Malnutrition remains a stubborn challenge among small holder farmers in Zambia. World Food Progamme Zambia reports that the poverty rate of greater than half of the population worsened following the COVID pandemic, and ongoing climate disruptions with frequent prolonged dry spells, extreme high temperatures, and flooding that have negatively impacted crops, food security, and the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. More than one-third of children below the age of 5 exhibit stunted growth, and 48% of the population are unable to meet their minimum daily caloric requirements.

 

On February 9, 2024 Zambia President Hakainde Hichilema declared the drought in his country a national disaster devastating food production and power generation. The drought has destroyed about 1 million hectares ((2.5 million acres) of the 2.2 million hectares planted in maize, the primary staple crop. According to the UN Global Food Program, parts of Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana are experiencing the driest February in 40 years.

 

Pastor Banda reports that he regularly has requests for food from families who are eating one meal every 2 to 3 days. With the help of Shoulder-2-Shoulder and church members, local pastors are attempting to provide food for the hungry. They recognize this is a short- term solution and see the importance of tackling the underlying conditions that have led to the crises.

Land degradation, with the reduction in agricultural productivity has resulted from crop residue removal, nutrient mining, erosion, monocropping, and traditional cultivation with plows. Further, overreliance on maize and limited variety in food crops decreases available nutrients and increases the risk of crop failure from insect and climate stresses. Post harvest loss compounds the problem of decreased productivity.

Adding to poverty, decreased agricultural productivity, and food insecurity is the lack of available capital for small business loans and business education with ongoing support. The need to understand profit, loss, budgeting, and other managerial practices has been identified.

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This, we believe, is where faith and ingenuity join forces to bring hope. Faith in a God who declares, “I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?” (Jer 32:27) and the ingenuity of farmers and agronomists who implement advanced business and agronomic practices. Farm families witness the evidence of improved food production and financial security which leads to self-reliance and hope! We invite you to share in the work as farmers tackle the problem of hunger and financial
insecurity together.