Zambia is bracing for another dry spell anticipated around February 2024.
President Hakainde Hichilema has since directed that the current state of national disaster remains in effect until the situation improves.
Minister of Information and Media Cornelius Mweetwa has disclosed that the President has instructed the defense forces to intensify maize production, particularly in the Northern Circuit, which has favorable water resources.
The government, through the Food Reserve Agency (FRA), has also engaged commercial farmers to cultivate early-maturing maize varieties.
These efforts aim to secure 145,000 tonnes of maize by March 2025, with farmers promised fair compensation for their efforts.
Mr. Mweetwa has assured the nation that Zambia remains food-secure for the next six months, urging citizens to remain calm.
Out of the 194,000 metric tonnes of maize imported from Tanzania, 67,000 tonnes have already been received and distributed, while over 100,000 tonnes are still in transit.
By Victoria Kayeye Yambani