WFP Warns El Niño May Push 49 Million Into Food Insecurity

The World Food Programme warns that a powerful El Niño weather event could push nearly 49 million additional people into acute food insecurity by the end of 2027. Total food-insecure populations could rise from 225 million to 274 million, a 22 percent increase. The agency reports an 81 percent probability of a very strong event, potentially the strongest since 1950, which is expected to peak between September and December 2026 with lingering effects throughout the following year.

Central America and Southern Africa are projected to experience the highest increases in insecurity, with rises of 83 percent and 75 percent respectively. Other high-risk areas include Eastern Africa and parts of Asia. While global food markets were stable following strong 2025 harvests, the WFP noted that crop losses and conflicts in the Middle East could drive prices higher.

In response, the WFP expanded anticipatory action programs across 18 countries, including South Sudan, Chad, Mauritania, Uganda, Guatemala, and El Salvador. These programs have provided cash and life-saving assistance to over 1.3 million people, including more than 14 million USD in aid since May. However, the WFP noted that funding cuts from European and U.S. donors have reduced household surveys and hampered crisis monitoring.

The WFP and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations have issued a joint appeal for increased funding to protect livelihoods before conditions escalate into humanitarian crises.