The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that the strengthening El Niño or extreme drought weather pattern could push at least 49 million more people into acute food insecurity by the end of 2027.
According to the agency, the El Niño phenomenon is expected to reach its peak between September and December 2026, but its effects could continue through 2027.
Because of this, their latest analysis showed that the number of people across 45 countries, can struggle to meet their daily food needs will increase from about 225 million to 274 million due to the effects of El Niño.
According to WFP, food insecurity exists when people have no access to enough safe and nutritious food for normal growth and development, and an active and healthy life.
One of the key drivers of this are conflict, economic shocks, and extreme weather.
The WFP said the worst impacts are expected in Latin America and the Caribbean, with significant effects also forecast for almost all parts of Africa, and Asia and the Pacific.
In response, the WFP, together with other partners, is expanding early preparedness efforts and has appealed for greater international support to help vulnerable communities before conditions worsen.