Zambia on the verge of starvation as country struggles from worst drought since 1981

Zambia is prompted to declare a food-insecurity emergency as the country faces the worst drought since 1981.

Reports show that parts of the Southern Africa region, particularly huge areas in Southern and Western Zambia received the lowest seasonal rainfall from 2018 to 2019, causing poor farm produce.

The country is left facing hunger after harvests are also affected by other harsh weather conditions, including flash floods and waterlogging.

According to DG Echo, over 1.7 million Zambians, who are 18% of the overall population, are extremely experiencing food-insecurity. The situation is expected to worsen with the numbers rising to 2.3 million or 24% of Zambians from October 2019 to March 2020.

Furthermore, the forecast shows that Zambians could face around 888 000-tonne (around 970 ton) cereal deficit by that time.

The most affected districts are Gwembe, Lunga, and Shang'ombo.

40% of children below 5 years old suffer from stunting, according to UNICEF.

Despite the British government's advise to Zambia to declare a national emergency, the country insisted it has enough food and situation under control.

Meanwhile, the nearby countries of Angola, Malawi, Namibia, and Zimbabwe have already declared an emergency state.

Julie Celestial

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