Zambia’s $900 Million Drought Crisis: Urgent Appeal for Life-Saving Aid

Zambia needs over $900 million to deal with the worst drought the country has ever recorded and provide “life-saving” assistance to millions of people.

President Hakainde Hichilema appealed for help, stating that about half of the country’s 20 million people have been adversely impacted by the prolonged dry spell induced by the El Nino weather phenomenon. The lack of rain has devastated the agricultural sector, affecting crops and pastures.

More than six million people are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance. Zambia, which declared drought a national disaster in February, only has about $51 million of the $940 million it needs to deal with the crisis.

The government and the people of Zambia are appealing to the international community, partners, private sector, church, and civil society organizations to support their plan financially and materially in mitigating the devastating effects of the drought.