The Delegation and their hosts meet with the local Chief at a ceremony in Kazungula.

PART 6 IN A blog series by CEO Carolyn Hall on her visit to Zambia in July, 2024.

Our visit to Kazungula was made possible by His Excellency Dr Elias Munshya, whose efforts paid off. We were warmly welcomed by the District Commissioner Elias Samibila and his team at his office. We were treated as honoured guests and we received a thorough briefing from the Commissioner’s Officers that left a lasting impression and ensured our commitment to knowledge exchange and support for the people of this district.

Kazungula district

Kazungula is an agricultural district, predominantly made up of small and medium farmers who practice mixed farming with both crops and livestock. Over 70% of income comes from agriculture and that is predominantly rainfed. Kazangula has been the worst hit district by the drought, with this season over 70,000 metric tonnes of maize predicted and over 90% of that crop lost to the drought conditions. Irrigation and crop diversification are seen as a key response to the drought.

Livestock and crops

Livestock and crops are linked in Kazungula, almost all maize produced and livestock in the district have been impacted by drought. Overgrazing has put livestock at risk of malnutrition and diseases, with the soil-borne disease anthrax a major impact of overgrazing along with tick-borne disease that impacts livestock and humans. Long distances to water and interaction with wildlife also impact on productivity of the animals.

Drought impacts exacerbated

Drought issues have been exacerbated by understaffing in critical government positions, staff undertaking multiple roles and a lack of veterinary officers. Transport challenges are also present that restrict the movement of key staff around Kazungula. The Ministry is taking action with increased veterinary services.

Drought impacts human health

The drought has had major impacts on human health in the Kazungula district. The district is seeing a concentration of famine even in the urban areas.

The Department of health is seeing a change in trends in disease with underweight in under 5 year olds and nursing mothers unable to feed their babies as their milk supply has vanished due to malnutrition. The right nutrition in the first 1000 days of life from the start of pregnancy to the baby’s second birthday influences survival rates and his or her ability to grow and learn.

The impacts on the population’s mental health are also significant when they cannot afford basic supplies. Treatment for HIV is not occurring, ironically the drugs are there but the food supplement is crucial to successful treatment.

Frontline Officers recognised

The important role of the frontline officers in delivering services and developing partnerships that are important are readily acknowledged by the Government. Frontline Officers are recognised “we see you, see your efforts, you are our true heroes”.

A shared future

Australia and Zambia although separated by long distances share many challenges, including developing sustainable agricultural sectors in the face of drought and climate change. Developing relationships that foster trust and collaboration are crucial for understanding and addressing shared challenges in the global village.