World Bank Warns of Low Crop Yields Over El Niño
The World Bank has warned that El Niño conditions are expected to cause significant crop yield reductions across East and Southern Africa through early 2027. The report highlights risks of extreme weather, including drought and flooding, which threaten food security for millions.
Why it matters
The warning underscores the severe impact of climate-driven weather patterns on regional food stability and humanitarian needs.
A photo of rain on a farm and an insert of the World Bank Group logo. Photo Meridiano/The World Bank --> Kenyan farmers have been urged to brace for lower crop yields, with the World Bank warning that projected El Niño raises the risk of rain disruptions and unusually high temperatures.
In its Food and Nutrition Security Update report published on Tuesday, October 6, the lender said reduced rains and high temperatures are expected to reduce crop yields in Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan and Uganda.
“Prolonged rainfall deficits and abnormally high temperatures are expected to reduce yields across Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and northeastern Uganda, with a below-average Meher harvest anticipated in Ethiopia,” it said.
The World Bank further projected that about 62 million people in East and Southern Africa would require urgent food assistance by March 2027.
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