By Samuel Mbewe
Lusaka, Zambia – Chance Kabaghe, Executive Director of the Indaba Agricultural Policy Research Institute (IAPRI), has raised concerns about the possibility of another drought affecting the country, following an increasingly unpredictable rainfall pattern this season.
Speaking at the 2024/2025 weather forecast dissemination meeting, Mr. Kabaghe warned that farmers in drought-prone areas are facing growing challenges, with maize crops drying up due to prolonged dry conditions.
“The situation is increasingly worrying, especially in areas that are historically vulnerable to drought,” Kabaghe said. “Farmers are seeing their crops wither as the dry spell continues, leading to fears that Zambia may be heading into another challenging agricultural season.”
Mr. Kabaghe emphasized the importance of accurate weather forecasts, urging the Meteorological Department to provide more reliable data to help farmers plan their planting schedules effectively. “It is vital for farmers to know when and what crops to plant to avoid losing their seeds,” he explained.
The dissemination of accurate weather forecasts, Kabaghe noted, forms part of a broader effort to support farmers during these uncertain times and ensure food security across the nation. He also called on government authorities to enhance their efforts to equip farmers with the tools needed to adapt to the changing climate.
In his remarks at the meeting, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, John Mulongoti, echoed Mr. Kabaghe’s concerns, revealing that the Ministry is actively working on several key initiatives to mitigate the impact of climate change on agriculture. These include sustainable intensification of smallholder farming, strengthening climate resilience in Ecological Zones 1 and 2, and the Program for Integrated Development and Adaptation in the Zambezi Basin.
“We are seeing an increasing frequency and intensity of adverse weather events, which have significantly affected national food security, energy, water resources, and tourism,” Mulongoti said. “The severity of these weather conditions is hitting agriculture hardest, especially in the central, eastern, western, and southern regions.”
The ongoing dry conditions have caused widespread anxiety among farmers who depend heavily on rainfall for crop production and livestock rearing. “The situation is dire, particularly for those in drought-prone areas, as crops like maize are drying up at an alarming rate,” Mulongoti added.
He further stressed the importance of accurate and timely weather forecasts for informed decision-making. “For farmers to make the right decisions regarding planting, they need reliable weather data. This is critical not just for their livelihoods, but for the nation’s overall food security.”
As Zambia grapples with the ongoing dry spell, the role of both the government and agricultural experts has never been more crucial in ensuring that farmers receive the support they need to adapt to the shifting climate. Accurate weather forecasting, alongside targeted agricultural interventions, will be key in mitigating the effects of unpredictable weather and ensuring a stable food supply in the coming seasons.
