El Niño Could Push 50 Million More People Into Acute Hunger, WFP Warns

The developing El Niño weather pattern could push an additional 50 million people into acute hunger by the end of next year, raising fears of a fresh global food crisis, according to a warning from the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP).

The climate phenomenon is expected to bring extreme weather conditions to several vulnerable regions, threatening agricultural production and worsening food insecurity. The WFP has warned that communities already struggling with hunger could face severe pressure as changing rainfall patterns, droughts and higher temperatures affect food supplies.

The potential impact comes as millions of people are already experiencing serious food shortages. The WFP estimates that about 225 million people across 45 countries are currently facing acute food insecurity. An El Niño-driven deterioration in weather conditions could add substantially to that number.

Countries in southern Africa, Central and South America and the Caribbean are among the regions considered particularly vulnerable. Farmers in these areas could face reduced harvests if prolonged dry conditions affect crops and livestock. At the same time, extreme weather can disrupt transport networks and increase food prices, making basic commodities harder for low-income households to afford.

The warning highlights the close relationship between climate change, extreme weather and global hunger. Although El Niño is a naturally occurring climate pattern, its consequences can be amplified when communities are already facing conflict, economic difficulties, poverty and weak food systems. Humanitarian organisations are urging governments and international agencies to prepare early rather than wait for food shortages to become critical. Early investments in food assistance, agricultural support and disaster preparedness could help protect vulnerable populations from the worst effects of the weather disruption.