Attachments
Date when the trigger was met
30-05-2024
What happened, where and when?
In response to the severe drought conditions declared by the Government of Botswana for the 2023/2024 agricultural season, the Botswana Red Cross Society (BRCS), in partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), launched a Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) intervention on September 17, 2024. This intervention focuses on addressing challenges in Mabutsane, Hukuntsi, and the Northeast districts, identified as the hardest hit by drought according to the Botswana Vulnerability Assessment Report of 2024. Over 72,125 people in these regions face chronic food insecurity, water shortages, and livelihood disruptions due to long dry spells, erratic rainfall, and prolonged heat waves that have devastated agricultural production and water resources.
Since the project's launch, BRCS has conducted project interventions, which includes distribution of food relief packages, disbursement cash vouchers and provision of livestock feed supplements to 885 beneficiaries, These efforts aim to mitigate the devastating impact of the ongoing drought, which has left rural economies vulnerable and dependent on urgent humanitarian support.
Following the results of the drought assessments conducted in Hukuntsi, North East, and Mabutsane districts, Botswana launched a targeted Drought DREF Operation valued at 499,471.19 CHF. This intervention aims to address the urgent needs of 5,350 vulnerable households severely impacted by the ongoing drought. Grounded in robust needs assessments and extensive Community Engagement and Accountability (CEA) processes, the operation prioritizes impactful, community-driven interventions. These include providing food packages to 300 malnourished children under five, distributing livestock feed to 200 farmers to safeguard livelihoods, and rehabilitating three critical boreholes to ensure access to safe water for communities and their livestock. Additionally, the initiative will deliver unconditional cash grants to 550 households to restore dignity and agency while supporting immediate household needs.
To build resilience and promote long-term recovery, the operation incorporates layered interventions such as the distribution of layer chicken packages, including chicks, structures, and necessary amenities, for 120 households, alongside comprehensive training in poultry farming, nutrition, and hygiene. A handwashing campaign and hygiene kit distribution targeting 850 households will reinforce public health, while volunteers, staff, and community gatekeepers will be equipped with CEA, Protection, Gender, and Inclusion (PGI), and Psychological First Aid (PFA) training to enhance response effectiveness and inclusivity. These initiatives collectively aim to mitigate the immediate impacts of the drought while fostering sustainable practices that empower communities to navigate future climate challenges with resilience.
This operation has been extended to February 2025 due to delays by the suppliers, specifically for the livestock feeds and poultry project. Furthermore, the needs continue to intensify with food insecurity and water scarcity being the main issues of concern. This is exacerbated by prolonged heat waves. In this month of December, Botswana has been experiencing heat waves since the 02nd of December.