Samuel Mbewe
The Community Technology and Development Trust (CTDT), in collaboration with the Zambia Agriculture Research Institute (ZARI) and Oxfam, has successfully developed a drought-resistant sorghum seed variety aimed at helping farmers adapt to the challenges posed by climate change.
The initiative, which was showcased during a field visit in Chirundu District, promises to provide a reliable solution for communities facing prolonged dry spells and reduced agricultural productivity.
Joseph Mwitumwa, the Seed Production and Marketing Officer at CTDT, spoke to journalists about the success of the new sorghum variety. He explained that the early maturing and drought-resistant sorghum variety was developed with the specific goal of thriving under harsh climatic conditions.
Mwitumwa highlighted that local farmers have welcomed the new seed, noting that it holds great promise for ensuring food security in regions vulnerable to climate-induced droughts.
“The farmers are already expressing satisfaction with the performance of the new variety,” Mwitumwa said. “We urge the government to assist in the commercialization of the seed to make it more accessible to farmers across the country.”
CTDT, alongside its partners, has proposed to the government the need for a review of registration policies for new seed varieties. According to Mwitumwa, the current registration fees, which stand at USD 2,000, are too high for local farmers to afford, potentially delaying the widespread adoption of the drought-resistant sorghum variety.
One farmer who has benefited from the new variety is Julius Mufana from Kayuni Camp in Chirundu District. Mufana shared his experience with the drought-resistant sorghum, stating that despite the ongoing dry spell in the region, the crop has thrived. “I am grateful for this new seed,” he said. “While others are struggling with poor yields due to the dry conditions, my crop has performed well, and I have been spared from the hunger crisis.”
In addition to the drought-resistant sorghum initiative, CTDT has also encouraged farmers to diversify their crops as a strategy for combating the effects of climate change. Edwin Abwino, the Assistant Programs Manager at CTDT, emphasized the importance of crop diversification to mitigate the risks associated with changing weather patterns. Abwino recommended practices such as intercropping and growing cash crops alongside food crops to enhance farm productivity and nutritional security.
He further explained that cover crops like cowpeas can help return moisture to the soil while providing additional food sources through their leaves and pods. “By incorporating these practices, farmers can improve both the resilience of their farms and their households’ nutrition,” Abwino said.
Abwino also stressed the value of indigenous seeds, noting that they are well adapted to local environmental conditions and can be recycled from season to season. Unlike hybrid seeds, which require external inputs, indigenous seeds offer farmers an affordable and sustainable alternative.
The work of CTDT and its partners represents a significant step toward improving food security and promoting sustainable farming practices in Zambia. By addressing both the immediate and long-term challenges of climate change, the new drought-resistant sorghum seed and the focus on agricultural diversification offer hope to vulnerable farming communities across the country.
