Drought in Nyimba District Triggers Human Rights Crisis, FIAN Zambia Reports

 FIAN Zambia has released a report highlighting the severe impact of the 2023–2024 drought on rural communities in Nyimba District, revealing grave violations of the Right to Food and Nutrition and other fundamental human rights.

According to Vladimir Chilinya, FIAN Zambia’s National Coordinator, the organization documented the experiences of 700 households across 21 villages in Nyalungwe Chiefdom between December 2023 and March 2024.

“The findings show widespread hunger, loss of livelihoods, acute water shortages, and a dramatic decline in living conditions,” Mr. Chilinya said.

The report estimates that smallholder farmers in Nyimba lost approximately K4 million worth of crops, seeds, and farming inputs. Families were forced to sell livestock and household assets to survive, a coping mechanism that undermines long-term recovery and exacerbates poverty.

Mr. Chilinya warned that the situation represents serious violations of human rights and undermines Zambia’s obligations under both international and national law, including the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

FIAN Zambia calls for urgent interventions to protect affected communities and ensure access to food, water, and livelihoods for those hardest hit by the drought