By Scoop Reporter
Zambia experienced the worst drought in the 2023/2024 rain season in 20 years, affecting 84 of the country’s 116 districts, and has led to a national emergency declaration.
The drought has been caused by an El Niño-induced dry spell, and has resulted in less than 50% of the normal annual rainfall in affected regions. February 2024 was the driest and hottest month on record since 1981.
The drought has had a significant impact on Zambia’s agriculture, water supply, and food security. It has also affected other sectors, such as education, sanitation, labour, and energy. President Hakainde Hichilema has appealed for international help, saying that more than six million people are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance. The country’s environment minister has warned that the drought threatens hunger for millions of people, and could destroy the country’s economy and social fabric.
There are several factors that have contributed to Zambia experiencing its worst drought in decades. Global warming is one of these factors. Global warming has led to changes in weather patterns, resulting in more frequent and severe droughts in many parts of the world, including Zambia.
The El Niño weather phenomenon, which involves the warming of sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, has also disrupted global weather patterns and led to drought conditions in certain regions, including Southern Africa.
Further, deforestation and land degradation have reduced the country’s natural ability to retain water and regulate the climate, making it more susceptible to drought and added to this is the inefficient water management practices, such as over-extraction of groundwater and inadequate irrigation systems, which have also exacerbated the impact of the drought on agriculture and water resources in Zambia.
The country’s growing population has increased the demand for water and food, putting additional pressure on already limited resources during times of drought.
These factors, combined with other environmental and socio-economic challenges, have contributed to the severity of the drought in Zambia.
The drought in Zambia has had a significant impact on power generation in the country, as a large portion of Zambia’s electricity is generated from hydropower. The low water levels in the country’s reservoirs and rivers, caused by the drought, have reduced the capacity of hydropower plants to generate electricity.
This has led to power shortages and disruptions in the national electricity grid, affecting both households and industries in Zambia. The reduced hydropower generation capacity has forced the country to rely more on expensive diesel and thermal power plants to meet its electricity demand, increasing the cost of electricity production and putting strain on the national power supply system.
The power shortages have resulted in load shedding, where electricity supply is rationed and certain areas experience scheduled power outages to manage the limited electricity supply and this has had significant impacts on the country’s economy.
The power shortages have disrupted industrial operations, leading to reduced productivity and output in key sectors such as manufacturing, mining, and agriculture. Businesses have faced challenges in meeting production targets, fulfilling orders, and maintaining operations, impacting their competitiveness and profitability.
To cope with the power shortages, businesses have had to resort to alternative sources of energy, such as diesel generators, which are more expensive and less efficient than hydropower. The higher energy costs have increased the operating expenses of businesses, reducing their profit margins and competitiveness in the market.
The decline in industrial productivity and business operations due to the power crisis has led to job losses and reduced employment opportunities in various sectors. Companies facing financial constraints and operational challenges may be forced to downsize their workforce or halt expansion plans, resulting in layoffs and reduced job creation.
The power crisis has contributed to a slowdown in economic growth in Zambia, as reduced industrial activity and productivity have impacted overall economic performance. The disruptions in key sectors such as mining and manufacturing have hindered the country’s ability to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth, affecting government revenue, investment inflows, and macroeconomic stability.
The persistent power crisis has created uncertainty for businesses and investors in Zambia, affecting confidence in the economy and deterring new investments. The unreliable electricity supply and operational challenges faced by businesses have hindered growth prospects and investment opportunities, leading to a more challenging business environment.
The power crisis has also had social impacts on households and communities in Zambia, as electricity shortages have disrupted daily activities, affected access to essential services, and increased costs for alternative energy sources. The burden of managing the power crisis has fallen on consumers, who have had to cope with frequent power outages and higher electricity bills.
Addressing the power crisis and improving energy security in Zambia is essential to support economic recovery, stimulate growth, and enhance the country’s competitiveness. Investing in diversified energy sources, enhancing energy efficiency, and strengthening the resilience of the power sector are critical steps to mitigate the impacts of the power crisis on the economy and ensure sustainable development in Zambia.
