Synopsis (short abstract)
Zambia is experiencing a severe El Niño-induced drought that has resulted in reduced agricultural production, water scarcity and crop failure. So far, 1.8 million smallholder farmers have been significantly impacted. To mitigate the negative effects of the drought on food security, nutrition and livelihoods, while strengthening household food production in rural communities, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has received a contribution of USD 400 000 from the Government of the Kingdom of Belgium, through the Special Fund for Emergency and Rehabilitation Activities. This support will enable FAO to increase the production capacity of 1 040 drought-affected farming households (6 240 people) by providing agricultural inputs, including maize, soybean, common bean and cowpea seeds, and fertilizers. Additionally, the project will promote irrigated crop production using existing and new irrigation facilities, where possible, and support crop growth in wetlands through solar irrigation, depending on agro‑ecological zones and access to water.