The United Nations forecasts the persistence of the El Niño weather phenomenon, marked by abnormally warm Pacific Ocean temperatures, throughout the first half of 2024. The anticipated prolonged event raises concerns over irregular rainfall patterns in Latin America, particularly affecting the agricultural sector.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), recent months have witnessed a significant rise in the Pacific ocean surface temperatures, particularly along the South American coast. The first quarter of 2024 is expected to bring above-average rainfall to southern cone countries like Peru and Ecuador, as well as Mexico. In contrast, Brazil, Guyana, and Suriname are bracing for prolonged dry conditions. Although the current dry spell in Central America is projected to conclude by the year’s end, the agricultural sector, encompassing crops, livestock, forests, and fishing, remains highly vulnerable.
The FAO’s report underscores the sector’s susceptibility to extreme weather conditions, indicating it can absorb up to 26% of economic losses during such events and a staggering 82% during droughts.
Changing weather patterns pose a significant threat to key fish species, including anchovies and tuna along the northern coast of Peru and southern Ecuador. Ecuadorian fishermen have already reported a 30% decrease in tuna catches since February.
Historically, both El Niño and its counterpart, La Niña, have adversely affected the production of vital crops such as wheat, rice, and corn in Latin America, given their high dependence on specific weather conditions. The report further emphasizes that the region is simultaneously grappling with the impacts of climate change, including heatwaves.
In response to these challenges, the FAO has launched a comprehensive plan to mobilize financial resources for communities in several affected countries. The objective is to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events and enhance resilience in these vulnerable areas.
