FAO and WFP urge $202 million donation to protect 22 countries from El Niño

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) have issued an urgent appeal for $202 million to safeguard nearly nine million people across 22 countries vulnerable to the severe impacts of El Niño. The requested funding is crucial for protecting food security, livelihoods, and agricultural production in regions most at risk.

This appeal highlights the anticipated intensification of El Niño, which is projected to bring drier conditions to some areas and increased risk of flooding in others. These climatic shifts could severely disrupt planting seasons, crop yields, pastures, and water availability. The organizations warn that the forecast arrives at a time when millions are already grappling with acute food insecurity due to conflicts, economic instability, displacement, and recurrent weather disasters.

FAO and WFP are prepared to implement preventive measures for 1.2 million people expected to be affected. However, with an additional $167 million, they can extend support to another 7.6 million people in the 22 priority countries. The joint appeal underscores the proven effectiveness and cost-efficiency of preventive action, with every dollar invested potentially saving up to seven dollars in avoided losses and response costs.

"Experience consistently shows that early action is more effective and less costly than responding once a crisis has worsened," stated Beth Bechdol, Deputy Director-General of FAO. Carl Skau, Acting Executive Director of WFP, added, "We cannot afford the consequences of another food crisis."

The funds will specifically target regions in Africa, Asia, the Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean, including countries like Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, and Venezuela, which are identified as high-risk zones for droughts, floods, and storms associated with strong El Niño conditions.