ZAMBIA RED CROSS BUILDING RESILIENCE FOR DROUGHT-HIT COMMUNITIES

Zambia Red Cross Society (ZRCS) is not only providing immediate relief to over 10,000 drought-affected households in Southern Province but is also laying the groundwork for long-term community resilience in the face of recurring climate challenges. The recent launch of a cash distribution program in Sinazongwe and Chikankata districts is just one part of a broader strategy aimed at empowering vulnerable communities to withstand future crises.

In a province severely impacted by prolonged drought experienced during the 2023/2024 farming season, ZRCS’s initiative goes beyond just short-term relief. While cash assistance of K400 per month for three months is crucial for meeting immediate needs, ZRCS is also focused on sustainable recovery efforts. Last month, the organization distributed farming inputs, including fertilizer and seeds, to 575 households in the affected areas. Each beneficiary received 5kg treated maize seed, 250 grams’ okra seed, a sprayer, two 50kgs bag of fertilizer, one urea and one D-compound and also 250 grams’ pesticides. This move is designed to bolster agricultural resilience, ensuring that communities can recover more quickly and are better prepared for future droughts.

ZRCS National President Mr. Frackson Ngosa emphasized that cash assistance is part of a holistic approach to disaster response.

“This initiative is about more than just providing temporary relief. It’s about building resilience and empowering communities to stand strong in the face of adversity,” he said.

ZRCS National President Mr. Frackson Ngosa

Mr. Ngosa highlighted that this program aligns with ZRCS’s long-term vision of reducing vulnerability through both immediate interventions and sustained support.

The Permanent Secretary for Southern Province, Mr. Norman Monze, represented by Sinazongwe District Commissioner Mr. Nchimunya Siakole, praised ZRCS for its forward-thinking approach. He noted that the government’s Eighth National Development Plan includes a focus on disaster risk reduction, and ZRCS’s efforts is a model for how non-governmental organizations can contribute to national goals.

ZRCS’s initiative, supported by the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), is a clear example of how international cooperation can enhance local capacity. As climate change continues to pose significant threats to food security and livelihoods in Zambia, such partnerships are becoming increasingly vital.

For beneficiaries like Munenge Mupiya, the assistance is life changing. But beyond the immediate relief, there is a sense of hope for a more secure future.

“This support has not only helped us survive today but has also given us the tools to rebuild and be stronger tomorrow,” Munenge shared.

Munenge shared

As ZRCS continues its work in Southern Province, the organization remains committed to both responding to current crises and investing in the future resilience of Zambia’s most vulnerable communities. The launch of the Cash Voucher Assistance program is just one step in a comprehensive effort to ensure that these communities are not only surviving but thriving, even in the face of adversity.

“From the time the republican president of Zambia declared drought as a disaster in February earlier this year and following his clarion call for partners to join hands with the government to respond and cushion the impact of this disaster, ZRCS swung into action and mobilized resources through IFRC to support various sectors including food, livelihoods, water and sanitation, and other crosscutting elements in community engagement and accountability,” stated ZRCS Secretary General Mr. Cosmas Sakala.

ZRCS Secretary General Mr. Cosmas Sakala