Central America and Caribbean Facing Rising Food Insecurity

IPC Phase 2 through 4 (Stressed through Emergency) food insecurity is expected to continue in Central America and the Caribbean through September, according to an alert from FEWS Net.

In Central America, staple grain, maize, and bean prices remain well above their five-year average and are expected to rise even further in the coming months. These increased food prices will put added pressure on poor households already experiencing reduced purchasing power. As producers prepare for the planting season, high fertilizer prices could impact planted area and overall productivity; at the same time, anticipated high temperatures and below-average rainfall in the coming months are expected to reduce harvests. As a result, FEWS Net anticipates IPC Phase 3 and 4 food insecurity as many households turn to poor coping strategies, such as reducing caloric intake and increasing consumption of cheap, lower quality foods.

In Haiti, conflict and civil unrest continue to disrupt markets and limit food availability access for much of the population of the capital city. Inflation also remains high, further reducing purchasing power throughout the country as a whole. While precipitation increased in May, drought conditions are still expected to continue in the coming months, and FEWS Net anticipates Phase 4 food insecurity to spread throughout the country.