….Gonzales says the plan is a comprehensive effort aimed at assisting over half a million Zambians with food, cash, and agricultural support.
By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusaka, Zambia24 – (1-08-2024) – The United States, in collaboration with the World Food Program (WFP), has launched a $20 million aid initiative to support over half a million Zambians affected by severe drought. This program will provide essential food supplies, cash transfers, and agricultural support to vulnerable groups, including children and women-led households in central, eastern, southern, and western provinces.
The aid package includes maize meal, beans, salt, cooking oil, and cash assistance. WFP will also aid agricultural recovery, helping farmers cultivate cereals, sweet potatoes, and legumes.
Vice President Mutale Nalumango officially launched the Food Security Drought Response Assistance project to address the 2023-2024 drought’s impact.
According to Nalumango, this initiative responds to one of the worst droughts in recent history, which led President Hakainde Hichilema to declare a national disaster on February 29, 2024, affecting 84 of Zambia’s 116 districts.”
At the launch, Nalumango emphasized the critical need for the initiative, noting, “The El Niño-induced drought has drastically reduced food supply and increased food prices, worsening food insecurity for approximately 6.6 million people.”
She highlighted severe reductions in food production, citing a survey indicating that drought-affected provinces produced less than 80,000 metric tons of the projected 1.5 million metric tons of maize.
“The 2023-2024 crop forecasting survey indicates a serious drop in production,” she said.
Nalumango stressed the urgency of the initiative as the rainy season approaches, marking the start of the lean period when food is typically scarce.
“We must act swiftly to address food insecurity and support those most affected,” she stated.
The project, funded by the United States through USAID, will be implemented by WFP in collaboration with CARE International and Catholic Relief Services. It aims to assist 512,000 individuals and support 30,000 households to restore agricultural production capacities.
“The support we have received from the US through USAID and WFP will go a long way,” Nalumango remarked.
She acknowledged the project’s dual focus on providing immediate food assistance and restoring agricultural capacity, ensuring Zambia can achieve self-sufficiency.
“This project’s dual focus ensures that Zambia can once again feed itself and beyond,” she added.
The initiative also aims to build resilience against climate shocks, with $47 million allocated to strengthen Zambia’s self-sufficiency and reduce food insecurity and malnutrition.
Nalumango expressed gratitude to the international community for their support, emphasizing, “Unity is crucial in overcoming the challenges posed by the drought.”
US Ambassador to Zambia Michael Gonzales highlighted the partnership’s importance, stating, “This initiative represents the ongoing collaboration between the United States and Zambia to support the Zambian government and its people.”
The drought has caused significant crop losses, forcing families to reduce food intake, sell livestock at low prices, and migrate for work.
Approximately 6.6 million people across 84 districts are affected, with conditions expected to persist into early next year.
Beyond the $20 million emergency aid, Gonzales said US has committed over $2.6 billion to Zambia, including $32 million for policy enhancements, $11 million for climate-smart agriculture, and $9.3 million for water, sanitation, and hygiene improvements.
“An additional $8.5 million will support business growth, and $3.5 million will fund public financial management reforms,” he explained.
Gonzales emphasized the US focus on long-term solutions such as drought-resistant seeds, improved water management, and advanced weather forecasting.
“Our goal is to minimize the need for emergency aid and promote sustainable development,” he explained.
The US remains dedicated to aiding Zambia’s recovery and supporting its economic growth and food security.
Gonzales concluded, “We are honored to partner with global leaders in addressing this crisis and advancing Zambia’s development.”
And speaking earlier, WFP Byenkya Kabusenga, WFP Country Director for Zambia, expressed deep gratitude to USAID for its substantial contribution.
Kabusenga praised the US government’s support, emphasizing its critical role in addressing severe food insecurity.
“The US government’s support is instrumental as we confront the urgent needs of the 6.6 million people at risk of acute food insecurity and malnutrition in Zambia,” he said.
Kabusenga highlighted the importance of effective monitoring and evaluation to ensure successful interventions, including monthly market monitoring and outcome assessments.
“We will implement rigorous processes to ensure the effectiveness of our programs and make informed decisions for improvement,” he added.
Since 2019, Kabusenga observed, USAID has contributed over $6 million to WFP’s crisis response in Zambia, including $650,000 this year for the Strengthening Livelihoods and Building Self-Reliance project.
She said the USAID’s funding has also facilitated the procurement of over 68,000 metric tons of food from Zambia, boosting the local economy by over $70 million.
Kabusenga commended the US government’s sustained partnership and urged all stakeholders to unite in addressing climate change and providing relief to those affected by the drought.
“The US government has consistently supported WFP in Zambia, and we look forward to further collaboration to help Zambia recover and regain its status as a regional food basket,” he concluded.
She said the WFP remains committed to enhancing community resilience and delivering essential support to Zambia’s drought-affected populations, working closely with the Zambian government and its partners.
