The escalating effects of climate change are causing deep disruptions in the food systems across Latin America and the Caribbean, with many communities facing an intensification of hunger and food insecurity. A recent United Nations report highlights the growing challenges, pointing to extreme weather patterns exacerbated by climate change as a primary driver behind rising crop prices and dwindling access to nutritious food.
In 2023, multiple countries in the region saw significant increases in food prices. The combination of droughts and extreme heat, amplified by the El Niño weather phenomenon, caused the price of staple crops like corn to soar in countries such as Argentina, Mexico, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic. In Ecuador, heavy rainfall led to a staggering 32-54% increase in wholesale prices. These price hikes create a ripple effect, making it even more difficult for the most vulnerable populations to afford food, particularly in rural areas where agriculture forms the backbone of many communities.
Although the report acknowledges the role of social safety nets in mitigating the extent of undernourishment, it points out that these measures are not enough to shield the poorest from the impacts of climate-related shocks. Rural populations, especially those without the resources to recover from crop failures, are particularly vulnerable. The report quotes Lola Castro, the World Food Programme’s regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean, who explains that “the shocks are getting much more extreme,” leading to widespread food insecurity and under-nutrition.
One of the most concerning findings in the report is a 2020 study that revealed that 36% of small farms surveyed in Honduras and Guatemala experienced food insecurity linked to extreme weather events. Researchers like Ivy Blackmore from the University of Missouri underscore how the lack of resources in rural areas forces farmers to resort to short-term survival tactics, such as planting on virgin land, only to face long-term consequences like soil erosion.
As extreme weather drives food prices higher, many consumers are turning to ultra-processed foods that are cheaper but nutritionally inadequate. This shift poses a serious threat to health, especially in a region where the cost of a healthy diet is already one of the highest in the world. The rise in obesity, particularly among children and adults, reflects this dangerous trend.
However, there may be a glimmer of hope in the region’s traditional food systems. Quinoa, tubers like mashua and melloco, and Andean cereals, which are naturally drought-resistant, offer a potential solution to some of these challenges. Many indigenous communities are already cultivating these resilient crops, which could help buffer the effects of climate change while also offering a healthier alternative to processed foods.
Research from Carlos Andres Gallego-Riofrío, a professor at the University of Vermont, suggests that traditional farming practices, such as terrace farming in the Andes, hold the key to sustainable food production. These systems not only preserve soil fertility and moisture but also foster healthier communities, as seen in areas like Caliata, Ecuador, where local diets are rich in tubers, beans, and fruits grown by families themselves.
The lessons from these traditional systems could be invaluable in the fight against climate change and food insecurity. By revitalizing indigenous farming methods and promoting drought-resistant crops, Latin America has the potential to build a more resilient and sustainable food future.
