Government Declares Drought a National Disaster, Imports Maize

Zambia has secured 195,000 metric tonnes of maize from Tanzania, worth US$68 million of which 67,000 metric tonnes have been received in the country and distributed.

Speaking at a media briefing today, Minister of Information and Media, Cornelius Mweetwa, revealed that Government has since paid for the procured maize and the remaining 128, 000 metric tonnes is still in Tanzania and is currently being transported into the country by Zambian transporters and TAZARA.

“As of today, 12th December 2024, Food Reserve Agency (FRA) is sitting on 363, 000 metric tonnes of maize and when we add the stocks being held by the private sector, Zambia currently holds 750,000 metric tonnes of maize, sufficient enough to take the nation for the next six months in terms of maize and mealie meal requirements.”

“The FRA has contracted 41 commercial farmers to grow early-maturing maize, with an expected yield of 145,000 metric tonnes by March 2024,” Mr. Mweetwa stated.

Mr. Mweetwa, who is also Chief Government Spokesperson, however disclosed that Cabinet has declared the current dry spell and its looming effects on maize production a national disaster and emergency, and that Government has since instituted measures to avert food insecurity as a result of uncertainties in the weather.

He said this follows the 24th Cabinet meeting held yesterday, chaired by President Hakainde Hichilema, where it was agreed that measures aimed at averting a food crisis should be put in place as a matter of urgency.

“Defence Forces will continue spearheading food production using irrigation systems in the northern regions of the country that have abundant water resources, while key farming blocks such as Luena in Kawambwa, Kalungwishi in Lukulu, and Nalusanga in Serenje will focus on maize production,” he said.

Mr. Mweetwa explained during the meeting, President Hichilema and Cabinet emphasized and encouraged resilience amid climate change, a shift in Zambia’s agricultural practices, declaring that every citizen should be planting maize and harvest all year-round.

“Government interventions such as community maize sales and uninterrupted school feeding programs, are stabilising food availability.”

“Despite challenges, the Zambia National Service (ZNS) and its allied millers will continue producing and making available affordable mealie meal for the general populace,” he assured.

He encouraged Zambians to remain hopeful and cooperative as the government implements the measures that have been put in place to navigate the drought-induced crisis and safeguard national food security.