World Food Programme Reports Severe Drought and Food Insecurity in Central America Due to El Niño
In October 2026, the World Food Programme (WFP) reported severe drought conditions across parts of Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. This extreme weather, intensified by one of the strongest El Niño events on record, has led to failed harvests and critical water shortages, threatening farming livelihoods and escalating food insecurity in vulnerable communities. The current El Niño event is expected to reach peak intensity between November 2026 and February 2027, increasing the likelihood of significant disruptions to established weather patterns. For smallholder farmers, these disruptions can be devastating, leading to reduced crop production, dried-up water supplies, and insufficient food for livestock, with recovery often taking years.
