Havana, Cuba.-The negative impact of a severe drought Cuba is undergoing not only affects animal and human water consumption but is now directly affecting food security.

Cuba is facing its worst drought in 115 years. An abrupt intensification of the phenomenon since the 1960s and predictions of prolonged dry periods going forward, demand a change of vision in dealing with the problem.

According to World Food Program (WFP) and UN Development Program (UNDP) officials, drought is affecting sensitive areas such as animal and human water consumption and agriculture generally, with a consequent negative impact for food security.

Experts are pessimistic about the overall global scenario, but in the case of Cuba, the situation is even more challenging because of its location in a region negatively affected by ever more frequent violent natural phenomena.

In order to reduce the negative effects of drought, international organizations such as the UNDP and WFP are helping the country develop effective relationships between information obtained from monitoring and forecast services and responses.

According to the UNDP, sustainable and inclusive human development is essential to combat climate change. It is necessary to assess environmental sustainability and the rational use of resources to address the drought and food security issues in Cuba.

Water shortages currently affect 70 percent of the national territory (more than one million people are affected) and negatively impact on agriculture.

Consequently, the country has been obliged to spend in excess of $26 million on food imports. National and foreign entities have joined efforts to prevent further damages.

Actions adopted include the transfer of more efficient technology, the exploitation of agricultural waste materials, the implementation of water quality monitoring systems, initiatives introduced by 18 Cuban municipalities to combat climate change and the updating of more than 100 Agriculture Ministry regulations.