A recent United Nations report highlights the detrimental impact of violent weather patterns intensified by climate change on food security in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2023. The report, authored by various UN agencies including the World Food Program (WFP), reveals that extreme weather conditions have led to increased hunger and rising food prices across the region.
Hot weather and drought, exacerbated by the El Niño weather phenomenon, have caused a surge in corn prices in countries such as Argentina, Mexico, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic. Additionally, heavy rainfall in Ecuador resulted in a significant 32 to 54 percent spike in wholesale prices during the same year.
While social safety nets have contributed to a reduction in undernourishment in Latin America, the report underscores that the poorest and most vulnerable populations remain disproportionately affected by food insecurity due to climate change, particularly in rural areas. Citing a study from 2020, the report notes that 36% of small farms in rural Honduras and Guatemala faced episodic food insecurity as a result of extreme weather events.
Research conducted by Ivy Blackmore, affiliated with the University of Missouri, sheds light on the challenges faced by Indigenous farming communities in Ecuador. Blackmore emphasizes that limited resources and erosion caused by prolonged rain have forced farmers to resort to planting on virgin grasslands, leading to unsustainable agricultural practices.
The report also highlights a concerning trend where rising food prices drive consumers towards cheaper, yet less nutritious, ultra-processed foods. This shift is particularly alarming in Latin America, where the cost of healthy diets is notably high, and rates of childhood and adult obesity have seen a significant increase since 2000.
As climate change continues to impact food production and prices in the region, urgent action is needed to address the root causes of food insecurity and support vulnerable communities in adapting to changing environmental conditions.
