Food insecurity in Zambia has become more concerning as children now go to bed hungry, a situation that can affect educational outcomes.
Development Diaries reports that Zambia’s crippling drought, which is the worst the country has seen in at least 20 years, is leading to widespread food shortages.
Save the Children, in a report, revealed that some children are forced to survive on a single daily meal of boiled waterlily roots, nuts and wild fruits.
The drought, worsened by climate change effects, has led to reduced rainfall levels across the country, affecting crop yields and water availability.
The ongoing drought in Zambia is severely impacting children and education outcomes across the country. With water sources drying up and food becoming scarce, malnutrition rates among children are on the rise, leading to increased rates of illness and stunted growth.
We understand that over one million children are experiencing severe food shortages, and the situation has been declared a national emergency by the government.
Many families are forced to prioritise basic survival needs over education, causing a significant drop in school attendance and participation.
Children who do manage to attend school often struggle to concentrate due to hunger and dehydration, leading to decreased academic performance and a higher likelihood of dropping out.
Additionally, schools themselves are grappling with water shortages, making it difficult to maintain proper sanitation and hygiene standards, further endangering the health and well-being of students and teachers alike.
The compounding effects of the drought are thus creating a dire situation for the prospects of Zambia’s youths, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive and sustainable interventions to mitigate these impacts and ensure access to quality education for all children.
Development Diaries calls on the government of Zambia to assist families with food for their children to ensure they stay in school and achieve better education outcomes.
Photo source: WFP
