No Child Left Hungry: Uniting for a Sustainable Response to Zambia’s Worst Drought in 40 Years
By Njavwa Simukoko, Communications, Zambia
The ongoing drought in Zambia, marked as the driest agricultural season in over four decades, has deeply impacted communities across the country. With over nine million people in 84 districts experiencing heightened food insecurity, this crisis underscores the urgent need for resilient solutions to safeguard livelihoods, ensure food security, and protect the most vulnerable—especially children.
At World Vision Zambia, we have been at the forefront of addressing this crisis through our community-focused programs. In an interview with Bernard Zymbo, Associate Director for Humanitarian Emergency Affairs, he shared that World Vision Zambia’s response to the drought crisis has been a testament to our commitment to serving the most vulnerable. He added that we are leveraging our expertise and partnerships to deliver impactful and sustainable solutions for communities in need.
During the past rainy season of 2023/24, we implemented strategic interventions to mitigate the impact of the drought. These efforts included distributing drought-tolerant seeds, training farmers in climate-smart agriculture practices, providing access to clean water through our Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) programs, conducting school feeding programs, and distributing relief food to the most affected households. While these initiatives brought relief to many, the persistent drought conditions demand a redoubling of our efforts to build lasting resilience.
Strengthening Food Security and Sustainability
Our programs are designed to empower communities with sustainable solutions. By scaling up Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR), we aim to restore degraded landscapes, increase soil fertility, and improve agricultural yields. Additionally, we continue to support smallholder farmers with modern farming techniques, irrigation systems, and access to markets to ensure they can thrive even under challenging conditions.
To address immediate needs, we have expanded our food assistance programs, prioritizing households with children, pregnant women, and the elderly. These interventions are coupled with nutrition education to help families make informed choices that improve health outcomes. By investing in sustainable agricultural practices, we not only provide short-term relief but also build the foundations for long-term food security.
Supporting Vulnerable Communities and Children
Children remain at the heart of our mission. Drought often leads to increased school dropouts as families struggle to meet basic needs. Through our Education in Emergencies program, we are providing school meals and resources to keep children in classrooms. Our Child Protection programs ensure that children’s rights are safeguarded, even in the face of adversity.
In partnership with the Zambian government, we are integrating child-focused policies into national response strategies. Our maternal and child health programs also provide critical support to ensure that families have access to healthcare and nutritional services during these challenging times.
A Call for Partnerships
The persistent drought calls for unified action. We invite partners—governments, private sector players, civil society organizations, and individuals—to join us in building on the successes of the past rainy season. Together, we can expand our reach, innovate solutions, and bring hope to communities that need it most. Your partnership can enable us to:
Expand irrigation and water-harvesting infrastructure.
Provide more communities with drought-resistant seeds and farming tools.
Support livelihood diversification to reduce dependence on rain-fed agriculture.
Enhance educational support for children affected by the drought.
Offering Hope Through Resilience and Collaboration
Despite the challenges, there is hope. Through our partnership with the Zambian government, we are leveraging national and local resources to strengthen our programs. Initiatives like the winter maize project and solar-powered irrigation systems demonstrate the potential for innovation to transform adversity into opportunity.
World Vision Zambia remains committed to creating a brighter future for every child. By combining our expertise with the strength of partnerships, we can overcome the challenges of drought and build a resilient, food-secure Zambia. Together, let us sow the seeds of hope and sustainability, ensuring that no child goes to bed hungry and every community has the tools to thrive