Changing climate patterns and extreme weather events are worsening food security and aggravating malnutrition across Latin America and the Caribbean, according to the 2024 Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition. The report, released today, identifies the region as the world’s second-most exposed to extreme weather, after Asia.
At least 20 countries (74% of those analyzed) frequently experience extreme weather, and 14 (52%) are considered highly vulnerable, facing increased risks of undernourishment, according to a FAO press release. These challenges are compounded by conflicts, economic instability, inequality, and limited access to healthy diets.
Between 2019 and 2023, undernourishment rose by 1.5 percentage points in countries affected by climate extremes, with the situation worsening in those facing economic downturns. The most vulnerable populations are hit hardest, lacking the resources to adapt.
The release states that the “report underscores the urgent need to accelerate action to build resilience within agrifood systems, which are critical for the region’s progress toward eradicating hunger and malnutrition in all its forms. The report emphasizes that ensuring the long-term sustainability of agrifood systems is essential.”
Hunger and Food Insecurity Declined for the Second Consecutive Year
Hunger affected 41 million people in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2023, a decline of 2.9 million from 2022 and 4.3 million from 2021, according to the report. However, progress has been uneven across subregions—hunger has risen in the Caribbean over the past two years, reaching 17.2%, while remaining stable in Mesoamerica at 5.8%.
Moderate or severe food insecurity also declined for the second consecutive year, dropping below the global average for the first time in a decade. In total, 187.6 million people faced food insecurity in 2023—19.7 million fewer than in 2022 and 37.3 million fewer than in 2021.
This improvement is largely credited to economic recovery in several South American countries, supported by social protection programs, post-pandemic policies, and efforts to enhance food access. However, disparities remain, with rural communities and women disproportionately affected. The gender gap in food insecurity across the region remains higher than the global average.
The Challenge of Malnutrition Amid Climate Variability
“Climate variability and extremes are a threat for the stability of food security and nutrition,” said FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Latin America and the Caribbean, Mario Lubetkin highlighting the relevance of the Regional Overview 2024.
“The importance of implementing a comprehensive response, based on policies and actions designed to strengthen the capacity of agri-food systems. This resilience allows us to anticipate, prevent, absorb, adapt, and transform in a positive, efficient and effective way against various risks, including the challenges associated with climate change and extreme events.”
Lola Castro, WFP’s Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean said that climate shocks “are making it increasingly difficult for families across Latin America and the Caribbean to produce, transport, and access food. Frequent storms and floods are destroying homes and farmland, while drought and erratic rainfall are wiping out crops before they can grow.
“As extreme weather events intensify, WFP is working with communities and governments to strengthen food security, protect the most vulnerable and build resilient food systems that can withstand the climate crisis,” she added.
