The World Bank has approved a grant of $208 million for Zambia to combat the impact of a severe drought in southern Africa. The grant will help the country address the challenges posed by the drought, allowing the government to provide cash transfers to affected households.
Key Details About the Grant
Zambia’s Finance Ministry announced the grant, stating that it aims to protect poor and vulnerable households from the shocks of the drought. The grant will double the amount per household per month, providing critical support to over 1.6 million households in 84 drought-impacted districts.
Insight into the Drought Crisis
Southern Africa is facing one of its worst droughts, exacerbated by the El Nino climate phenomenon and greenhouse gas emissions. The drought has severely impacted food production and livelihoods, leading to Zambia, Malawi, and Zimbabwe declaring a state of disaster.
The United Nations has highlighted the dire situation in Zambia, with over nine million people affected in 84 districts. The grant from the World Bank is a critical intervention to alleviate the suffering caused by the devastating drought.