global trade routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, Red Sea and Black Sea, are contributing to higher food, fuel and fertilizer prices, potentially worsening the effects of drought and reducing agricultural production and incomes.
The WFP is using anticipatory action to help communities prepare before extreme weather strikes, including early warnings, disaster risk financing and community preparedness programmes.
The post World Food Programme concerned that record-strong El Niño could push millions deeper into hunger appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: The World Food Programme (WFP) is warning that the intensifying 2026-27 El Niño could worsen global hunger and food insecurity, with as many as 49 million people potentially pushed into acute hunger. WFP climate expert Richard Choularton said the current forecasts suggest the El Niño could become the strongest on record, bringing
The post World Food Programme concerned that record-strong El Niño could push millions deeper into hunger appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
