US Announces $66M for Zambia’s drought relief & food security boost
By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusaka, Zambia24 – (28-06-2024) – The United States government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), has committed $66.8 million (K2.6 billion) to assist Zambia in tackling the current drought, bolstering food security, and enhancing economic and climate resilience, according to a statement from the U.S. Embassy in Lusaka.
“The U.S. government stands by Zambia as it recovers from drought,” said USAID Deputy Administrator Isobel Coleman during bilateral discussions with President Hakainde Hichilema and at a public event at the Export Trading Group (ETG) fertilizer plant in Lusaka.
Before meeting President Hichilema, Ms. Coleman toured the ETG fertilizer plant and engaged with farmers, processors, and agribusiness representatives. Alongside the Minister of Agriculture, Ruben Mtolo Phiri, she also launched the U.S. government’s Global Food Security Strategy country plan for Zambia for 2024-2029.
“This new strategy aims to address the interplay between food security and climate change by promoting the use of drought-tolerant seeds, strengthening markets, and improving dietary intake,” Ms. Coleman explained. “We aim to enhance food systems and stimulate inclusive agricultural growth, equipping Zambian entrepreneurs with financial, digital, and productive tools.”
Ms. Coleman further highlighted, “We will be supporting those most in need and will continue to support agricultural development for many years to come.”
Ms. Coleman also unveiled the Feed the Future Accelerator, a USAID-led effort targeting areas of high need and potential. “Zambia is a key focus of this initiative due to its significant agricultural growth potential,” she emphasized. “The Accelerator aims to commercialize the agricultural sector, boost production, and enhance regional trade and market linkages, positioning Zambia as a regional breadbasket.”
For over a decade, Feed the Future has been at the forefront of combating hunger, poverty, and malnutrition by fostering sustainable food systems. As part of the $66.8 million package, USAID will allocate $20 million (K515 million) for urgent humanitarian assistance, including food, cash, and agricultural aid, to address the severe drought in Zambia.
“This new funding builds on USAID’s existing $9.5 million (K245 million) Feed the Future portfolio, which promotes inclusive, long-term agricultural growth,” Ms. Coleman stated. “Additionally, USAID plans to invest $5 million (K130 million) to boost Zambia’s agricultural productivity, improve nutrition, and enhance resilience to future shocks.”
Furthermore, Ms. Coleman outlined that “$32.3 million (K836 million) will be dedicated to accelerating development across various sectors, including $11 million (K285 million) for climate adaptation programs and $12 million (K310 million) to create a policy environment that fosters job and income generation, trade, investment, and good governance.”