The 2024 Social Protection Week has officially opened, with a call for collaborative efforts to promote resilience in the wake of climate change and other emerging human disasters.
Under the theme “Sustainable Social Protection for Resilience Building” Ministry of Community Development and Social Services Permanent Secretary, Ms. Angela Kawandami officiated at the event and underscored the Government’s commitment to ensuring the welfare of the vulnerable is uplifted amidst frequent and intense unfavorable climatic conditions.
She disclosed that amidst the drought situation and as a way of intervening to cushion against socio-economic shocks, the Government is reviewing the 2024 national budget to move resources away from consumption expenditure to food security investment and revenue-generating areas.
She said Zambia has therefore positioned itself to promote robust social protection mechanisms in fostering resilience against various crises, including drought-induced food insecurity.
Ms. Kawandami emphasized the need for collective action in addressing the multifaceted challenges facing the nation and appreciated the support rendered to Zambia by various cooperating partners.
” Droughts have become more frequent and this calls for drastic measures to be taken and start investing in irrigation systems by using wetlands to grow food to prevent food insecurity in households”, Ms. Kawandami further said.
She highlighted that crises such as drought pose significant threats to food security and livelihoods, necessitating a strengthened and sustainable social protection framework.
In support of Zambia’s social protection agenda, World Bank Country Representative, Ms. Nadia Salim reaffirmed the institution’s dedication to providing continued assistance as evidenced by the injection of $600 Million in Zambia’s social protection sector.
Ms. Salim said the World Bank’s commitment aligns with its broader goal of reducing poverty and enhancing shared prosperity through effective social safety nets as she announced a further $200 million being finalized to help with the drought response.
The United Nations represented by Ms. Penelope Campbell on behalf of Resident Coordinator, Ms. Beatrice Mutali, also pledged increased support to Zambia’s social protection landscape, adding that the UN’s involvement is crucial in bolstering the country’s capacity to implement comprehensive social protection programs that are adaptive to changing circumstances and resilient against shocks through cash plus approach.
The Social Protection Week will feature a series of discussions, media appearances and activities aimed at fostering dialogue and collaboration while raising awareness among various stakeholders on the importance of social protection in uplifting the lives of the poor and vulnerable.
