World Food Programme gives Zambia $3.3 million in response to drought

On 20th May, the World Food Programme gave $3.3 million to help alleviate the effects of the drought which has hit Zambia, with 9.8 million people being affected by it and are at risk of starvation.

The Executive Director, Cindy McMain met with President Hichilema at State House. She said, “we plan to assist over one million people and to provide logistical support. As I mentioned we had a very good meeting with the UN team today, and we are continuing working together and strengthening our bonds…I’m here to primarily raise the global attention and resources for Zambia and for the region. Zambia is too important and we need to come together to support this.”

The impacts of the drought have had a butterfly effect on the country, hitting not only food security, but also energy supplies and the economy as a whole. As a result, the government has had to revise its GDP growth predictions.

The minister for agriculture, Reuben Mtolo said that over one million hectares of planted crops have been destroyed by the drought, and 86 districts have been affected.

President Hichilema expressed his gratitude on Twitter/X, and said that the government required support in required skills to distribute the payout and ensure that the intended beneficiaries receive the support directly.