Zambia's Drought Crisis: Our Response to Food Insecurity and Health Risks

The drought has ravaged Zambia's agriculture. Government reports indicate that nearly half of the 2.2 million hectares of maize have been destroyed. This significant crop loss has worsened an already precarious food situation for many Zambians.

Behind these statistics are real people struggling to survive. Lubinda Nalukui, a farmer from Western Province, shares her experience: 

Lubinda's story illustrates the resourcefulness of Zambian farmers in the face of adversity. She has turned to drought-resistant crops and innovative farming techniques to cope with the crisis. "Since we started using biochar in our farming, we've noticed an improvement in our harvests," she explains that “Even though the yield was small, it provided us with something to eat. I can't imagine what we would have done without biochar to feed my children."

According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis, between October 2023 and March 2024, 58,000 people were in Emergency (IPC Phase 4) and 1.9 million people were in Crisis (IPC Phase 3). Of the 76 assessed districts, 67 were identified as hotspots in IPC 3 (Crisis). The failed crop season and extended lean period are likely to increase the number of people needing urgent humanitarian action.

Economic Repercussions

The Zambia Statistics Agency reports that the annual inflation rate quickened for the 14th month to 15.5% in August 2024, the highest since December 2021. Food prices have surged by 17.6%, largely due to the drought. The severe conditions have also reduced hydropower generation and led to increased import costs, weakening the kwacha (the Zambian currency).

Health Risks

The drought poses significant health risks. Reduced access to safe water increases the risk of waterborne diseases. This risk comes at a time when Zambia is still recovering from a cholera outbreak that affected over 21,000 people and claimed about 700 lives. Water scarcity could lead to increased protection risks for women and children who must walk longer distances to fetch water. Malnutrition rates, already a concern, are expected to rise.

In Western Province, one of the hardest-hit regions, a rapid needs assessment revealed alarming statistics. In districts such as Sioma, Senanga, and Sikongo, 73.2% of surveyed households reported poor food consumption scores, indicating inadequate and nutritionally imbalanced diets.

The human impact of these health risks is exemplified by Biemba Lenge’s story, a mother from Nalolo District, Western Province.

Biemba's experience highlights the critical importance of nutrition interventions, especially for groups like pregnant women and young children.

Our Response

We've launched a comprehensive Nutrition Emergency Response project in the Western Province. Our intervention focuses on capacity building for rural health workers and community health volunteers. We provide training in Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (IMAM) and Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergency (IYCF-E). We're also offer comprehensive instruction on nutrition data management and engaging communities by empowering caregivers with vital knowledge and tools. In collaboration with UNICEF, we're distributing therapeutic supplies to those in need.

This project complements our existing Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs funded Response to Food and Nutrition Security Crisis in Western Zambia project, demonstrating our commitment to a comprehensive approach.

The impact of these interventions is evident in Biemba's story.

This underscores the effectiveness of targeted nutrition programmes in addressing malnutrition, even in challenging circumstances.

Strengthening Disaster Response and Preparedness

We're also implementing a crucial Strengthening Disaster Response and Preparedness project. This initiative is vital given that Western Province was projected to be the most affected (IPC report), with 30% of the population facing high acute food insecurity. The situation has been exacerbated by the El Niño-induced severe drought, the worst in 40 years.

The Food Security Drought Response Plan, disseminated by the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit in April 2024, estimates that of the 9.8 million people affected by the drought, 6.6 million need immediate support, requiring funding of USD 941 million.

Our in-depth vulnerability assessment conducted in 2023 revealed that 75.7% of households in Western Province experienced climate-related disasters in 2022/2023. These included floods, prolonged dry spells, and disease. These factors significantly impacted crop and livestock production—the primary livelihood source for local communities.

Climate Change Adaptation is among the priorities of the Zambian government, it established a dedicated department within the new Ministry of Green Economy and Environment in 2021. However, preparedness efforts face challenges due to limited capacity, skills, and resources at the local level.

In response, we are implementing a locally driven Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) initiative in Nalolo and Sikongo districts of Western Province. The project focuses on building the capacity of the District Disaster Management Committees (DDMC), empowering them to respond effectively to disasters.

As Zambia continues to face prolonged drought, we remain committed to supporting the affected communities. The challenges are immense, and the road to recovery will be long. However, we believe in the resilience of the Zambian people and the power of collaborative efforts. Together with local communities, government agencies, and other humanitarian partners, we strive to address the immediate needs and build long-term resilience.