Dry Corridor Overview

The Central American Dry Corridor (CADC) is a geographical area 1,600 kilometers long and 100-400 kilometers wide, covering 44% of the surface of  Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua. This region is particularly vulnerable to extreme climate events, including frequent droughts and floods. 

In CADC, 11.5 million people live in rural municipalities and more than half work in agriculture. The agricultural sector is the backbone of the economy in these countries and recently is severely affected by climatic changes. Rising climate variability is posing a growing threat to livelihoods, especially for communities that rely on subsistence farming and rain-fed agriculture. Staple crops like maize and beans often suffer from prolonged dry spells, leading to reduced yields, food insecurity, and increased poverty across the region.

The climate fragility risks in the Dry Corridor are intricately linked to social, economic, and political factors. These risks exacerbate existing vulnerabilities and contribute to conflict and insecurity. For instance, climate impacts are accelerating ongoing socio-economic trends like urbanization and rural-urban migration. This puts additional stress on already overstretched urban governance systems, leading to service deficiencies and housing scarcities. The result is often increased unrest and conflict, particularly in fragile social and institutional environments characterized by a history of social, economic, and political exclusion.

The most vulnerable populations, including women, children, and indigenous communities, are disproportionately affected by climate stress. Women often bear the burden of managing households and agricultural duties when men migrate for work. This gender inequality not only increases women's workload but also exposes them to greater risks of poverty and social marginalization. Children are also impacted, as climate stress can interrupt their education and force families to rely on child labor for survival. Indigenous populations, with fewer resources and limited access to financial or institutional support, face the dual challenges of social exclusion and environmental degradation.

To address these growing challenges, the CADC requires sustainable adaptation strategies that enhance agricultural resilience, such as the adoption of climate-smart practices and improved water management systems. Holistic policies focusing on inclusive economic development and gender-sensitive solutions will be essential to protect vulnerable communities and build long-term resilience in the face of ongoing climate change.