Farmers in southern Zambia are adopting simple, yet effective, climate-smart methods to combat the region’s worsening drought conditions, which have been exacerbated by the El Niño weather pattern. The prolonged dry spells have left fields parched and threatened the livelihoods of millions.
Daniel Chola, a smallholder farmer in the Magoye area, noted the severity of the situation: “It’s been over a month since the rains stopped. We’re just praying for rain so we can have something to eat.”
The consequences of the drought have been widespread, leading the Zambian government to declare a national disaster in early 2024. Water levels at major hydroelectric dams dropped, disrupting electricity generation and highlighting the fragility of the country’s interconnected energy and food systems.
In response to these challenges, grassroots initiatives like the Emerging Farmers Initiative (EFI) in nearby Monze District are making a tangible difference. The program focuses on training young people and women in sustainable farming techniques, offering a path to food security and income stability despite the failed rains.
“Climate change is no longer abstract—it’s our lived reality,” said Sr. Juunza Mwangani, the project leader.
Participants learn to conserve water through drip irrigation, practice integrated farming by raising fish alongside crops, and diversify their income with livestock and vegetable farming. The initiative also promotes conservation agriculture and reduced pesticide use to improve soil health over time. Since 2022, over 100 young people have been trained at a model farm.
The EFI specifically targets women, who are crucial to rural food security. Mercy Miyanda, 60, who received five goats through the program, stated, “They’ve since multiplied to 15. The sisters gave us knowledge and livestock—and that changed everything.”
Another participant, Christabel Cheelo, now supports her household of 10 through poultry, horticulture, and fish farming. “I no longer depend on rainfall alone. With this mix, I can pay school fees and feed my children,” she said.
With its low-cost technologies and focus on community, the EFI provides a promising model for rural climate adaptation. As global warming’s effects escalate, such initiatives demonstrate that resilience can be built one community at a time.
