Livestock are seen on the drought field in Kidemu sub-location in Kilifi County, Kenya, March 23, 2022. Scattered on the five-acre farm in Bandari village, Kidemu sub-location in Kenya's coastal Kilifi County, were withered maize crops. Adam Ndamunga, an officer with Kenya National Drought Management Authority NDMA in Kilifi, said the drought situation in the region started in August 2021 and has been progressing due to inadequate rains. The United Nations relief agency said the Horn of Africa is experiencing one of its worst droughts in recent history, with more than 13 million people severely food insecure in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia. (Photo by Dong Jianghui/Xinhua via Getty Images)
Zambia is reeling under the relentless grip of a severe drought, with nearly half of its population grappling with its devastating impact. President Hakainde Hichilema underscored the gravity of the situation in a national address, emphasizing the urgent need for approximately $940 million (£760 million) in aid to address immediate humanitarian and recovery needs.
The scale of the crisis is staggering, with President Hichilema revealing that a staggering 9.8 million Zambians have been adversely affected by the drought, with 6.6 million requiring urgent humanitarian assistance. This dire situation has prompted Zambia, alongside neighboring Zimbabwe and Malawi, to declare states of disaster.
The agricultural sector, the lifeblood of Zambia’s economy, bears the brunt of the drought’s impact, with approximately one million hectares of planted maize succumbing to its ravages. Maize, a dietary staple, lies at the heart of Zambia’s food security.
In a heartfelt plea, President Hichilema implored the international community, local partners, the private sector, religious institutions, and civil society organizations to rally behind Zambia’s recovery efforts both financially and materially.
Beyond the immediate food crisis, Zambia grapples with chronic electricity shortages, prompting the implementation of stringent eight-hour power rationing periods. The nation’s heavy reliance on hydroelectric power exacerbates this challenge, underscoring the multifaceted nature of Zambia’s current predicament.
As Zambia confronts the enormity of this crisis, the collective support of the global community becomes indispensable in alleviating the suffering of millions and fostering resilience in the face of future challenges.
