Bolivia: Anticipatory action for El Niño in Latin America and the Caribbean - Strengthening local capacities and partnerships to protect livelihoods

Countries: Bolivia (Plurinational State of), Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) Source: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Please refer to the attached file. Summary This good practice factsheet documents the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations’ (FAO’s) anticipatory action (AA) in response to El Niño across eight countries in Latin America and the Caribbean between June 2023 and February 2024. Drawing on seasonal and climate forecasts, agricultural calendars, territorial risk analyses and predefined crisis timelines, FAO implemented AAs to protect food security and agricultural livelihoods. The actions targeted 31 873 households engaged primarily in subsistence agriculture and small‑scale livestock production, with a strong focus on Indigenous Peoples and female‑headed households. The good practice factsheet highlights how AAs – such as the provision of agricultural and livestock inputs, cash transfers, water harvesting and irrigation systems, climate‑resilient seeds, animal health brigades and family productive spaces – contributed to measurable improvements in food security, livelihoods and resilience. Implementation relied on close collaboration with governments and local partners, with these synergies proving to be essential to the success and sustainability of the initiative. Results include significant yield increases, reductions in production losses and animal mortality, and improved food security indicators among beneficiary households. Return on investment (ROI) analysis shows that, across the region, AA generated an average return of USD 2.34 for every dollar invested, demonstrating both effectiveness and value for money. Beyond immediate impacts, the practice strengthened lo...

Original source: Relief Web