Changing patterns of climate variability and extreme weather events are intensifying food security challenges across Latin America and the Caribbean, as highlighted in the 2024 Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition report. With the region ranked as the second-most exposed to extreme weather globally, after Asia, the cascading effects of climate change are exacerbating structural inequalities and worsening malnutrition in all its forms.
The report reveals that extreme weather events, such as storms, floods, and droughts, are frequent in 74% of the region’s countries. Of these, over half face increased vulnerability, making them more susceptible to undernourishment. Between 2019 and 2023, the prevalence of hunger rose by 1.5 percentage points in nations grappling with climate extremes. Vulnerable communities, particularly those with limited resources, bear the brunt of these impacts, struggling to adapt to the new climate reality.
Despite these challenges, some progress has been made in reducing hunger. The number of people affected by hunger in 2023 dropped to 41 million a decrease of nearly 3 million compared to 2022 and over 4 million from 2021. This improvement has been attributed to economic recovery efforts in several South American countries, supported by social protection programs and targeted policies to enhance food access. However, the situation is far from uniform. Hunger levels in the Caribbean have climbed to 17.2%, even as they remain stable in Mesoamerica at 5.8%.
Food insecurity has also shown signs of decline for a second consecutive year, with 187.6 million people experiencing moderate or severe food insecurity in 2023. While this represents an improvement, the issue remains deeply entrenched among women and rural populations, where the gender gap in access to food is more pronounced than the global average.
Adding to the complexity is the region’s struggle with the double burden of malnutrition. In 2022, stunting affected 11.5% of children under five, a figure significantly below the global average. However, progress in reducing stunting has slowed. Simultaneously, the prevalence of overweight children in the region, at 8.6%, is markedly higher than the global estimate, reflecting a growing challenge in addressing non-communicable diseases linked to poor diets. Economic barriers to accessing healthy food remain a critical issue, with 182.9 million people unable to afford nutritious diets in 2022, though there has been some improvement compared to the previous year.
Extreme weather is a key driver of food insecurity in the region. Climate shocks are disrupting food production, transportation, and access, with storms and floods destroying farmland and infrastructure while drought and erratic rainfall lead to crop failures. These challenges are further compounded by the region’s structural inequalities and limited resilience in its agrifood systems.
The report emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive action to build sustainable food systems capable of withstanding climate shocks. Strengthening resilience through investments in infrastructure, climate information systems, and sustainable agricultural practices is critical. This also means addressing the needs of small-scale farmers, who play a pivotal role in food production but often lack access to the resources needed to adapt to changing conditions.
Leadership within the region has called for a unified response to the crisis. Mario Lubetkin of the Food and Agriculture Organization highlighted the critical importance of tackling climate variability to safeguard food security, stating that action must be both efficient and transformative.
The findings also underscore the need to address persistent inequalities. Vulnerable groups, including women and rural communities, must be prioritized in strategies to combat food insecurity. Ensuring equitable access to healthy diets and nutrition is essential for creating long-term stability and progress.
While hunger levels have declined, the overall picture remains deeply concerning. The region faces an uphill battle to adapt its food systems to the growing threats posed by climate change. Rossana Polastri of the International Fund for Agricultural Development stressed the importance of rural investments, including basic infrastructure and sustainable practices, to reduce food insecurity. She warned that progress must include the most vulnerable communities to ensure that no one is left behind.
As extreme weather events grow more frequent and intense, the region’s food systems must be fortified against the rising tide of climate impacts. The report, jointly published by FAO, IFAD, PAHO/WHO, WFP, and UNICEF, sends a clear message: collective, urgent action is needed to protect the future of food security in Latin America and the Caribbean.