How many people could be affected by hunger due to El Niño?

The WFP warns that at least 49 million people could fall into acute food insecurity by the end of 2027, bringing the total in the 45 most vulnerable countries to 274 million.

Which regions are most at risk?

The most severe impacts are expected in Central America and southern Africa, with significant effects also predicted for East Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.

When is El Niño expected to peak?

According to WFP estimates, El Niño will peak between September and December 2026, with impacts felt throughout 2027.

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UN warns: El Niño could push 49 million people into acute hunger by the end of 2027

S.V. · Prije 2h | 2 min

The World Food Programme predicts worsening conditions in 45 countries already struggling with shortages, with the most severe impacts expected in Central America and southern Africa.

Summary

The UN's World Food Programme warns that El Niño could push 49 million people into acute hunger by the end of 2027.
The total number of people with acute food insecurity in the 45 observed countries would rise from 225 million to 274 million, a 22 percent jump.
The phenomenon is expected to peak between September and December 2026, with Central America, southern Africa, and parts of Asia being the hardest hit.

The World Food Programme (WFP), a United Nations agency, issued a warning on Tuesday that the strengthening El Niño climate phenomenon could push at least 49 million people into acute food insecurity by the end of 2027. According to their analyses, the effects of this oceanographic-atmospheric phenomenon will significantly impact rainfall patterns, temperatures, and the frequency of floods and droughts worldwide.

The WFP expects El Niño to peak between September and December 2026, with its impacts continuing to be felt throughout 2027. The agency emphasizes that preventive measures are being prepared to mitigate potential risks, but the scale of the impending crisis is already causing serious concern.

Number of hungry could rise by 22 percent

The WFP analysis covers 45 countries already facing severe food shortages. It is estimated that the total number of people suffering from acute food insecurity in these countries will rise from approximately 225 million to as many as 274 million. This represents an increase of about 22 percent.

The previous strong El Niño of 2015-2016 negatively affected food security for between 60 and 100 million people, providing a clear indication of the potential destructive power of this phenomenon. The WFP's preliminary analysis suggests that the 2026-2027 period could see even more severe consequences, increasing the number of hungry by approximately 50 million in just two years.

Most vulnerable regions of the world

The greatest impacts are expected in parts of Central America and southern Africa, where El Niño will most directly disrupt agricultural production and water availability. Significant consequences are also predicted for East Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, regions already exposed to extreme weather conditions and high rates of malnutrition.

The WFP has called for urgent and early action to mitigate the expected shocks to global food security. Although the warning has no direct connection to Croatia, potential disruptions in global food supply chains and rising prices on the world market could indirectly affect European consumers as well.