Bulletin : Early Warning For Timely Solutions?

As if the recent COVID-19 pandemic and cholera epidemic were not enough tragedy for the country, Zambian today faces a prolonged drought and imminent famine. A phenomenon that has led some Zambians to describe the situation as a “Triple Tragedy.” This has been compounded by power shortfalls as a result of a huge drop in water level in Kariba Dam, the country’s hydro water source. 
Declaring the drought as a national disaster and emergency, President Hakainde Hichilema said it had devastated food production and power generation, while the country still struggles to recover from the cholera epidemic. The severe drought is blamed on El Nino phenomenon, which is worsening harsh weather conditions attributed in part to climate change.
In his response, the President directed security forces to focus on food production in 84 of the country's 116 districts affected by the prolonged drought. Hakainde said authorities would take food from areas where there are surpluses and distribute to those in need. More so, Zambia will increase food imports and mobilize United Nations agencies and local b...