If the current situation continues, the number of currently food insecure people in Latin America and the Caribbean is expected to increase from 10 million to 13.3 million, according to WFP. Jul. 26, 2022. | Photo: Twitter/@BuenosDiasTV

Rome, July 27 (RHC)-- According to the World Food Program (WFP), the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ukraine crisis and climate change have led to increased food insecurity in Latin America.

The WFP regional office for Latin America and the Caribbean said that about 10 million people suffer from severe food insecurity in 13 countries in the region.  Should the current situation continues, it is expected to rise to 13.3 million.

The director of the WFP regional office, Lola Castro, said it is necessary to urgently assist the most vulnerable populations and address the structural causes of the problems.

The official urged support for the small farmer sector, expansion of existing safety nets, stimulating investment, and generating employment opportunities in the affected communities.

The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said that the year-on-year price of corn rose by more than 70 percent in Honduras and Nicaragua, while wheat prices rose by 90 percent in Argentina.

The rise in food prices is a factor that directly impacts the increase in food insecurity in the region.  More than 7 million people in Guatemala and Honduras face severe difficulties accessing food.

The annual report on the state of food security and nutrition in the world revealed that between 2020 and 2021, the number of undernourished people rose to 56.4 million, of which 8.6 percent are in Latin America.