PAM Concluded Drought Emergency Response Project in Luangwa District

Luangwa District, On March 14, 2025 – The Programme Against Malnutrition (PAM) marked the successful closure of its Drought Emergency Response (DER) project in Luangwa District. The event, attended by PAM Executive Director Mr. Francis Kasamala, highlighted the project’s achievements and the collaborative efforts of key stakeholders in supporting vulnerable communities affected by drought.

The DER project, implemented over six months from October 2024 to March 2025, was funded by the Germany Federal Foreign Office (GFFO) through the United Nations World Food Programme (UN-WFP). It utilized a cash transfer modality to provide critical assistance to 1,923 households in drought-affected areas.

Mr. Kasamala expressed his gratitude to the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) and the Ministry of Community Development and Social Welfare for their unwavering support. “Your commitment to our shared goal of improving the lives of vulnerable populations has been instrumental in the success of this project,” he said.

To date, the project has disbursed a total of K1,354,800 to 1,129 households, with each household receiving K1,200. However, 792 households faced challenges in accessing funds due to issues such as incorrect National Registration Cards (NRCs) and inactive mobile money accounts.

“We have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of cash assistance,” Mr. Kasamala noted. “Families have been able to purchase food, pay school fees, and access healthcare, significantly improving their quality of life.”

The District Commissioner of Luangwa, Mr. Chikani, commended PAM for its effective implementation of the project and for involving all key stakeholders. He also thanked WFP and GFFO for their financial support.

“We must develop programs that focus on capacity building and livelihood resilience to ensure communities can withstand future challenges,” Mr. Chikani emphasized.

Mr. Kasamala echoed this sentiment, reaffirming PAM’s commitment to addressing the root causes of poverty and inequality.

“As we close this chapter, we recognize that our work is far from over. We remain dedicated to supporting vulnerable populations and building a more just, equitable, and resilient world,” he stated.

The DER project’s success underscores the importance of collaboration between government agencies, development partners, and local communities in achieving sustainable development goals.

PAM, along with its partners, look forward to continuing its efforts to uplift vulnerable communities across Zambia.