EU donates to Zambia's Drought Response

On 25 June 2024, the European Union and the United Nations Children’s Agency (UNICEF) signed a Cooperation Agreement worth EUR 4,528,750 (approximately ZMW 125 million). This agreement marked a significant step forward in preventing severe nutrient deficiencies in the drought-stricken districts of Zambezi, Shang’ombo, Kalabo, Mongu, Choma, and Monze in Zambia. The agreement renewed the commitment to the SUN-II alliance, led by UNICEF and supported by key UN agencies, including WFP, WHO, and FAO.

Dr. Gabriel Pollen, the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) National Coordinator, expressed his gratitude on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Zambia. “The impact of drought on our communities has been devastating, affecting livelihoods, food security, and access to clean water. In these trying times, the support from the European Union is more than just financial assistance; it is a beacon of hope that reassures our people that they are not alone. Your aid will go a long way in alleviating the suffering and rebuilding the resilience of our communities.”

This financial contribution will significantly bolster the drought response led by the Government of the Republic of Zambia. Approximately 89,741 women and children are set to benefit from food assistance, cash transfers, nutrient supplements, and the treatment of severe wasting—the deadliest form of malnutrition.

Karolina Stasiak, the Ambassador of the European Union to Zambia, emphasized the importance of international cooperation in her speech. “Climate change knows no borders, and its effects are felt across continents, making international cooperation not just beneficial, but essential. It is our collective responsibility to respond swiftly and effectively, to mitigate the impacts of this drought and to build a pathway towards resilience and more sustainable development in Zambia. The European Union calls for climate action and a concerted response to this historic drought, leaving no one behind. Climate change is real, and this drought serves as a wake-up call to act more decisively to adapt to and mitigate climate change. There is no time to lose, and we need to act now.”

Beatrice Mutali, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Zambia, highlighted the critical nature of the situation. “This drought requires concerted efforts. Far too many families in key affected districts are struggling to put food on their tables. There is evidence indicating that a nutrition crisis is likely to unfold in provinces where hunger and nutrient gaps are high if timely concrete prevention actions are not taken now. Therefore, we cannot thank the European Union enough for taking a very important step in the right direction. Your support is very timely, and it will greatly contribute to improving the lives of pregnant and lactating mothers and children under five.”

On 29 February 2024, Zambia’s President Mr Hakainde Hichilema declared a national disaster and emergency due to a severe drought affecting large parts of Zambia. This drought, driven by the onset of El Niño conditions and climate change, has affected 84 districts in seven provinces, leaving over 6.6 million people, including 3.5 million children, in urgent need of humanitarian aid.

A SMART survey conducted in May 2024, assessing nutritional status and risk factors in six provinces revealed that more than half of the households were already experiencing moderate to severe hunger. It was estimated that within the next 12 months, 51,948 children under the age of five in the 84 drought-affected districts would fall into severe wasting, and another 276,000 children under five would experience moderate wasting. The survey also found that nearly 112,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women were estimated to suffer from wasting, with about 13,000 facing its most severe form. 

Having been conducted in a period of expected harvest, the survey also revealed that without immediate and adequate action, a nutrition crisis among children below five might unfold in Western, Southern, Central, and North-Western provinces of Zambia.

The Scaling Up Nutrition Phase (SUN Phase II) initiative aims to reduce stunting in children under two by 7% across 17 districts in Zambia. The SUN-II Programme is a multi-sectoral nutrition programme supporting the GRZ’s national flagship Most Critical Days Programme (MCDP-II) for stunting reduction. It is jointly funded by the UK Government, the Swedish Government (SIDA), the German Government (BMZ/KfW), the Government of Ireland (Irish Aid), and the European Union. UNICEF, in partnership with FAO, WHO, and WFP, focuses on a multisectoral approach to maximizing nutrition impact, involving health, WASH, agriculture (including livestock and fisheries), food security, Early Childhood Development (ECD), and social protection.