Zambia : Dr Mwanakampwe Calls For Evidence-based Decision Making

Central Province Permanent Secretary Milner Mwanakampwe has called for a culture of evidence-based decision-making to ensure limited resources are directed to communities facing the greatest risks and needs. Dr Mwanakampwe says evidence from assessments on food security, livelihoods, nutrition, vulnerability and household resilience is critical in determining what government does, where it intervenes, who it prioritises and when it takes action. The Permanent Secretary was speaking in Kabwe during the dissemination of the 2025/2026 Multi-Sectoral In-Depth Vulnerability and Needs Assessment (IDVNA) and the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) findings. Dr Mwanakampwe said the findings should guide government planning, budgeting and interventions at both provincial and district levels. He urged provincial and district authorities to integrate the findings into sector plans, programmes and budgets, while strengthening coordination and information sharing among government institutions, United Nations agencies, Non-Governmental Organisations and cooperating partners. 'We also need to strengthen early warning systems and ensure risk information reaches communities in a timely, understandable and actionable manner,' Dr Mwanakampwe said. He noted that the region should move from assessment to action by strengthening the link between early warning, early action, preparedness, response, recovery and development planning. 'There's also a need for increased investment in livelihoods, food systems, social protection, climate resilience, disaster preparedness and access to essential services to reduce vulnerability and build resilient communities,' he added. Dr Mwanakampwe said while the IPC analysis provides a common framework for understanding the severity and magnitude of food insecurity, its findings should be considered alongside evidence on agriculture, markets, livelihoods, nutrition and household vulnerability. Meanwhile, Regional Disaster Risk Management Coordinator Precious Miti said the workshop, supported by the World Food Programme (WFP), provides an opportunity to discuss the findings of the IDVNA, IPC and recovery action plan reports. Ms Miti said the reports are outcomes of the 2026 Zambia Vulnerability Assessment Committee exercise conducted across 93 districts in the country. She said the assessment provides detailed information on vulnerability, food security, community needs and recovery priorities, which should inform planning and interventions. Loading read count...