Papua New Guinea faces food shortages as El Niño brings frost and drought

Families across Papua New Guinea’s Highlands face depleted harvests and threats to their food and income after El Niño brought frost and prolonged dry conditions that have destroyed food gardens supplying sustenance for thousands of households. Oxfam PNG estimates up to 3 million people could be affected nationwide, including about 1.9 million in the Highlands.

Rainfall has been below average for almost a year and, combined with frost and invasive pests, crops and livestock have been destroyed. Some communities say food supplies may last only two to three months, and households forced to reduce meals are at increased risk of malnutrition.

Many rivers and creeks have dried up, forcing people to find alternative water sources, and some schools have reduced operating hours because of heat and water shortages.

Papua New Guinea, Highlands

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