Zambia Begins Disbursement of Drought Emergency Cash Transfers
The Zambian government has commenced the distribution of emergency cash transfers to alleviate the suffering caused by a severe drought affecting millions of people across the country.
The Ministry of Community Development and Social Services is overseeing the disbursement of the funds, which are aimed at supporting over 8.9 million individuals facing food insecurity.
Existing Social Cash Transfer program beneficiaries and newly identified households are both eligible for the bi-monthly payments.
A total of K8.6 billion has been allocated for the 12-month intervention, with an additional K5.4 million coming from the supplementary budget. International partners, including the World Bank, have also contributed US$207.6 million towards the initiative.
Permanent Secretary Angela Kawandami emphasized the multi-sectoral approach to addressing the drought crisis, highlighting the Cash-Plus strategy which provides additional support beyond financial assistance.
The government has expressed gratitude to the World Bank, UNICEF, and other partners for their support in helping vulnerable Zambians cope with the effects of the drought.
The emergency cash transfers are expected to provide crucial relief to affected households and contribute to the overall resilience of the country in the face of climate-related challenges.
