CARE Zambia Flags Off Humanitarian Response to Support 1,600 Drought-Affected Households in Kalomo

In the presence of CARE Zambia Country Director Ms. Chikwe Mbweeda, the French Ambassador to Zambia, Mr. Thomas Rossignol, and other dignitaries, Deputy Permanent Secretary Mrs. Yolanda Malunga flagged off a humanitarian response supported by the French Ministry of Finance on October 8, 2024. This initiative, implemented by CARE Zambia, aims to assist 1,600 households severely affected by drought in Zimba and Choma districts, Southern Province. Funded with EUR 200,000, the response focuses on empowering communities hit hardest by the El Niño-induced drought through close collaboration with government, local partners, and community members.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Rossignol emphasized the importance of witnessing the impact of the drought firsthand, reiterating the French Government’s commitment to ongoing support. “Given that 70% of the population relies on rain-fed farming, it is urgent that this community receives the assistance they need,” he said.

Ms. Chikwe Mbweeda, CARE Zambia’s Country Director, outlined the key components of the assistance: “We are providing essential food items such as beans, cooking oil, and salt to complement the government’s maize distribution. In addition, we are restoring access to clean water through borehole rehabilitation and promoting protection for vulnerable groups through community sensitization on gender-based violence, sexual harassment, and abuse.”

Chief Sipatunyana expressed his appreciation to the French Government and CARE Zambia, urging his community to use the weather information provided by the Zambia Meteorological Department to prepare for the 2024/2025 farming season. Council Chairperson Mr. Coy Makayi also reminded the community to ensure that the aid reaches those who have been identified and verified, cautioning against any misuse of the support.