Water and agriculture: Usaid commits $66.8m for climate resilience in Zambia

The figures are startling. The drought that has been affecting Zambia for several years now has resulted in crop losses of between 60% and 95% over vast tracts of land, leading to an 83% rise in maize prices in particular. While this is a natural phenomenon, in the East African country it has been exacerbated by climate change, which has led to prolonged periods without rainfall, with consequences for several sectors of activity.

On 27 June 2024, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) announced a $66.8 million package for the Zambian government to support the country’s resilience. The funding will be divided unevenly between various sectors, namely agriculture, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), as well as promoting inclusive economic growth.

Improving food security for 460,000 people

Of the $66.8 million pledged, $25 million will be used to finance the acquisition of drought-tolerant seeds and improved water management practices in the agricultural sector, thereby boosting farmers’ productivity and the food security of more than 460,000 Zambians.

“In addition to funding for drought resilience, we will provide a further $32.3 million to support other vulnerable sectors in Zambia. At least $11 million will be earmarked for resilience initiatives, and $9.3 million will support new and ongoing water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) programmes,” says USAID. In the Wash sector in particular, prolonged periods of drought can increase the risk of epidemics of infectious diseases, including cholera.

The remaining $12 million will be divided between creating the policy space needed to respond to climate shocks in Hakainde Hichilema’s country ($8.5 million), and promoting good governance for a resilient society, with a budget of $5 million.