167 million people face moderate or severe food insecurity in Latin America and the Caribbean; in addition, more than 33 million suffer from hunger and over 181 million cannot afford a healthy diet.
World Food Programme (2026)
World Food Programme. (2026, May 14). United Nations: Latin America and the Caribbean faces increased food insecurity risks due to El Niño. https://www.wfp.org/news/united-nations-latin-america-and-caribbean-faces-increased-food-insecurity-risks-due-el-nino
22% of global agricultural disaster losses are accounted for by the Americas, with losses estimated at USD 713 billion.
World Food Programme (2026)
World Food Programme. (2026, May 14). United Nations: Latin America and the Caribbean faces increased food insecurity risks due to El Niño. https://www.wfp.org/news/united-nations-latin-america-and-caribbean-faces-increased-food-insecurity-risks-due-el-nino
More than 100,000 people in 250 rural communities benefited from anticipatory actions implemented in nine countries during the 2023-2024 El Niño event, with increases of up to 40% in maize and bean production in some Central American countries.
World Food Programme (2026)
World Food Programme. (2026, May 14). United Nations: Latin America and the Caribbean faces increased food insecurity risks due to El Niño. https://www.wfp.org/news/united-nations-latin-america-and-caribbean-faces-increased-food-insecurity-risks-due-el-nino
In Arauca, Colombia, there are approximately 482,631 hectares dedicated to agricultural activities at risk due to permanent exposure to flooding. (Fundación Cocoras, 2026).
Between 25% and 30% of the 1,345,000 head of cattle are exposed to disease, death and loss of pastures, with the greatest impact in Arauca, Arauquita and Tame, Colombia. (Fundación Corocoras, 2026).