FAO Calls for Urgent Action as La Nina Threatens Global Food Security

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has called for urgent global action to mitigate the anticipated impacts of La Nina, following the strong 2023-2024 El Nino event, which severely affected over 60 million people worldwide, particularly in Southern Africa. The FAO has introduced a La Nina Anticipatory Action and Response Plan, designed to shield vulnerable rural communities from the negative effects of this climatic phenomenon.

La Nina, characterized by the cooling of Pacific waters, disrupts global weather patterns and typically occurs every two to seven years, lasting for 9 to 12 months. The FAO warns that La Nina, expected to occur between September and November 2024 and persist into early 2025, could have dire consequences for global food security. The already critical situation, with 282 million people facing acute food insecurity, may worsen due to the extreme weather that La Nina can bring. This includes altered rainfall patterns, droughts, and floods, particularly in regions like Southern and East Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia, all of which face significant threats to agricultural productivity.

The FAO’s proactive approach in its La Nina plan has two main objectives: to act ahead of forecasted hazards and to respond swiftly where devastation cannot be avoided. This involves anticipatory actions like distributing drought-tolerant seeds to small-scale farmers, protecting livestock, reinforcing river embankments to mitigate floods, and providing early assistance to affected communities. By taking these measures, the FAO aims to protect livelihoods and mitigate the impact on food production.

Additionally, the FAO's plan includes early response measures, such as providing time-sensitive supplies like seeds, veterinary medicines, and water bladders, as well as cash transfers to help families meet their immediate needs. The plan also focuses on capitalizing on the positive effects of La Nina, such as helping farmers replant after floods by providing seeds.

However, immediate financial support is crucial. The FAO is seeking $318 million to assist 10.5 million people in 39 high-risk countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Early intervention is key, as triggers for anticipatory action have already been reached in parts of Africa and Latin America.

For every dollar invested in anticipatory action, farming families see a return of more than seven dollars in avoided losses. Without immediate action, the global food security situation could further deteriorate, exacerbating the already dire conditions faced by millions.