Global Appeal Launched to Mitigate El Niño's Impact on 8.8 Million People
Global Appeal Launched to Mitigate El Niño's Impact on 8.8 Million People
ET · Published Jun 19, 2026
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) have issued a joint appeal for $202 million to address the anticipated impacts of a strong El Niño event in
This weather phenomenon is expected to bring drier-than-average conditions to some regions and increased flood risks to others, disrupting agriculture, water availability, and food security. The appeal targets 22 high-risk countries across Africa, Asia, the Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean. The agencies aim to implement anticipatory actions, such as distributing drought-resistant seeds, providing cash assistance, and building flood protection infrastructure, to protect nearly nine million people. The FAO and WFP emphasize that early action is cost-effective, with every dollar invested potentially saving up to $7 in avoided losses.

Why It's Important?

The strengthening El Niño is projected to exacerbate food insecurity in vulnerable regions already grappling with conflict, economic instability, and climate shocks. Droughts, floods, and storms could severely disrupt planting and harvesting cycles, threatening livelihoods and agricultural production. The appeal highlights the urgent need for anticipatory measures to prevent a worsening food crisis, particularly in countries like Ethiopia, Kenya, Pakistan, and Venezuela. Without timely intervention, millions could face acute food shortages and economic hardship.

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