In 2024, Zambia faced a severe humanitarian crisis driven by climate change, economic instability, and health emergencies.

Prolonged droughts, erratic rainfall, and pest infestations significantly impacted agriculture, the backbone of the economy, leaving 4.95 million people facing acute food insecurity. The Western, Southern, and North-Western provinces were hardest hit, with Western Province experiencing extreme hunger levels among nearly 89 per cent of households. The crisis was compounded by a cholera outbreak in late 2023 and early 2024, straining health and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) systems and deepening malnutrition.

In response, Action Against Hunger expanded its operations to nine districts in the worst-affected regions. Its multi-sectoral approach included Health and Nutrition, Food Security and Livelihoods, WASH, and climate resilience. Key initiatives such as the Seeds of Hope Climate Adaptation Cowpea Project trained farmers and helped generate ZMW 650,000 (USD 27,731 / EUR 23,887) through cowpea harvests, in part due to the distribution of Purdue Improved Crop Storage bags, which reduced post-harvest losses to nearly zero. The Darwin Initiative supported biodiversity conservation and poverty reduction, reaching over 4,700 people with sustainable agricultural and water management practices.

Action Against Hunger also conducted assessments in collaboration with national agencies to tailor interventions, participated in coordination clusters, and advocated for stronger investment in nutrition and climate adaptation.

Despite challenges like poor infrastructure and harsh climate conditions, Action Against Hunger’s partnerships with local non-governmental organisations, government bodies, and communities enabled it to make a measurable impact, building resilience and delivering essential aid to vulnerable populations.