Zambia’s national power utility, Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (ZESCO), is facing a daunting challenge: ensuring food security amidst a crippling drought and resulting electricity shortages. The ongoing drought, exacerbated by climate change and El Nino, has been declared a national disaster, impacting over a million families and threatening water and energy supplies.
Low water levels in hydroelectric dams, the primary source of power generation in Zambia (over 80%), have forced ZESCO to ration electricity. This has resulted in power cuts, impacting essential services like state-run milling plants crucial for food production.
To address food security concerns, ZESCO is working with the Zambian defense force to guarantee uninterrupted operations at milling plants nationwide. Additionally, President Hakainde Hichilema announced plans to import electricity and appealed for international and local assistance to mitigate the crisis.
The drought’s impact is not limited to Zambia. Neighboring Malawi has also declared a national disaster in 23 districts due to El Nino-induced crop damage. Millions face starvation, prompting a $200 million food aid appeal from the Malawian government.
A report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reveals a grim picture across Southern Africa. Major agricultural regions in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, and Malawi received only 80% of their average rainfall during the summer season, highlighting the widespread nature of the drought.
