Preventing the worst impacts of El Niño
Farmers in Afghanistan are gaining access to improved seeds and planting materials through an FAO project that strengthens the country's seed production and food security.
El Niño is expected to cause widespread damage later this year. Norway is providing NOK 30 million to support early action that helps protect people from hunger and food insecurity.
The forecast El Niño event, expected to continue into 2027, is likely to bring more droughts, floods and extreme weather across parts of Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean and the Pacific.
Many of the affected countries are already facing conflict, hunger and humanitarian crises.
The funding will help reduce hunger, protect food production and strengthen preparedness in 22 high-risk countries.
Norway is allocating NOK 30 million from its humanitarian reserve to support the joint appeal by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) for anticipatory action.
– When we know that a severe climate phenomenon such as El Niño is approaching, we also have a responsibility to act before people lose their crops, livestock and livelihoods. Early action saves lives and reduces the need for far more extensive emergency assistance later, says Norad Director General Gunn Jorid Roset.
Norad Director General Gunn Jorid Roset.
Protecting millions from hunger
The countries covered by the appeal include Afghanistan, Haiti, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Mozambique, Nigeria and the Occupied Palestinian Territory (Gaza).
Several of these are among the world's most severe hunger crises and have been identified as hunger hotspots.
The funding will support anticipatory measures triggered by forecasts of prolonged drought, flooding and other climate-related hazards.
FAO and WFP provide complementary support
Half of the funding will go to FAO's Special Fund for Emergency and Rehabilitation Activities (SFERA), while the other half will support WFP's Anticipatory Action Trust Fund.
– This support enables WFP to stay one step ahead of El Niño, rather than having to respond only after the damage has already been done. By providing families with cash assistance, seeds and more reliable access to water before disaster strikes, they are better able to prepare and are more resilient when the crisis arrives, says Carl Skau, Acting Executive Director of the UN World Food Programme (WFP).
Acting Executive Director of the UN World Food Programme (WFP).
FAO will use the funding for activities including:
- Distributing quality seeds and other agricultural inputs to smallholder farmers
- Providing veterinary services and support for livestock
- Improving water supply for agriculture
WFP will use the funding for activities including:
- Cash transfers to vulnerable households
- Early food assistance
- Helping families prepare for and withstand the crisis before it escalates
– Anticipatory action makes it possible to protect both people and food production before a forecast crisis develops into a humanitarian catastrophe. It is both more effective and more dignified than responding after everything has already been lost, says Gunn Jorid Roset.
– Addressing tomorrow’s challenges today means that every aid krone goes further and has a greater impact. We are grateful for Norway’s support for this work, says Carl Skau.