World Bank commits support to Zambia amid drought crisis

LIVINGSTONE, ZAMBIA – In the face of the severe drought gripping Zambia, the World Bank has pledged its commitment to mobilize resources to assist affected communities, announced Victoria Kwakwa, the World Bank Vice President for Eastern and Southern Africa.

Speaking from Livingstone, Victoria Kwakwa assured Zambian farmers and households of the World Bank’s support during these challenging times.

“We stand in solidarity with the people of Zambia, and we are mobilizing resources to provide assistance to those affected by the devastating drought,” she stated.

Kwakwa outlined the Bank’s multifaceted approach, which includes providing support to farmers who have lost their crops and offering social protection to vulnerable households to mitigate the impact of food scarcity.

Collaborating closely with the Zambian government, the World Bank is actively formulating short-term measures to alleviate the suffering of families most affected by the drought.

“While addressing the immediate crisis is crucial, we also recognize the importance of long-term strategies to build resilience against future climate-related challenges,” emphasized Kwakwa.

She advocated for the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices, stressing the significance of irrigation and modern farming techniques in ensuring food security amidst erratic rainfall patterns.

In addition to addressing the agricultural sector, Kwakwa urged Zambia and Zimbabwe to leverage their shared natural wonder, the Victoria Falls, to boost the tourism industry and stimulate economic growth.

She highlighted the potential of sustainable development of Zambia’s tourism assets in driving economic transformation and creating employment opportunities.

Responding to Kwakwa’s remarks, Zambia’s Tourism Minister, Rodney Sikumba, revealed that the country had welcomed nearly 1.4 million international tourists in 2023, slightly below the targeted figure of 1.5 million.

Despite this, Minister Sikumba expressed optimism, stating that the government has implemented strategic measures to attract two million international visitors in the current year.

As Zambia grapples with the dual challenges of drought and economic recovery, the collaborative efforts of the World Bank and the Zambian government offer hope for vulnerable communities.

Their commitment underscores the importance of sustainable development in building resilience against climate-related shocks and fostering inclusive growth.