By Daniel Itai.
Lusaka, Zambia. – The Italian Government has donated US$610 000 to the World Food Prigramme (WFP) to provide food to people affected by the drought in Zambia.
Drought and prolonged dry spells have left 2.3 million Zambians severely food insecure and in need of humanitarian food assistance.
“The funds will enable WFP to procure around 340 metric tonnes of pulses to cover the food needs of about 99 000 people for an entire month, helping WFP ensure that the people residing in the areas most affected by the drought can receive the immediate assistance they need.
At the same time, WFP will continue to work in strengthening communities’ resilience to future climatic shocks under its five year Country Strategic Plan,” said Jennifer Bitonde, WFP Country Representative in Zambia.
About 1.1 million people are expected to receive WFP’s support, while the remaining 1.2 million will be assisted by the government and other partners, with whom WFP is working and closely coordinating.
The drought has also curbed hydropower at the Kariba Dam, affecting over 81 percent of electricity generation, as well as nearing the world-famous Victoria Falls one step closer to drying up.
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