Zambia food secure despite looming drought – Musokotwane

Minister of Finance and National Planning Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane has moved to quell public anxiety, assuring citizens that Zambia maintains a robust food security buffer despite ongoing climate pressures and looming drought conditions. Speaking during a ministerial briefing in Lusaka, Dr Musokotwane emphasized that proactive fiscal and agricultural interventions have insulated the country against the worst impacts of erratic weather patterns that continue to affect the broader Southern African region. Dr Musokotwane highlighted that the government's strategic grain management and efficient distribution systems have ensured staple commodities reach vulnerable communities without descending into crisis. This reassurance follows extensive efforts by agricultural authorities to monitor grain reserves and optimize supply chains. Despite warnings from various quarters regarding localized food deficits and dry spells, the administration maintains that strategic reserves and cooperative regional trade agreements provide adequate cover for the domestic market. In tandem with food security updates, the treasury outlined upcoming adjustments geared toward economic resilience. Dr Musokotwane indicated that the government is reviewing tax structures ahead of the 2027 fiscal budget, seeking avenues to offer targeted incentives to productive sectors without compromising critical state revenue. These fiscal adjustments are designed to encourage private sector investment in agricultural technology, irrigation systems, and value addition, which are viewed as vital components for long-term climate adaptation. However, these optimistic official projections contrast sharply with localized reports highlighting vulnerabilities. Recent assessments by administrative bodies, including warnings from the Cabinet office, indicate that hundreds of thousands of citizens across specific rural districts remain exposed to severe seasonal food insecurity. Critics and independent observers point