Forecast-based Financing (FbF) in the Zambia – Taking advantage of the forecast to implement early actions to minimize the impact of anticipated disaster flood/drought 

The project seeks to reduce the humanitarian consequences of climate related disasters and build community resilience through implementation of early action to reduce loss of life and property as a result of flood disasters in high risk areas in the country.

Anticipation in practice: Project description

Zambia is faced with various hazards and floods pose the biggest threat to people’s livelihoods. A risk analysis was conducted through interviews and literature review to understand the dynamics of flooding and its Impacts on people, infrastructure, and livelihoods. To develop the FbF in the country, ZRCS worked with the Technical Working Group on the following seven steps: risk analysis, developing a menu of triggers, selection and validation of early actions, developing the EAP, and monitoring of forecasts.

If the danger level is exceeded, the following early actions are implemented to reduce or prevent three priority impacts:

1. Displacement of people due to destruction of shelter (partial or complete damage).
2. Water borne disease outbreaks e.g. cholera due to contamination of water points and or increased malaria incidences due to increased exposure to mosquito attacks and
3. Crop losses and damage due to water logging

Trigger development was done in close collaboration with Disaster Management Unit, Water Resources Management Authority and Zambia Meteorological Department

The trigger is based on the water discharge at 32 river stations that are linked to GloFAS (Global Flood Awareness System). When discharge rates indicate that a flood with a 10-year return period is likely to occur within days, the protocol is activated.

The following early actions were selected in consultation with communities:

• Community sensitization and dissemination of forecast information, early warning and early action messages to communities at risk
• Pre-positioning and distribution of non-food (NFIs) and WASH items  such as (mats, plastic sheets, blankets, ITN, empty sacks to be used as flood embankments, tents), chlorine/water purification tablets, Jerry cans, and soap  in case of evacuation
• Digging trenches/embankments to divert flood water (environmental control measures)
• Early harvesting of flood threatened crops (e.g. cassava, sweet potatoes, maize and beans)
• Distribution of food storage bags to allow for proper food storage and preservation in anticipation of floods