disaster
Zambia Food Security Outlook - June 2026 - January 2027: Stressed (IPC Phase 2) expected in the south and west due to below-average harvest
By Famine Early Warning System Network at ReliefWeb
· July 13, 2026
· 5 min read
. Key Messages Stressed (IPC Phase 2) outcomes are expected in western and eastern areas of Zambia, June through September, as households rely on their own food stocks to meet their food needs. However, localized weather shocks, restrictions on livestock movement due to foot-and-mouth disease (FMD),
Key takeaway An El Niño event is currently ongoing and is expected to strengthen during 2026/27 rainy season.
Why this matters
The anticipated Stressed (IPC Phase 2) outcomes in western and eastern areas of Zambia from June to September, and later in the north, south, and among fishing communities, highlight the country's vulnerability to climate-related shocks and livestock diseases. The below-average harvest in the south and west, coupled with the ongoing El Niño event, is expected to reduce household purchasing power, particularly for essential non-food goods. The reliance on rainfed agriculture, which supports approximately 55 percent of the population, exacerbates the situation. As the lean season begins, the decline in household food stocks and increased reliance on market purchases will further strain the food security situation. The estimated 500,000-749,999 people in need of humanitarian food assistance during the peak lean season underscores the importance of targeted interventions to support low-income households in southern and western Zambia. Faith-based organizations and humanitarian groups may need to ramp up their efforts to provide food assistance and support to affected communities.
About this story
Original reporting by ReliefWeb . Christgiving surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: disaster ·
Published: July 13, 2026 ·
Source: ReliefWeb ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? . Key Messages Stressed (IPC Phase 2) outcomes are expected in western and eastern areas of Zambia, June through September, as households rely on their own food stocks to meet their food needs. However, localized weather shocks, restrictions on livestock movement due to foot-and-mouth disease (FMD),
When was this published? This article was first published on July 13, 2026 by ReliefWeb and curated for Christgiving readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Famine Early Warning System Network at ReliefWeb. To learn more about how Christgiving selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more disaster coverage from Christgiving, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .