By Martin Lubasi
A devastating drought struck Zambia in 2023-2024, destroying over one million hectares of farmland and affecting more than one million households nationwide. The drought’s impact was exacerbated by a dry spell that was projected to continue in March, posing a threat to over a million farming households and resulting in a potential energy sector deficit of more than 500 megawatts.
In response to the crisis, President Hakainde Hichilema declared the drought a national disaster and emergency, announcing a range of interventions to mitigate its impact. These interventions included increased resources towards humanitarian relief to prevent affected citizens from going hungry. The declaration also attracted support from international organizations, such as the United Nations, which provided funding for various projects aimed at alleviating the suffering of affected communities.
However, allegations of misappropriation of the Emergency Response Funds (ERF) have surfaced, with intended beneficiaries being left empty-handed. An investigation conducted in Chirundu and Siavonga Districts of Southern Province, which were severely hit by the drought, reveals that these districts are among those where allegations of ERF misappropriation have been reported. Most farmers who suffered greatly from the drought have not received any benefits from the ERF.
It is alleged that the selection of beneficiaries has been heavily politicized, with only those connected to the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) officials receiving aid. This has resulted in widespread resentment among affected communities, who feel that the government’s response to the crisis has been inadequate and biased.
The consequences of this misappropriation are dire. Communities affected by climate change are struggling to survive, with parents unable to provide decent meals for their families. Single mothers are forced to sell their bodies in exchange for money, while teenage girls are turning to prostitution. Teen pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are on the rise, and criminal activities are increasing.
The stories of Saliya Siamuyaba and Ellen Shanyaba, both farmers from Chirundu District, are heart-wrenching. Despite losing their crops to the drought, they have not received any benefits from the ERF or any government social protection programs. Siamuyaba, a 44-year-old divorcee and mother of six, planted 15 kg of maize and 20 kg of groundnut seed, but harvested nothing due to the drought. Shanyaba, a 28-year-old single mother of two, planted 20 kg of maize and 10 kg of groundnut seed, but also harvested nothing.
A 23-year-old jobless youth from Kariba Ward in Siavonga District, who wished to remain anonymous due to security concerns, alleged that the selection of beneficiaries for programs like Food for Cash is based on political affiliation. He claimed that some households had two to three people working under the program because of their connections to the UPND. He further stated that the only reason he was not picked for the program was because he is not connected to the ruling party.
However, UPND Kariba Ward Councilor Phallen Kachelo denied these allegations, stating that the selection of beneficiaries is not based on political affiliation. He acknowledged that some people have not yet benefited from the ERF and promised that they will be reached soon, as some programs are being implemented in phases. Kachelo also emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring that aid reaches all affected communities, regardless of their political affiliations.
The investigation, which was conducted in six wards (four in Chirundu District and two in Siavonga District), revealed that the main barrier to accessing the ERF is connection and political affiliation. Many residents expressed frustration and disappointment with the government’s response to the crisis, stating that they have been left to fend for themselves.
To address this issue, neutral groups like the Red Cross Association of Zambia and the Church should be put in charge of selecting beneficiaries, rather than the politically affiliated Ward Development Committees. This would help ensure that aid reaches all affected communities, regardless of their political affiliations.
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the misappropriation of the ERF has exacerbated the suffering of communities affected by climate change. It is imperative that the government takes immediate action to address these allegations and ensure that aid reaches those who need it most. The government must also take steps to prevent similar incidents in the future, including ensuring transparency and accountability in the allocation of emergency funds.