Zambia is currently grappling with the devastating impact of drought, which has left millions of people in need of assistance. The World Bank recently approved a grant for Zambia totaling $208 million (approximately €193.7 million) to aid Lusaka in effectively responding to the impact of the drought. The severe drought in southern Africa has affected food production and the livelihoods of millions of people, leading to countries like Zambia declaring a state of disaster.
The grant from the World Bank is intended to protect the consumption of poor and vulnerable households in response to shocks in Zambia. It will allow the government to provide direct cash transfers to more affected individuals and families. The amount given per household per month is expected to double from around $8.30 to $16.60 through this grant. World Bank Executive Director Dr. Floribert Ngaruko stated that the objective of the grant is to ensure that those most affected by the drought have access to financial support, enabling them to purchase food and other essentials during this difficult time.
Southern Africa is currently facing its worst drought in years, partially influenced by the El Niño climate phenomenon. This phenomenon is characterized by warmer sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean near the equator, leading to disruptive weather patterns globally. The increased average temperatures resulting from greenhouse gas emissions are also contributing to the severity of the drought. The impact of the drought has severely affected food production and livelihoods across many countries, including Zambia, Malawi, and Zimbabwe.
It’s estimated that over 1.6 million households across 84 drought-impacted districts will receive cash assistance over a 12-month period through this grant, providing much-needed relief for those most affected by this natural disaster. As we continue to work towards finding long-term solutions for this crisis, it’s crucial that we support these communities with immediate financial assistance such as this grant from