In a nutshell, the drought-induced power shortages have had negative impacts on various sectors of the economy, including manufacturing, agriculture, and mining, which rely heavily on a stable and affordable electricity supply. Businesses have faced challenges in maintaining operations, leading to reduced productivity and economic losses.
Households have also been affected, experiencing disruptions in daily activities and increased costs associated with alternative energy sources.
This is the reason the Government is calling for more investment in alternative sources of power such as solar, wind power, among others, as relying on hydropower has from time to time shown that it is not sustainable.
The Zambian Government has been exploring measures to diversify the country’s energy mix and reduce reliance on hydropower. This includes investing in renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, as well as improving energy efficiency and conservation measures. Additionally, the Government has been working to strengthen the resilience of the power sector to climate-related risks and ensure a more reliable and sustainable electricity supply for the country.
On the other hand, the drought has also affected food security in the country. The drought has led to severe food and water shortages across the country. The lack of rainfall has devastated crops and livestock, leaving many communities struggling to survive. The Government has declared a state of emergency and is working to provide aid to those affected by the drought.
International organizations and neighbouring countries have also offered assistance to help alleviate the crisis. The situation remains dire, and urgent action is needed to help the people of Zambia recover from this devastating natural disaster.
On the other hand, the drought in Zambia has significantly contributed to food insecurity in the country through various channels. The lack of rainfall and prolonged dry spells associated with the drought have led to crop failures and reduced agricultural productivity in many parts of Zambia.
Maize, the staple crop in the country, has been particularly affected, resulting in poor harvests and food shortages for farming communities. The drought has also affected livestock farming in Zambia, as water and pasture shortages have led to livestock deaths and reduced livestock productivity. Livestock farmers have faced challenges in providing adequate feed and water for their animals, leading to food insecurity for households that are dependent on livestock for food and income.
The drought has limited access to food for vulnerable populations in Zambia, including smallholder farmers, rural communities, and marginalized groups. Poor harvests and limited food availability have resulted in higher food prices, making it difficult for households to afford nutritious and sufficient food for their families.
The food insecurity resulting from the drought has had negative impacts on nutrition and health outcomes in Zambia. Limited access to diverse and nutritious foods has increased the risk of malnutrition, especially among children and pregnant women, leading to health issues and long-term developmental consequences.
The drought-induced food insecurity has imposed economic hardships on households and communities in Zambia, as families struggle to meet their basic food needs and cope with rising food prices. The increased cost of food and limited income opportunities have exacerbated poverty and food insecurity, creating a cycle of vulnerability for many households.
The severity of the drought and its impact on food security have necessitated humanitarian assistance and food aid interventions in affected areas of Zambia. The Government, international organizations, and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) have mobilized resources to provide emergency food assistance to vulnerable populations in need of immediate support.
Addressing the root causes of food insecurity in Zambia, including the impact of drought and climate change, requires a multi-faceted approach that integrates sustainable agriculture practices, water management strategies, social protection programs, and resilience-building initiatives. By investing in long-term solutions to enhance food production, improve livelihoods, and strengthen food systems, Zambia can build resilience to future shocks and ensure food security for all its citizens.
There are several interventions that Zambia can employ to address the drought situation and mitigate its impact on the country. Promoting the cultivation of drought-resistant crop varieties that require less water and are more resilient to extreme weather conditions can help ensure food security during periods of drought.
Implementing water conservation measures, such as rainwater harvesting, water recycling, and efficient irrigation techniques, can help conserve water resources and ensure sustainable water supply during dry periods. Further, implementing reforestation and land restoration programs can help improve soil health, increase water retention capacity, and reduce the risk of erosion, ultimately making the land more resilient to drought.
Encouraging the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices, such as agroforestry, conservation agriculture, and crop diversification, can help farmers adapt to changing climate conditions and reduce their vulnerability to drought.
Strengthening early warning systems for drought and other climate-related disasters can help communities prepare for and respond to drought events in a timely manner, reducing the impact on lives and livelihoods. In the meantime, providing emergency relief assistance, such as food aid, water supply, and healthcare services, to affected communities can help alleviate the immediate impacts of drought and ensure the well-being of vulnerable populations.
