Projected impact of this year’s strong El Nino on global food prices

Experts say the El Nino developing this year ranks among the most powerful in the last 70 years, and its ripple effects could push global food prices higher. The World Food Programme cautions that even a moderate El Nino may lift the number of people facing severe food insecurity by more than 20 percent across 45 nations, adding roughly 5 crore new cases of acute hunger.

The forecast highlights that Central and South America, Caribbean states and Southern Africa will likely experience the sharpest declines in crop yields. Meanwhile, South‑East Asia is expected to receive less rainfall than normal, jeopardising rice and wheat production and threatening farmer livelihoods.

Climate change is amplifying the intensity of El Nino events, and scientists warn that 2026‑27 could see record global temperatures, further straining food systems. WFP’s pre‑emptive funding of $80 million aims to activate early‑warning alerts and deliver assistance before the full impact unfolds.