BELMOPAN, Belize, CMC – The Belize government says it has activated the Anticipatory Action (AA) mechanism for drought following a forecast indicating an increased likelihood of below-average rainfall for the upcoming season.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and New Growth Industries said it is collaborating with the National Meteorological Service of Belize and the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) to roll out the initiative.
It said that pre-identified farmers in the drought-prone districts of Orange Walk, Corozal, and Cayo will receive anticipatory cash assistance ahead of the forecasted drought and that this early support will enable them to take proactive measures, such as investing in water storage equipment, drought-tolerant seeds, or irrigation supplies.
The initiative is the result of nearly two years of collaboration among the three stakeholders to design a system tailored to Belize’s agricultural and climate contexts. The ministry said it reflects the government’s commitment to proactive disaster risk management, using science and data to protect smallholder farmers and strengthen resilience to combat shocks by acting before the impacts of drought are fully felt.
“As climate risks intensify, acting early can mean the difference between a manageable shock and a devastating crisis,” said Brian Bogart, Representative and Country Director of the WFP’s Caribbean Multi-Country Office.
“Anticipatory action allows us to use scientific evidence to get ahead of drought impacts, protect farmers’ livelihoods, and reduce the long-term cost of disasters.”
Weather officials say the changes driven by the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), particularly El Niño conditions, which are highly likely to develop by July, have led to more frequent and severe drought events, primarily affecting rain-fed agriculture in the northern and western districts.
The ministry said that these shocks place significant strain on government resources and disrupt agricultural production, which affects smallholder farmers who rely on predictable rainfall for their incomes and food security.
“The development of the Anticipatory Action mechanism is timely as Belize continues to face increased climate pressures, including droughts, floods, and tropical storms that threaten livelihoods, food security, and economic stability,” the ministry said.
It said that as part of this effort, WFP has been working closely with the National Meteorological Service to strengthen the use of climate information for early action. This collaboration has focused on improving the interpretation and application of seasonal forecasts, supporting early warning communication, and linking climate information to decision-making.
This milestone has been made possible through the generous support of WFP’s partners, including the governments of Canada, the European Union, Ireland, and the United States, whose contributions have helped develop the Anticipatory Action mechanism for drought and now enable Belize to take proactive, risk-informed action.
“Investment in anticipatory action ensures that resources reach vulnerable communities early, reducing losses, protecting agricultural livelihoods, and strengthening national resilience in the face of more frequent and intense climate shocks,” the ministry added.
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