Anticipatory action advisory for Pacific food security - La Niña 2021

This paper examines La Niña 2021 and the anticipatory action for food security and livelihood in the Pacific Islands. La Niña conditions are likely to persist until April 2021, however the impacts may be felt beyond this timeframe. Countries of high concern include Kiribati, Tuvalu, parts of Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea due to below-average rainfall that has persisted over the wet season, and could further be compunded by the onset of the dry season. Cyclone activity in the Western Pacific should also remain closely monitored.

The report provided a menu of anticipatory actions for the food security and livelihood sector that can be implemented to mitigate the impact of both above and below-average rainfall in the Pacific Island region. Actions regarding forecast monitoring and information management include:

• All countries in the Pacific Island Region are encouraged to seek more information and closely monitor the latest developments of La Niña from their local weather services.
• Connect communities with early warning information and ensure the updates are socially inclusive.
• As COVID-10 coincides with this latest La Niña event, ensure all actions adhere to the latest WHO protocols to safeguard beneficiaries and those supporting the delivery of anticipatory actions.