Emerging El Niño conditions

Guyana’s emerging El Niño conditions present a serious test for the resilience of the agriculture sector, water-management systems, energy infrastructure and national food supply. With conditions expected to persist through the remainder of 2026 and potentially into the first quarter of 2027, preparedness can no longer remain confined to forums, forecasts and advisories. The priority must now be sustained implementation of measures capable of protecting production and livelihoods.
The reported possibility of up to 80 hot-spell days during 2026, nearly three times the historical average, underscores the seriousness of the situation. Extreme heat and reduced rainfall can place pressure on irrigation systems, water supplies, crop yields and livestock. The consequences can extend beyond farms, affecting food prices, household expenditure and national food security.
Agriculture remains particularly vulnerable because production depends heavily on reliable access to water. The immediate challenge, therefore, is not simply the availability of infrastructure but the capacity to operate, maintain and coordinate that infrastructure effectively.
The construction of high-level canals in Regions Five and Six is an important intervention. Designed to improve drainage while also providing storage capacity for irrigation, such infrastructure could become increasingly valuable under drier conditions.
Water conservation must consequently become a central component of the national response. Available water must be stored where feasible, allocated according to agricultural needs and protected from unnecessary losses. Irrigation systems require regular inspection, while farmers need timely information on water availability and practical guidance on efficient use.
The situation also highlights the importance of translating climate information into decisions that can be acted upon at farm level. Weather forecasts have limited value if technical information does not reach farmers in a clear and understandable form. Communication must provide practical guidance on planting periods, crop selection, irrigation requirements, crop duration and anticipated weather conditions.
The development of digital tools capable of providing information on planting periods, irrigation availability, pests and diseases offers an opportunity to place useful information directly in the hands of farmers. Such tools be effective if they are properly explained and supported by reliable technical services.
Farmers facing unusual weather conditions require regular contact with agricultural officers can assist with interpreting forecasts, adjusting production practices, identifying risks and responding quickly when conditions change.
The rice sector has already received guidance concerning irrigation, drainage, planting schedules and crop duration.
Extreme heat can affect animal health, productivity and feed intake. Adequate water, shade, ventilation and nutrition must be part of livestock preparedness rather than being treated as secondary considerations.
Agriculture does not operate independently of the electricity and water sectors. Prolonged heat can increase electricity consumption, placing additional pressure on the national grid. Higher temperatures can increase demand for cooling while agricultural operations may require greater pumping capacity for irrigation.
The reported decision to encourage large electricity consumers with self-generation capacity to reduce reliance on the national grid during peak periods illustrates the interconnected nature of climate preparedness. Energy conservation and agricultural water management must be considered alongside each other because both are affected by extreme weather.
The current circumstances should not be interpreted as a reason to reduce agricultural production. Rather, the conditions reinforce the need for smarter and more efficient production. Climate-smart agriculture, improved water storage, better irrigation management, accurate weather information and stronger extension services can reduce vulnerability while maintaining output.
El Niño is a climate phenomenon and its consequences are shaped by preparedness, planning and execution. Early action as being highlight by Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, can reduce disruption; delayed action can increase costs.