Zambian Famers face climate change shocks

By Raphael Banda (Journalism Trainer/journalist)

Most parts of the country have recorded the dry spell which has drastically affected mots crops that are currently wilting. Farmers have expressed worry that this will lead to the poor crop yields in this year's harvest season.

With Mealie Meal the product of maize grain being the country's staple food, this situation pauses a danger to the country's food security at both household and national levels.

current situation in some crop fields-Siavonga Zambia

The Ministry of Green Economy and Environment released this information through the Metrological Department.

AGROMETEOROLOGICAL BULLETIN HIGHLIGHTS

TIME ISSUED: 8:45 CAT

DATE ISSUED: 10TH FEBRUARY, 2024

ANALYSIS PERIOD: 21ST TO 31ST JANUARY, 2024

⮚ Zambia records normal to below average rainfall;

⮚ A dry spell observed between 21st and 31st January, 2024;

⮚ Soil moisture insufficient (10% to 50%) in most parts of Zambia;

⮚ Significant rainfall to be confined to the northern and eastern parts of Zambia;

⮚ Further Reduction in soil moisture anticipated in most parts of Zambia;

⮚ Farmers advised to monitor weather updates regularly and adjust their farming activities accordingly.

⮚ Implement water conservation measures such as mulching and proper soil management practices to optimize water usage, especially in areas experiencing rainfall deficits and low soil moisture levels.

⮚ Maintain proper drainage systems to mitigate potential flooding in areas prone to heavy rainfall, particularly in the Northern parts of the country.

⮚ Stay vigilant for pest and disease outbreaks, as changing weather patterns can create favorable conditions for their proliferation.

⮚ Plant alternative crops such as vegetables and adopt climate-resilient farming practices to mitigate the impact of erratic weather patterns on agricultural production.

⮚ Monitor livestock closely for signs of heat stress, dehydration and nutritional deficiencies, especially during periods of high temperatures and limited forage availability.

⮚ Regularly and intensively scout for pests and diseases during drier conditions and report any unusual insects or crop diseases to the nearest Agricultural Office. Use Integrated Pest Management for Fall Army Worm infestations.

Ends///

Comments

The Green Economy and Climate Change Act no. 18 2024- Progressive Legislation

The Green Economy and Climate Change Act no.18 2024- A focused piece of legislation. By Raphael Banda January 23 rd , 2025. Environmental protection wise, the ''Eco-friendly curtains of 2024 brightened their colours on Zambia on December 26th as evidenced by the zeal and determination showed by government and parliament to enact a progressive law which strives to attain Zambia's vision 2030 and United Nations's Sustainable Development Goal number 13.'' On December 26 th , 2024, Zambia enacted the Green Economy and Climate Change Act no.18 of 2024. This progressive Act provides for climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction, climate change mitigation, low emission development, green economy and related actions. The Act also provides for regulation of carbon markets; provides for environmental and social safeguards in climate change actions; establishes the Climate Change Fund; domesticates the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate...

The Law as critical tool for Climate Change fight

It’s time to enact and implement climate - focused legislation. By Raphael Banda October 3rd 2024. The climate change effects have continued to cause shocks on several economies of developing countries in sub-Sahara Africa and beyond with Zambia not being exception. Momentarily, officials say 87 of Zambia’s 116 districts have been hit hard by the drought caused by the prolonged dry spell in the previous rainy season. Sectors such as Agriculture and Energy, among others, have suffered severe shocks. To cushion this, government and other like-minded organisations such as the UN, AU and the EU among others have joined hands in putting various strategies in place such as cash for work, relief food and other social incentives to the most affected. In as much as we appreciate these efforts, it’s time to " Take urgent action" to combat climate change and its impacts by regulating emissions and promoting developments in renewable energy" as stipulated by the United ...

Climate Smart Agriculture Key to Increase crop yields

Quality Agriculture Extension services key to attaining Climate Smart Agriculture. By Raphael Banda In most African countries and beyond, farming is a lifeline. This is owing to the fact that it feeds families, supports local economies, and preserves cultural identities passed down through previous and current generations. However, the past few decades, this sustenance has come under increasing threat from something beyond any farmer’s control known as climate change. Its effects have made rainfall unpredictable; seasons commence late or not at all in some parts of the continent. Crops that once thrived now struggle. For millions of smallholder farmers including the over 2.5 million registered farmers in Zambia, the impact has been demoralizing. Despite the setback, a new wave of hope has emerged in the form of Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) which is a practical, proven, and people-centered approach that is helping farmers fight back and attain maximum crop yields. ...

THE PLATFORM

Search This Blog