ZAMBIA — The U.S. government has announced a US$20 million (515 million kwacha) contribution to the World Food Programme (WFP) to provide relief maize for Zambia’s immediate drought response.
This funding will aid over 600,000 beneficiaries in the ongoing efforts to combat the country’s severe drought.
Michael Gonzales, U.S. Ambassador to Zambia, announced the donation during the launch of the Food Security Drought Response Assistance Program in Lusaka.
This contribution is part of the U.S. government’s broader US$66 million (1.7 billion kwacha) commitment to bolster Zambia’s food security and agricultural resilience, ensuring the country recovers with more productive and nutritious crops.
“The U.S. government stands by Zambia as it recovers from drought and will continue to support those most in need. We are proud to be Zambia’s committed partner as the country works toward inclusive economic growth and food security,” Ambassador Gonzales reassured.
Zambia’s vice president, Mrs. W.K. Mutale Nalumango, and WFP Country Director, Cissy Kabasuuga, highlighted the significance of this support.
Cissy Kabasuuga, WFP Country Director, expressed her gratitude, saying, “We are deeply appreciative of the American people for their generous contribution towards our drought response efforts in Zambia.”
According to him, the funding will enable WFP to expand assistance to reach those most in need and make a significant impact on the lives of the affected communities. It will also ensure efficient coordination with the government and other humanitarian actors to maximize impact and minimize duplication in the response.
The World Food Programme will utilize the funds to distribute essential food and cash from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance. Additionally, agricultural assistance will be provided to Zambians affected by the drought in the Western, Southern, Eastern, and Central provinces.
This aid aligns with USAID’s ongoing US$9.5 million (K245 million) Feed the Future initiative, which promotes inclusive, long-term agricultural-led economic growth.
For over a decade, Feed the Future has been instrumental in fighting hunger, poverty, and malnutrition by fostering sustainable food systems. In addition, USAID has invested US$5 million (K130 million) to enhance Zambia’s long-term food security by boosting agricultural productivity, improving nutrition, and helping farmers manage future shocks.
Furthermore, the U.S. government plans to provide US$32.3 million (K836 million) to accelerate development across various sectors in Zambia. This includes US$11 million (K285 million) for climate adaptation programs and US$12 million (K310 million) to enhance good governance, facilitate job creation, and increase economic growth.
Vice President Nalumango assures donated maize is GMO-Free
Meanwhile, Mutale Nalumango, Zambia’s Vice President, has assured the nation that the maize being donated to Zambia by its cooperating partners is free from Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).
This assurance was in response to concerns raised by Member of Parliament Sydney Mushanga regarding the safety of the donated relief maize.
Responding to Mr. Mushanga’s inquiry, the Vice President emphasized that the donors fully respect Zambia’s stance on GMOs. “The donors understand our position on GMOs, and I can confirm that all the maize being donated is GMO-free,” she stated.
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