AS Zambia grapples with an unexpected dry spell during what should be the rainy season, the situation has become more than just a weather anomaly – it’s a pressing humanitarian concern. For about a month now, the absence of rain has brought scorching temperatures, causing crops to wither and raising fears of a looming drought and famine. We agree with former Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) national coordinator, Chanda Kabwe, who says the government and citizens need to prepare for the worst as this pending disaster may cause serious starvation in households, worse that what is currently being experienced. Kabwe estimates that approximately two million people could face food insecurity due to the dry spell. In our view, this...