The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in partnership with the Government of the Republic Zambia has launched a five-year plan targeting nearly 650,000 people
The plan seeks to eliminate hunger, improve nutrition, and strengthen the resilience of vulnerable communities to food shocks. Budgeted at US$ 98.4mn, the WFP Country Strategic Plan (2023-2028) is a comprehensive road map that positions WFP as a major player in building the resilience of smallholder farmers.
The plan aligns with national priorities outlined in the government's Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. It aims to enable Zambia to achieve its development goals and contribute to the agenda of 2030 by prioritising investment in human capital while maintaining sustainable economic growth.
WFP will also support the government to decentralise its Home-Grown School Meals (HGSM) procurement to ensure food is purchased from smallholder farmers near schools. The objective is to enhance social protection systems in Zambia by strengthening social registries and community feedback mechanisms.
"Saving lives and changing lives by ending hunger and ensuring food security for all Zambians is not just a moral obligation, but also a critical step towards achieving sustainable development and reducing poverty," said Cissy Byenkya, WFP's country director in Zambia. "Launching this five-year plan marks a critical milestone in our collective efforts to end hunger and malnutrition in Zambia. Our focus is squarely on achieving food and nutrition security by 2030. Working with our partners can build a more resilient, sustainable, food-secure, and prosperous future for all Zambians."
