Government Moves to Counter Effects of Drought

President Hakainde Hichilema has announced plans to adjust the national budget in order to overcome the challenge of food security, induced by a prolonged dry spell affecting over half of Zambia's ten provinces.

Addressing church leaders in Lusaka on Thursday, President Hichilema said that the government’s Food Reserve Agency is ready to purchase all domestically grown crops to guarantee ample food supplies for all. Agriculture stands as the cornerstone of Zambia's economy, providing livelihoods for 59% of citizens.

He went on to acknowledge the risk of reduced output from hydropower plants in the southern regions due to insufficient rainfall. With hydroelectric power providing 90% of Zambia's electricity, significant international investment has been secured in order to expand and diversify the country's energy sources to assure sufficient energy supplies nationwide in the near future.

President Hichilema emphasised the government's commitment to reorienting budgetary allocations towards ensuring food security. "We must realign our budgetary priorities," he stated, "channeling more resources to guarantee our citizens' sustenance regardless of prevailing conditions.”

The six provinces most affected by the dry spell are all key agricultural areas. To support food production, the government is also contemplating carrying out irrigation schemes.

Agriculture Minister Reuben Phiri said that Zambia will refrain from exporting it’s staple crop, maize, until it is known how much will remain after the next harvest.