UN warns El Niño could worsen hunger crisis across nearly 50 countries by 2027

Friday 07 August 2026 - 13:15

By: Azzat Manal

UN warns El Niño could worsen hunger crisis across nearly 50 countries by 2027

The United Nations has warned that the El Niño climate phenomenon could significantly worsen global food insecurity, placing millions of additional people at risk of acute hunger by the end of 2027. Humanitarian agencies say the combined effects of extreme weather, economic instability, and ongoing conflicts could deepen food shortages in some of the world's most vulnerable regions.

According to UN assessments, nearly 50 countries already facing severe food insecurity may experience further deterioration as El Niño disrupts agricultural production and water supplies. Experts estimate that tens of millions of additional people could require emergency food assistance if current projections materialize.

The World Food Programme (WFP) notes that many of the countries at greatest risk rely heavily on rain-fed agriculture, making them particularly vulnerable to prolonged droughts, irregular rainfall, floods, and extreme temperatures associated with El Niño. These climate-related disruptions can reduce crop yields, weaken livestock production, and increase food prices, placing additional pressure on low-income households.

Regions expected to face the greatest challenges include parts of Southern Africa, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and sections of South and Southeast Asia. In many of these areas, communities are already coping with the effects of previous climate shocks, fragile economies, or political instability.

The United Nations also emphasizes that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, making humanitarian crises more complex and difficult to manage. Rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and prolonged droughts continue to threaten agricultural systems and rural livelihoods across several continents.

To reduce the impact of future emergencies, the World Food Programme is expanding early warning systems, strengthening disaster preparedness, and investing in preventive measures that allow humanitarian organizations to respond before food crises reach critical levels. These efforts are designed to improve community resilience and protect vulnerable populations from the most severe consequences of climate-related disasters.

UN officials have also pointed to the major El Niño event of 2015–2016 as an example of how powerful climate patterns can contribute to widespread food insecurity. Lessons learned from that period are guiding current preparedness strategies as international agencies work with governments and humanitarian partners to reduce the risk of a larger global hunger crisis.

The United Nations continues to call for stronger international cooperation, increased humanitarian funding, and long-term investments in climate-resilient agriculture to help countries better withstand future climate shocks and protect global food security.