Zambia Prays for Rain Amid Devastating Drought
Religious and political leaders alike have called for prayer and action as the southern African nation reels from the agricultural havoc wrought by the drought.
LUSAKA, Zambia— Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema and Vice President Mutale Nalumango led Christians in prayer for rain on Sunday as a severe drought devastates crops across much of the country, writes Kennedy Phiri.
Six of Zambia's 10 provinces have been hard hit by the lack of rain over the past month, combined with unseasonably scorching heat.
Vast areas of maize and soybeans have shriveled under the impact of the dry conditions.
"We need to pray for the rains as the country faces the effects of climate change," President Hichilema told the gathering in Lusaka.
Last year, the World Meteorological Organization warned an El Nino weather pattern was developing in the Pacific Ocean, bringing dangerously high temperatures and weather extremes.
Collins Njovu, Zambia's minister of green economy and environment, told parliament Wednesday that the drought will hurt food production and water supplies for electricity generation.
President Hichilema has vowed that his government will ensure no Zambians go hungry despite the parched conditions that threaten national food security.
Religious and political leaders alike have called for prayer and action as the southern African nation reels from the agricultural havoc wrought by the drought.