The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) made an urgent appeal for 54 million dollars to implement preventive measures in Mozambique, Madagascar, Malawi and Zimbabwe. With the approach of the climate phenomenon known as El Niño, the need for funding becomes even more critical, as 42 million dollars are still lacking for actions to be viable before the potentially devastating impact expected over the coming months.
In Mozambique, the first signs that the consequences of El Niño will be severe are already visible. WFP specialist Domingos Reane warned that this event could represent one of the most intense in recent decades, with a critical phase expected from the last quarter of 2026, extending through February 2027. The estimate is that approximately 3.7 million people in the country could be affected by the phenomenon, which highlights the urgency of an effective and immediate response.
The importance of acting preventively is highlighted by Khalid Cassam, a FAO specialist, who emphasized that every dollar invested in advance actions can avoid up to seven dollars in emergency response costs. This includes the implementation of early warning systems, support for vulnerable farmers and sustainable water management practices. Currently, Mozambique already faces a situation of heightened vulnerability, recovering from severe rains that exacerbated the situation of local communities.
FAO has specifically requested 10 million dollars, of which 8 million remain outstanding to guarantee support in critical areas such as agricultural production and water access. With the start of the agricultural season in October and the water scarcity scenario intensifying, authorities are warning about the rise in food prices and the potential escalation in the food security crisis, especially among children and the most vulnerable communities already exposed to previous climate shocks.
