Southern Africa crisis - drought response – Oxfam Canada 2024 to 2026

December 2024 – The southern Africa region is facing prolonged severe drought conditions leaving an estimated 29 million people in the four most-affected countries (Malawi Mozambique Zambia and Zimbabwe) in need of humanitarian assistance. With GAC’s support Oxfam Canada helps provide a multi-sectoral humanitarian response to drought-related needs in Malawi Mozambique Zambia and Zimbabwe. Project activities include: (1) restoring water points and sanitation facilities in drought-affected communities; (2) providing unconditional cash grants or food vouchers to food insecure households; and (3) strengthening local protection services to mitigate the increased risk of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) for vulnerable women and girls.

The expected outcomes of this project include: (1) improved access to safe water and sanitation; (2) reduced food insecurity and use of negative coping mechanisms; and (3) reduced incidence of SGBV amongst drought-affected populations in Malawi Mozambique Zambia and Zimbabwe. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crises or acute food insecurity.