In the face of food insecurity challenges posed by prevailing droughts, the Ministries of Community Development and Social Services, and the Ministry of Defence, have collaborated to counter anticipated food shortages due to unfavourable climatic conditions that have led to crop failure.

The collaborative efforts seek to leverage expertise and technical support across different governmental departments.

Speaking during an interactive meeting, the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, Permanent Secretary, Ms Angela Kawandami, said the collaboration is important because the mandate of the two Ministries in the area of promoting food security is similar.

She therefore stated that having the mandate to address vulnerability through various social protection programmes, the Ministry is ready to work towards promotion of food security in all the 116 districts across the country.

She said droughts, exacerbated by climate change have continued to disrupt agricultural production and endanger food supplies, especially for vulnerable people across the country.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Ms Kawandami said the Ministry of Defence through the Zambia National Service (ZNS) will effectively formulate comprehensive strategies to address this pressing issue.

Ms Kawandami said this collaboration is therefore essential for developing holistic solutions to food insecurity during this period of droughts.

And the Permanent Secretary said the collaboration is also important to address the issue of children on the streets which has become a big source of worry for the government.

She is however happy that ZNS and the Ministry are already working together to train and equip children on the streets in ZNS training centres in some parts of the country.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary, Mr Norman Chipakupaku, observed the urgent need to address the current hunger issues emphasizing that food insecurity compromises national security.

He said through the “one government” approach, collaboration is very important through the sharing of ideas, expertise, human resources, and financial support to find solutions to both the hunger situation and the issue of children on the streets.

Mr Chipakupaku further observed that by harnessing the collective expertise and resources of various governmental departments, integrated policies and programs can be developed to enhance agricultural activities.

He further said it will equally be important to incorporate crop diversification from maize to sorghum and millet to reduce dependence on mealie-meal.

And during presentations, the Director of Community, Ms Patricia Muyamwa, acknowledged the importance of the collaboration, and proposed areas of support such as transportation to support the Food Security Pack (FSP), programme to enhance agricultural production and in turn contribute to both domestic and national food security.

And Director for Child, Ms Beatrice Muyambango highlighted the importance of working together to address the issue of children on the streets and expressed confidence that through ZNS, more children will be trained and equipped with life-changing opportunities.
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