As a long term measure, there is a need to develop and implement policies and strategies that promote sustainable land and water management, climate change adaptation, and disaster risk reduction can help build resilience to drought and other climate-related challenges in Zambia.
By implementing a combination of these interventions and working collaboratively with stakeholders at the national, regional, and international levels, Zambia can better prepare for and respond to future drought events and build resilience to climate change impacts.
The way forward in making Zambia food secure in the midst of these natural occurrences is to invest in irrigation both in the short and long-run. By investing in and promoting the use of irrigation systems, Zambia can enhance its agricultural productivity, improve food security, and build resilience to climate change impacts.
Irrigation can play a crucial role in helping Zambia boost food security by providing a reliable water supply for agricultural production, especially during periods of drought.
Irrigation allows farmers to water their crops regularly, ensuring that they receive an adequate amount of water for optimal growth and productivity. This can result in higher crop yields and improved food production, even in areas with unreliable rainfall.
Irrigation systems enable farmers to grow a wider variety of crops throughout the year, including high-value cash crops and nutritious food crops. Diversifying crop production can help improve nutrition and food security for communities by providing a more balanced diet.
Irrigation can extend the growing season beyond the rainy season, allowing farmers to cultivate crops year-round. This can increase the overall food production and reduce the risk of food shortages during dry periods.
Irrigation systems can help farmers adapt to changing climate conditions, such as droughts or erratic rainfall patterns, by providing a consistent and reliable water supply for crops. This can help mitigate the impact of climate-related shocks on food production and ensure food security for vulnerable populations.
Implementing efficient irrigation practices, such as drip irrigation or sprinkler systems, can help conserve water resources and reduce water wastage. Sustainable water management practices can help ensure the long-term viability of irrigation systems and support food security in the country.
Increased crop yields and diversified crop production through irrigation can lead to higher incomes for farmers, improving their livelihoods and economic well-being. This can contribute to poverty reduction and food security at the household level.
Currently, the Zambian government has taken several steps to alleviate hunger and improve food security in the country. Some of the key initiatives and interventions include:
1. National Food and Nutrition Commission: The Government has established the National Food and Nutrition Commission (NFNC) to coordinate efforts to address food and nutrition security in Zambia. The NFNC works to develop policies, programs, and strategies to improve food access, availability, and utilization.
2. Farmer support programs: The Government has implemented various programs to support smallholder farmers, including the Farmer Input Support Program (FISP) which provides subsidized inputs such as seeds and fertilizers to farmers. These programs aim to increase agricultural productivity, improve livelihoods, and enhance food security for rural communities.
3. School feeding programs: The Government has introduced school feeding programs in various parts of the country to ensure that children have access to nutritious meals during the school day. These programs help improve children’s health and nutrition, as well as boost school attendance and performance.
4. Food security monitoring and early warning systems: The Government, in collaboration with partners, has established food security monitoring systems and early warning mechanisms to track food availability, access, and utilization. This helps identify areas and populations at risk of food insecurity and enables timely interventions to prevent hunger and malnutrition.
5. Emergency food assistance: In response to natural disasters, such as droughts and floods, the Government provides emergency food assistance to affected populations. This includes distributing food aid, cash transfers, and nutritional supplements to vulnerable communities in need of immediate assistance.
6. Agricultural development and diversification: The Government has prioritized agricultural development and diversification to enhance food production and reduce reliance on a few staple crops. Promoting the cultivation of diverse crops, supporting livestock rearing, and investing in agribusiness development are some of the strategies aimed at improving food security in the country.
7. Policy and institutional reforms: The Government has been working to strengthen policy frameworks, institutional capacities, and coordination mechanisms related to food security and nutrition. This includes developing national strategies, legislation, and action plans to address hunger, malnutrition, and poverty in Zambia.
While these efforts are important steps towards alleviating hunger and improving food security in Zambia, challenges remain, including climate change impacts, limited access to resources, and persistent poverty.
Continued investment, collaboration with stakeholders, and sustainable interventions are essential to address these challenges and ensure food security for all Zambians.