Chief Chikanta of the Tonga people in Kalomo district of Southern province has bemoaned the impact of climate change in the area, saying most of the households had zero yields in this year’s farming season.
According to the traditional leader’s estimates, over 60, 000 people are affected by the drought in the area, with about 7,000 of the 10,000 households without food.
Speaking to Journalists in Nkandanzovu area in Kalomo, Chief Chikanta said the hope for survival is dependent on implementation of irrigation schemes in the area.
He said this is because his chiefdom has no other source of livelihood apart from farming and that the drought has had devastating impact for both humans and livestock.
“People here are only hoping that government can start supplying relief food as soon as possible,” suggested the traditional leader.
By Angel Kasabo
