ZRCS RESPONDS TO DROUGHT CRISIS IN ZAMBIA: ADDRESSING FOOD INSECURITY, WATER SANITATION AND HYGIENE

The impact of the drought during the 2023/2024 farming season in Zambia has not only fueled widespread food insecurity but has also affected access to clean water, health services, and overall community well-being. As the crisis deepens, malnutrition among children under five, livestock disease outbreaks, and increased incidents of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) are escalating, alongside growing economic hardships.

In collaboration with the Government of Zambia and various ministries, Zambia Red Cross Society (ZRCS) has launched a series of initiatives aimed at mitigating these challenges. With the support from UN agencies and other partners, ZRCS is implementing targeted interventions designed to provide immediate relief and support long-term recovery.

Food Security and Resilience

ZRCS is addressing food insecurity by promoting sustainable agricultural practices and distributing multi-purpose cash to help vulnerable families purchase essential goods. The organization is supporting smart agriculture techniques and food preservation methods to ensure that communities can improve food production despite drought conditions. These efforts align with Goal 1 of the ZRCS strategic plan, which aims to help people anticipate, respond to, and quickly recover from crises. By empowering communities to build resilience, ZRCS is helping families maintain access to food during the drought.

Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)

The drought has severely impacted access to safe and clean water sources, heightening the risk of waterborne diseases. In response, ZRCS has been rehabilitating water infrastructure such as hand pumps and boreholes that have broken down, in order to improve access to safe and clean water. Additionally, hygiene promotion campaigns and volunteer training have been launched to encourage better sanitation practices. These initiatives are crucial to ensuring communities can lead safe, healthy, and dignified lives, as outlined in Goal 2 of ZRCS’s strategic plan.

Health and Nutrition Support

Children under five are particularly vulnerable to malnutrition during the drought. ZRCS is working to promote access to essential health services, including distributing vitamin A supplements, deworming treatments, and encouraging exclusive breastfeeding. Pregnant women are also receiving critical support through the provision of micronutrients, aiming to prevent severe health complications. These health interventions are crucial in addressing the long-term impact of the drought on Zambia’s most vulnerable populations, helping them lead healthier lives in the face of adversity.

Protection, Gender, and Inclusion (PGI)

ZRCS is committed to protecting the rights of affected populations, ensuring that the most vulnerable, regardless of gender, age, or political affiliation, receive the assistance they need. Increased incidents of SGBV amid the drought have prompted ZRCS to focus on raising awareness and providing resources to survivors. This approach aligns with Goal 3 of ZRCS’s strategy, which seeks to mobilize inclusive, peaceful communities where the rights of all individuals are respected and upheld.

Community Engagement and Accountability

In order to ensure an effective response, ZRCS has prioritized Community Engagement and Accountability (CEA) and Risk Communication & Community Engagement (RCCE). These efforts encourage full participation from the affected population, harnessing their skills and capacities to reduce vulnerabilities. By listening to the needs and concerns of local communities, ZRCS is able to tailor its interventions to address the most pressing issues and support long-term recovery.

Coordinating a United Response

ZRCS continues to lead coordination efforts between government ministries, UN agencies, and other partners to streamline communication and ensure that resources are used effectively. These efforts are key to enhancing the impact of the interventions and ensuring that aid reaches those most in need.

Supporting Recovery and Building Resilience

The drought crisis in Zambia poses a serious threat to the well-being of millions, but Zambia Red Cross Society is committed to alleviating its effects. Through a coordinated and strategic response, ZRCS aims to not only help communities survive the current crisis but also build resilience for the future. By focusing on food security, water access, health, protection, and community engagement, ZRCS is laying the foundation for a more resilient, healthy, and inclusive Zambia.

These efforts reflect ZRCS’s strategic goals of helping people recover quickly from crises, lead dignified lives, and foster peaceful communities, demonstrating the organization’s unwavering commitment to supporting those most affected by the drought.

All of these initiatives have been made possible with the generous support of the Netherlands Red Cross, the European Union, and other key partners. Their contributions have enabled ZRCS to strengthen its response to the drought and implement sustainable solutions for vulnerable communities across Zambia.