2015-2016 El Niño: Early action and response for agriculture, food security and nutrition

Published in May 2016, this publication from the FAO provides an overview of the impacts of the El Niño phenomenon on agriculture and food security. El Niño is the warming of sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific, which occurs roughly every two to seven years, lasting from six to 24 months. While the main threat to food production is reduced rainfall and drought in some regions, El Niño can also cause heavy rains and flooding in other regions. Current consequences at global, regional and country level are highlighted (including data on: crop production; livestock production; number of food insecure people) as well as FAO actions and funding requirements.