Melo News | Wednesday, March 6, 2024 | Lusaka
Oxfam has issued a warning regarding the dire situation faced by over 6 million individuals belonging to farming families in Zambia, who are currently grappling with acute food shortages and malnutrition due to a severe drought that has resulted in significant crop failures across half of the country’s cultivated land.
According to Oxfam Zambia Country Representative Yvonne Chibiya, the organization, in collaboration with its partners, is conducting additional assessments in the specific areas targeted to gather crucial information that will guide the humanitarian response efforts.
Ms. Chibiya emphasized the urgent need for 6 million euros to facilitate the provision of cash transfers and clean water to 600,000 people, as well as assistance with winter cropping and the enhancement of local sanitation and hygiene services to prevent the resurgence of a cholera outbreak.
Meanwhile, Oxfam Southern Africa Programme Director Machinda Marongwe stressed the critical importance of climate financing during such challenging times, emphasizing the necessity of developing practical and accessible solutions to support vulnerable smallholder farmers.
Mr. Marongwe highlighted the significance of insulating smallholder farmers from the adverse impacts of climate change and ensuring they receive adequate support to transition their agricultural practices, enabling them to continue producing food for their families amidst the changing climate conditions.
He further underscored the essential role of climate financing in assisting countries like Zambia and others in Southern Africa in enhancing the resilience of their smallholder farmers, thereby contributing to long-term sustainability and food security in the region.
