“Urgent response required:

… Newanzake Expresses the Need to Tackle Zambia’s Climate Crisis with Action and Support

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka, Zambia, 24 (01-03-2024) – Zambia is currently grappling with a severe climate crisis, prompting ActionAid Zambia to make a urgent call to action and support.

Jovina Newanzake, the Interim Country Director of ActionAid Zambia, stated to Zambia24 that the absence of effective early warning systems and the necessity to reassess traditional farming practices due to climate change are the two primary factors contributing to the nation’s challenges.

She underscored the urgent necessity for change, highlighting how the ongoing El Niño phenomenon has exacerbated the situation, leading to the declaration of a national disaster and emergency due to prolonged drought.

Newanzake emphasizes the devastating impact of the drought on crop production and food security, prompting acknowledgement from President Hakainde Hichilema and the Zambian Government of the crisis compounded by climate change.

This acknowledgment has particularly affected maize production and vulnerable communities, impacting over one million small-scale farmers since the beginning of 2023.

Approximately one million hectares of crops have been destroyed, affecting 84 out of 116 districts in Zambia.

Newanzake stressed the importance of investing in agroecology and early warning systems to mitigate future losses.

She called for increased resource allocation to the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, particularly the Meteorological Department, to enhance early warning capabilities.

Additionally, she urges the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) to take proactive measures in disaster response.

To address the immediate needs of affected communities, ActionAid Zambia is prioritizing support for marginalized women, young people, and children to improve their social well-being and alleviate poverty.

As Zambia confronts the challenges posed by climate change, urgent action and collaborative support are imperative to navigate through these trying times and build resilience for the future.