The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has handed over agricultural inputs to the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) in the Office of the Vice President to benefit the Mambwe vulnerable victims that suffered last year’s climate shocks.
UNDP Country Deputy Resident Representative Laurent Rudasingwa says 335 farmer beneficiaries from Mambwe District of Eastern Province will get the resilient climate farming inputs.
Mr Rudasingwa notes that the farming inputs comprising seed, fertiliser, chemicals and sweet potato vines valued at K650,000 are under the jointly run UNDP/Government Community Recovery and Resilience Facility (CRRF) Project.
Mr Rudasingwa was speaking in Lusaka when he handed over the farming inputs to DMMU National Co-ordinator, Norman Chipakupaku.
Mr Rudasingwa stated that UNDP has demonstrated a step forward in its shared mission to support vulnerable communities that continue to face devastating effects of drought and other climate change-induced disasters.
He reiterated the UN’s commitment to helping households recover, rebuild, and strengthen their resilience to future climate shocks.
Mr Rudasingwa explained that UNDP remains committed to working with the Government and all partners to ensure that recovery efforts lead to lasting resilience and inclusive growth.
“This support of essential agriculture supplies will enable farmers, groups mostly at risk of being left behind, like women and youth, to sustain farming activities in times of anticipated climate extremes, increase agricultural productivity, and strengthen household resilience,” he said.
Mr Rudasingwa added that the CRRF project is not only aiding recovery but also promoting long-term food security and income generation to affected households.
Meanwhile, DMMU National Co-ordinator, Norman Chipakupaku who received the donation said Zambia, like many countries in the region, continues to experience recurrent droughts that threaten lives, livelihoods, and ecosystems.
Mr Chipakupaku who flagged off the dispatch of the farming inputs at his office said the 2023/2024 agricultural season was one of the most challenging in the country’s history, characterised by prolonged dry spells and below-average rainfall.
He welcomed the Community Recovery and Resilience Facility Project saying the collaboration with UNDP underscores the urgent need for long-term resilience and adaptation measures.
The National Co-ordinator commended the donors namely Denmark, Korea and Luxembourg that have provided the funds adding that communities will not only recover from crises but also emerge stronger, more self-reliant and better prepared for the future.
“As we dispatch these inputs to Mambwe District, let us remember that resilience is built collectively. Government alone cannot achieve this goal. I am confident that by continuing to work hand in hand, we will create lasting, locally driven solutions that empower communities to thrive now and well into the future,” he said.
The CRRF project focuses on three key pillars namely development of climate-resilient infrastructure, enhancement of community livelihoods; and promotion of women’s leadership and participation in resilience-building.
Mambwe District in Eastern Province is among the 84 out of 116 districts that were affected by climate change resulting in widespread crop failure, reduced water availability, and heightened food insecurity.
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