Three weeks ago I shared with you how Sons of Thunder Farm in Zambia has enjoyed a wonderful harvest of diverse crops this year despite severe drought conditions that have negatively impacted the entire southern region of Africa. Employing agricultural principles of Farming God’s Way© has proven consistently superior yields in normal conditions but becomes all the more apparent within drought conditions.
Giving praise and gratitude unto the Lord for this wonderful crop we are reminded of His promises:
“Blessed is the man who trust in the Lord. And whose hope is in the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and it will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will it cease from yielding fruit.” (Jeremiah 17:7-8)
The map insert above weighs heavily on us as it shows the severe impact of drought conditions upon Angola, Zambia, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and South Africa.
For at the same time we celebrate the bounty of God’s blessings, our heart goes out to those who are without and SOT gives generously to those in need. Once you leave the Farm in any direction you will now see parched land and sickly crops that brings with it what the government indices refer as “food insecurity” or by definition, is the “state of being without reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.” More than any other continent, it is estimated that 250 million Africans suffer food insecurity annually. What does that look like?
In Zambia there are many who are now seen drinking sugar flavored water to lessen hunger pains or as a substitute for food.
Two weeks ago, Zambia and Zimbabwe were forced to reduce hydropower output at the shared Kiriba Dam. The Zambezi River Authority cut the amount of water allocated for power generation from 38 billion cubic meters to 36 billion. This may seem insignificant, but the impact is huge as this translates to electricity supplies being reduced to 890 megawatts from 1,476 megawatts. Water is currently five meters above the minimum-operating level, it said.
When electricity is dramatically reduced it forces a greater demand for charcoal, which is a wood fuel harvested mainly from miombo and other trees. Charcoal is used widely for inexpensive cooking and heating. However, charcoal production in Zambia has caused widespread deforestation and which also diminishes the bee population who rely on these trees for hive making. Drought conditions only accelerate the denuding of local woodlands.
The main food source in Zambia is nshema (pronounced “shema”) which is a thick porridge made from finely ground corn meal. Recently there have been outcries in local Zambian districts where the cost for a 5kg or 25kg bag of what is known as “mealie” has doubled in price due to lack of supply and increased demand. Many cannot afford these prices which makes food ever more scarce.
Earlier this year the Zambian government estimated that maize production may fall by as much as 50% due to the drought. Maize crops in general account for nearly 65% of the region’s cereal production. Southern Africa is highly dependent upon season rains which occur between November and March. A meteorological drought during this season can also impact the next lean season. This past year, a dry spell in mid-December led to crop wilting, forcing many to replant and will most likely produce a lean and delayed harvest.
During prolonged drought conditions it is not uncommon to see cholera outbreaks due to contaminated water. There was a brief outbreak of cholera in Zambia last October that was quickly contained, but 110 died after having infected 5,000. Thus far in 2019 there have been no cases of cholera reported.
Not only do these conditions emphasize to us the necessity of educating many people on Farming God’s Way agricultural techniques but it also promises a long and difficult year in which many will suffer and die due to starvation and malnutrition. Many people have already come and will continue to come to Sons of Thunder for help, but we are limited in our ability to provide.
We are praying for a miracle of extra food provision through Sons of Thunder. We are asking you to pray for and consider giving monies that might save a life in Zambia. We are asking our ministry partners for help and to give extra to enable Sons of Thunder to make large scale purchases of “mealie” bags for distribution to those in need.
“He who is generous will be blessed, for he gives some of his food to the poor.” (Proverbs 22:9)
It is known today as “food insecurity.” Can you help us bring relief? We are grateful for you, your prayers and generous support.