started · updated
El Niño and extreme heat trigger agricultural crises across Latin America
Extreme weather patterns, driven by the El Niño phenomenon and prolonged dry seasons, are causing widespread agricultural and livestock distress across Latin America.
In Guatemala, experts from Agexport, MAGA, and the ICC warn that 96% of the country's agricultural territory faces a rainfall deficit through October. This water scarcity, combined with high temperatures, threatens both subsistence crops and major export commodities like cardamom. Meteorological reports indicate a 100% probability that El Niño conditions will persist through September.
Honduras is experiencing severe impacts, with reports from Apacilagua indicating that cattle have resorted to eating soil and debris due to the lack of pasture. Local authorities report significant livestock deaths and warn of imminent food insecurity for thousands of families. Similarly, in the Dominican Republic, officials in Hato Mayor have called for an emergency declaration to assist farmers losing crops and livestock.
In Mexico, producers in Morelos are on alert for increased drought risks, noting that current agricultural needs exceed state budgetary capacities. Meanwhile, in Chile, the Ñuble region faces threats to cherry orchards from soil saturation and temperature fluctuations, while in Spain, extreme heat has reduced cherry harvests in the Caderechas Valley by as much as 50%.
Entities
Agexport · El Niño · Guatemala · Honduras · INSIVUMEH · MAGA · Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food · Private Institute of Climate Change
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Approximately 96% of Guatemala's agricultural territory may experience rainfall below normal levels between August and October. emisorasunidas.com · www.prensa-latina.cu
- [○ 1 SOURCE] In Apacilagua, Honduras, 252 cattle have died due to drought conditions. www.tunota.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Excessive moisture and high temperatures associated with El Niño threaten cherry orchards in Ñuble, Chile. www.sancarlosonline.cl
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The cherry harvest in the Caderechas Valley may be reduced by up to 50% due to extreme heat. www.freshplaza.es
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Milk production in Usulután has decreased from 170–200 bottles to approximately 130 bottles per session. www.tcsahora.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] There is a 100% probability that El Niño-associated conditions will persist through September in Guatemala. www.guatemala.com