The United Nations World Food Programme and Food and Agriculture Organisation have launched a $202-million appeal to prepare for a potentially severe El Niño event.
The agencies issued the first Joint Anticipatory Action Appeal on 22 June 2026. It seeks funds to assist nearly nine million people across 22 countries ahead of expected impacts.
This marks a shift toward financing preventive measures rather than responding after crises occur. The appeal targets risks including drought in southern Africa and heavy rains in East Africa.
Japanese forecasters identified the El Niño onset two weeks earlier. The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration later confirmed the development and raised the chance of a very strong event to 63 percent.
WFP Acting Executive Director Carl Skau stated that early action can keep food on the table and reduce costs for those most at risk.
