El Niño is a natural climate phenomenon, in which surface waters of the central and eastern Pacific Ocean become unusually warm and cause changes in weather patterns around the world. On average, it re-occurs every 2 to 7 years and typically lasts 9-12 months. Since El Niño can often be predicted months in advance, has a slow onset and a regular pattern, it is possible to design anticipatory actions and prepare emergency responses well ahead of time.

El Niño-induced climate hazards pose high risks to food security. By disrupting rainfall and temperature patterns, it may strongly impact agriculture and rural livelihoods. Farmers, pastoralists, fishers and other small-scale producers bear the most direct and immediate impacts of climate shocks such as drought and floods. Effective anticipatory actions must therefore concentrate on preventing damage and loss to crops, livestock, productive lands, waters and infrastructure to protect food at its source. This not only safeguards local food supply but also mitigates wider effects on communities, local economies and humanitarian aid requirements.