COVID-19 RESPONSE FOR ZAMBIAN COMMUNITIES

COVID-19 pandemic has taken its toll on Zambia’s economy, social services, food security and livelihoods. The Butterfly Tree operates in the Kazungula District of the Southern Province of Zambia, where tourism is one of the main sources of income.

Every year the mighty Victoria Falls, a World Heritage site and one of Africa’s biggest tourist attractions, entices over one million tourists. Since the start of the pandemic only locals have been to view this spectacle. Most people working in the tourist industry have received no income for almost two years, pushing them further below the poverty line.

Food shortages and lack of school fees to pay for their children’s education are a common cry from the people living in this normally bustling area. Tour guides, hotel workers and curio sellers have lost their only income and now seeking alternative ways to earn a living. One such way is through agriculture and one of the areas where The Butterfly Tree has been able to offer support.

During the dry season, the charity donated bags of ground maize to orphans and vulnerable people who had no money to buy food. Prior to the onset of rains we distributed seeds and fertilizer to sixteen schools, groups of women and curio sellers. Maize, sorghum and vegetables were planted, which will be harvested in a few months’ time.

We continue to provide clinics and health posts with PPE. Though the opening of the new school year was delayed by two weeks due to COVID-19 all opened on the 24^th January. Masks must still be worn indoors and at public gatherings to help prevent further spread of the virus.

Our aim is to continue this support throughout 2022 and to introduce sustainable income-generating projects, most especially for women and schools.