WFP: Strong El Niño Could Add 49-274 Million to Global Severe Food Insecurity by End-2027
The World Food Programme (WFP) warned that a strong El Niño could add 49 million to 274 million people to the ranks of the severely food insecure globally by the end of 2027, with Central America and southern Africa hardest hit. The report highlights existing risks from drought, floods, and extreme heat, and recalls that the 2015-2016 El Niño affected food security for 60 million to 100 million people. Funding cuts by US and European donors in 2025 hampered monitoring: household surveys fell from about 1.1 million in 2024 to 800,000 in 2025, with further reductions in 2026. Despite uncertainty, the WFP has expanded preventive action plans in 18 countries, providing cash and other aid to over 1.3 million people so far in 2026.
Droughts, floods, and extreme heat have already put local communities at risk.
The 2015-2016 El Niño affected the food security of 60 million to 100 million people.
In 2025, funding cuts by US and European donors hindered monitoring efforts. The World Food Programme conducted surveys of about 1.1 million households in 2024, which fell to about 800,000 in 2025, and further reductions in data collection are expected in 2026 due to funding constraints.
The agency said predictions remain uncertain and the impact will vary by region. The WFP has expanded preventive action plans in 18 countries and has provided cash and other assistance to more than 1.3 million people so far in 2026.