Drought Strikes Zambia

Total Crop Loss in Petauke District

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On February 9, 2024 Zambia President Hakainde Hichilema declared the drought in his country a national disaster devastating food production, safe drinking water, and power generation. The drought has destroyed nearly half of the maize nationwide, the primary staple crop and food source. In the Petauke District the prolonged dry period occurred during the crucial flowering stage resulting in total crop loss. The ZIAP Zambia team are scouting fields where ears from 36 plants are harvested from each field. A current drought result is pictured. This compared to approximately 60 pounds of shelled corn for the same stand in Iowa. Zambia is experiencing the driest rainy season in 40 years.

 

The crop loss has exacerbated food insecurity where more than one-third of children exhibit stunted growth and 48% of the population are unable to meet their minimum daily caloric requirements. The United Nations estimates that 9 million people, half of Zambia’s population, will require assistance to survive. Inflation and shortages in food stocks are anticipated. Community members are deeply concerned about having enough to eat and feed their families. The drought is similar to the 1988 season in Iowa, yet resiliency and safety nets allowed families to center concerns over livestock, commodity prices, and income rather than malnutrition and survival.

 

Drying of safe water sources is impacting human and animal health, increasing the likelihood of waterborne disease. The country is just recovering from a cholera outbreak beginning in 2023. Lack of drinking water and adequate pasture will place pressure on livestock populations.