Nearly 2.3m Zambians at risk of food shortages, Red Cross warns

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies have both warned that nearly 2.3 million Zambian’s are at risk of food shortages.

The situation has thus forced both organisations to launch an appeal for $3.5m (£2.7m) in donations to avert “catastrophic” food insecurity that they said could affect 2.3 million people.

Both humanitarian groups said low rainfall and waterlogging have destroyed many crops in the country.

READ ALSO: Recession hits Hong Kong after prolonged anti-government protests

“A lack of drinking water caused by drought means that “people and animals – both livestock and wildlife – are having to use the same water points,” says Zambia Red Cross’s head, Kaitano Chungu.

“This is unacceptable as it exposes people to diseases and creates a heightened risk of animal attacks.”

Food relief has been provided over the past few months, the Red Cross said in a statement, but added that “more help is needed”.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now