Norwegian Church Aid strengthens preparedness for El Niño

Norwegian Church Aid is scaling up preparedness efforts to help vulnerable communities withstand the impacts of a powerful El Niño expected to peak between September and December 2026, with effects potentially lasting into 2028, according to a press release by the organization. The weather phenomenon brings drought, floods, and food shortages to large parts of the world, often compounding existing crises. Working with local partners, the organization is expanding anticipatory action in several countries where it operates. The initiative aims to reach families before disasters escalate into full-scale emergencies. It reflects a shift toward acting on early warnings rather than waiting for needs to grow.

El Niño increases the risk of droughts, floods, and other extreme weather events across several vulnerable regions. Eastern and Southern Africa are among the areas expected to be hardest hit. According to the World Food Programme (WFP), nearly 50 million people in 45 countries could lose access to sufficient food by the end of 2027. New research also suggests that up to 450,000 people could die in the coming months as a result of extreme heat. Researchers are particularly concerned about a sharp rise in heat-related deaths in vulnerable areas.

Preparedness, often referred to as anticipatory action, is becoming a central element of how Norwegian Church Aid responds to humanitarian crises. The approach uses weather forecasts, scientific modelling, and early warning systems to act before a predicted hazard turns into a disaster. Cash assistance is provided when extreme weather is forecast, enabling families to purchase food or move to safer locations. The organization also distributes drought-resistant seeds, promotes climate-resilient crops, and builds emergency stockpiles. These measures are designed to help communities protect what matters most to them.

“Preparedness is not only about being ready when a crisis happens. For Norwegian Church Aid, it is also about being there before it does,” said Arne Næss-Holm, Head of International Programmes at Norwegian Church Aid.

He explained that investing in preparedness now can help families maintain access to food, water, and livelihoods. The goal is to reduce the need for large-scale emergency assistance if conditions worsen. Næss-Holm noted that early warnings give households time to move livestock, reinforce homes, store clean water, or relocate to safety. Without support, however, many families cannot take these steps on their own.

The organization’s climate work spans Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), food security, locally led response, and preparedness. It focuses on developing resilient water and sanitation services, promoting climate-smart agriculture, and supporting civil society through local faith actors and community organizations. Early warning systems, anticipatory action measures, and emergency stockpiles are being deployed to reduce disaster impacts before they occur. By releasing assistance before a disaster strikes, humanitarian actors can give communities the opportunity to act early. The approach may seem simple, but Norwegian Church Aid says it can be transformative.