The United Nations’ World Food Programme (WFP) warns that a powerful El Niño could significantly increase global food insecurity in the coming years. According to the WFP, the event may push around 49 million more people into hunger by 2027, with impacts expected to unfold through worsening drought conditions and disruption to food production.
The reporting highlights that southern Africa, including South Africa, may face heightened drought risk. As rainfall patterns become less reliable, agricultural output could be affected, contributing to lower food availability. In turn, the articles note that food prices could rise, increasing pressure on households already vulnerable to food insecurity.
The sources present the warning as a call for attention and preparedness, linking El Niño’s expected weather effects to both immediate risks—such as drought—and longer-term consequences for hunger trends through the year 2027.
