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Key messages
Food Security Outlook June 2026 - January 2027 Stressed (IPC Phase 2) expected in the south and west due to below-average harvest Download report Read full report
  • Stressed (IPC Phase 2) outcomes are expected in western and eastern areas of Zambia, June through September, as households rely on their own food stocks to meet their food needs. However, localized weather shocks, restrictions on livestock movement due to foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), and declining fishing, are expected to reduce purchasing power for essential non-food goods. Minimal (IPC Phase 1) outcomes are anticipated elsewhere as the record 2026 maize harvest of approximately 5 million metric tons, improves household food stocks and purchasing power due to above-average income from crop sales.
  • Stressed (IPC Phase 2) outcomes are expected from October 2026 to January 2027, in areas of the north, south, and among fishing communities, with further spread in the west and east. As the lean season begins, household food stocks are projected to decrease, following typical seasonal trends, as households are expected to increase their reliance on the market for food purchases. As income is expected to be sufficient to support market purchases for food, most households will likely continue to meet their food needs but are unable to cover nonfood expenses. 
  • An El Niño event is currently ongoing and is expected to strengthen during 2026/27 rainy season. Below-average rainfall and delayed onset of the October 2026 to May 2027 rainy season are most likely. Southern and southwestern Zambia are anticipated to experience below-average rainfall along with above-average temperatures. This is expected to drive reductions in the area planted and agricultural labor opportunities and income, as the rain starts. As a result, households are expected to experience a gradual decline in purchasing power. 
  • FEWS NET estimates that 500,000-749,999 people will need humanitarian food assistance during the peak lean season between December 2026 and January 2027. Food assistance needs are expected to rise gradually as household food stocks decline, market dependence increases, and purchasing power weakens, particularly among low-income households in southern and western Zambia. 

The analysis in this report is based on information available as of June 25, 2026.

More analysis reports View all Zambia food security analysis reports
Monthly analysis
Food Security Outlook Zambia October 2017
Food Security Outlook Update Zambia September 2017
Key Message Update Zambia July 2017
Alerts / special reports
Special Report Zambia May 28, 2026
Monthly analysis
Food Security Outlook Zambia October 2017
Food Security Outlook Update Zambia September 2017
Key Message Update Zambia July 2017
Alerts / special reports
Special Report Zambia May 28, 2026
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Description

The FEWS NET Data Explorer hosts the widest range of FEWS NET data for download or extract via API. The Data Explorer requires a free user account for access.

FEWS NET–style food security map of East Africa showing crisis severity by color, with conflict icons and alerts across Somalia, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Kenya.
Acute Food Insecurity Area-Level Classifications

FEWS NET produces IPC-compatible area-level acute food insecurity classifications monthly for FEWS NET reporting countries. This data is available as spatial files, tabular files, and map images. It is a key output of FEWS NET integrated food security analysis and is reported in our Food Security Outlooks and Outlook Updates (FSO/U) and Key Message Updates (KMU).

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Markets and trade resources
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Access FEWS NET’s market price data and analysis, plus trade flow maps.

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Acute Food Insecurity Area-Level Classifications

This report provides the latest outlook on global, regional, and national market trends of key commodity prices in FEWS NET reporting countries and also analyzes the various drivers influencing these trends.

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Production and Trade Flow Maps

These maps display the geography of market systems and trade flow patterns for key products, including their key market towns and cross-border trade points.

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Price data

Price data is available for a large number of countries and products around the world. This data can be used to track the change in price of commodities, food staples, agricultural inputs, and other products over time and is a key input to FEWS NET food security analysis and Global Price Watch reports.

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Agroclimatology resources
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Access FEWS NET’s remote sensing data and analysis of weather conditions.

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Weekly Global Weather Hazards reports

This report provides a global outlook on anticipated severe weather events, including maps with current weather information, short and medium range weather forecasts (up to one week), and the potential impact on crop and pasture conditions.

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Seasonal Monitor reports

This report provides regional updates on weather events, rainfall patterns, and associated impacts on ground conditions (e.g., cropping conditions, water availability) during a given geography’s rainy season, along with a short-term rainfall forecast.

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Agroclimatology data

FEWS NET and its partners offer a range of online tools that share insights on rainfall, temperature, vegetation, soil moisture, and surface water conditions derived from remote sensing data collection and modeling.

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Livelihoods resources
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Access FEWS NET’s maps, reports, and data on local livelihood systems.

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Zambia 2014 Livelihood Zones Map (.PNG)
Livelihood Baselines

Baselines provide quantitative analysis of household livelihood options. It includes a detailed breakdown of food, cash, and expenditure patterns. The Baseline also highlights market patterns, seasonality, and coping strategies. 

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Livelihood Zone maps

Zone Maps illustrate the country by zone, showing areas where people generally have the same options for obtaining food and income and engaging in trade.

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Livelihood Zone Descriptions

Zone Descriptions accompany a Zone Map, briefly describing the main characteristics of the livelihood patterns in that zone. The maps and descriptions are useful in informing the development of monitoring systems.

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Seasonal Calendar
Description

These calendars illustrate the monthly availability of key food and income sources, plus the starts and ends to key rainy and lean seasons. They supplement livelihoods resources and are integral to FEWS NET’s food security analysis.

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National seasonal calendar for Zambia showing rainy seasons, lean seasons, crop cycles, livestock, fishing, labor, and mining.
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