Climate variability and extreme weather events are increasingly impacting food security in Latin America and the Caribbean, worsening the underlying causes of malnutrition across the region. A new report, the 2024 Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition, highlights that Latin America and the Caribbean is the second-most vulnerable region to these events globally, trailing only Asia. At least 20 countries, or 74% of the analyzed nations, face frequent extreme weather, with 14 countries (52%) highly vulnerable to food insecurity as a result.
Between 2019 and 2023, the prevalence of undernourishment rose by 1.5 percentage points in countries experiencing climate extremes, particularly worsening in nations facing economic recessions. Vulnerable populations, especially those in rural areas, are the most affected due to their limited resources to adapt to these challenges.
The report indicates progress in reducing hunger in the region, noting that 41 million people were affected by hunger in 2023, which is a decrease of 2.9 million compared to 2022. However, hunger rates are increasing in the Caribbean, where 17.2% of the population faces food insecurity. The reduction in hunger in South America is attributed to economic recovery efforts, social protection programs, and targeted food access policies.
Latin America and the Caribbean include countries across Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean islands. Notable countries in the region are Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, and Cuba, among others.
However, food insecurity remains a pressing issue, with 187.6 million people experiencing food insecurity in the region, a decrease of nearly 20 million from the previous year. Still, rural communities and women are disproportionately affected. The gender gap in food insecurity is higher than the global average, exacerbating existing social inequalities.
The report also addresses the challenge of malnutrition, particularly in children. While stunting has decreased to 11.5% in the region, below the global average, the coexistence of undernutrition and overweight is a growing concern, especially in areas most affected by climate shocks. This "double burden" of malnutrition threatens the development of children in vulnerable communities.
Economic barriers also hinder access to healthy diets. In 2022, 182.9 million people in the region could not afford a nutritious diet, though this figure improved slightly from the previous year. Disparities persist, particularly in the Caribbean, where half the population struggles to afford healthy food. The report emphasizes the urgent need for policies that support healthier diets, including fiscal measures and regulations on food advertising.
As extreme weather events become more frequent and severe, the report stresses the importance of strengthening agrifood systems to build resilience. Organizations like the World Food Programme (WFP) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) are working with local communities and governments to help protect the most vulnerable and adapt food systems to the realities of climate change.
The report calls for greater investment in rural areas, particularly to support small-scale farmers, enhance infrastructure, and provide access to sustainable agricultural practices.
