Adapting to changing climate

 - Farmers preparing for the 2024/2025 rainy season

ABIGAIL CHIFUSA

Royd Michelo applying heavy mulching on his farm.

The 2023/2024 farming season experienced severe drought attributed to El Niño conditions, which devastated Zambia’s agricultural sector, impacting over six million people. 

Maize production, the backbone of Zambia’s food security, saw a decline of over 50 percent, increasing food prices and leaving many households vulnerable. 

As Zambia gears up for the 2024/2025 season, meteorological projections and expert advice highlight the importance of climate-resilient farming practices.

The El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is transitioning into a weak La Niña phase, expected to bring normal rainfall across much of the country with episodes of heavy rain and flooding in some areas. 

To adapt to these conditions, farmers are urged to align their agricultural practices with region-specific rainfall forecasts, as outlined by veteran farmer and scientist Orphan Hachinene.

Mr Hachinene explained that Zambia’s three distinct rainfall zones: Southern, Central, and Northern regions, each demand tailored farming strategies.

“We have Zone one in the Southern Province, which receives the least rainfall, Zone two in the Central Province with moderate rainfall, and Zone three in the Northern region, which has the highest rainfall,” he said. 

Mr Hachinene emphasised the importance of tailoring crop choices to these rainfall patterns. 

“In Southern, early-maturing, medium-yield varieties of maize are ideal due to the lower rainfall, whereas in the Central region, a mix of early- and late-maturing varieties can ensure good yields. For the northern region, late-maturing, high-yield varieties are best, but farmers must plant immediately to take advantage of the long growing season,” he explained.  

Mr Hachinene stressed the importance of pest control, citing the increased likelihood of pest infestations due to high humidity.  

“Farmers must prepare now by procuring pesticides, particularly for pests like armyworms, which thrive in such conditions. Applying pesticides three weeks after planting can help prevent significant losses,” he advised.  

Mr Hachinene advised that fertiliser application is another critical consideration. 

“Framers should apply basal fertiliser during planting to give maize a strong start. Waiting until germination can reduce yields due to delayed nutrient availability,” he explained.  

According to Mr Hachinene, rainwater harvesting is another important solution.

“Harvested rainwater can support irrigation, improve underground water levels, and sustain livestock. Additionally, constructing weirs can encourage grass growth and provide grazing areas for livestock,” he said.  

He further urged farmers to conduct soil analysis to determine the most suitable fertilisers and crops for their regions, emphasising the need to move away from “farming by accident” and adopt scientific practices.  

Royd Michelo, a small-scale farmer in Chongwe’s Kapete area, echoed these sentiments.

Mr Michelo described climate change as a permanent challenge that demands innovative solutions.  

“Climate change requires us to rethink farming from land preparation to crop diversification,” he said. 

Mr Michelo advocated for minimum tillage using rippers instead of ploughs.  

“This method allows for better water retention and root establishment. It also prevents the formation of a hard pan, which hinders water infiltration and root growth,” he explained.  

Mr Michelo emphasised the need to diversify crops, moving away from mono-cropping.  

“In some areas like Southern Province, they rely heavily on maize and groundnuts, which is a practice that must change. As farmers, we should incorporate drought-resistant crops like sorghum and millet and intercrop with legumes like cowpeas to enhance soil health and provide ground cover,” he said.  

Mr Michelo urged that such diversification not only mitigates climate risks but also improves nutritional value and income stability.  

Both Mr Hachinene and Mr Michelo agree that achieving President Hakainde Hichilema’s goal of producing 10 million metric tonnes of maize by 2027 is possible through improved farming techniques.  

“Farmers must focus on maximising yields per hectare. Proper care, rainwater harvesting, and pest control are crucial,” Mr Hachinene said.  

However, Mr Michelo highlighted the importance of water conservation in addressing unpredictable rainfall patterns.  

“When we harvest rainwater, we reduce soil erosion and recharge groundwater systems. These practices are important for sustainable farming,” he explained.   

Mr Michelo further called for a mindset change among his peers, urging them to align with the government’s vision for sustainable farming.  

“Let us embrace agro-ecological practices and diversify our crops to enhance food security and resilience. Climate change is here to stay, and we must adapt,” he said.  

Zambia Research Institute (ZARI) director Ndashe Kapulu shed light on the critical effects of climate change on agriculture, emphasising its role in altering weather patterns and the corresponding impact on crop production in Zambia. According to Dr Kapulu, climate change manifests in reduced rainy days and fluctuating temperatures, both of which significantly affect farming practices.

He said temperature fluctuations compound the issue, affecting plant growth cycles and yields. 

“When temperatures rise above 35 or 40 degrees, the pollen released during the plant's shedding process dies. When the pollen dies, it prevents successful reproduction within the plant, resulting in reduced grain formation on the cob, a process referred to as ‘abortion.’ Consequently, since these are edible plants, their yield is significantly reduced,” Dr Kapulu explained.

To combat these challenges, he recommended sustainable agricultural practices such as conservation farming. 

“Minimising soil disturbance helps retain organic matter and prevents erosion of fertile topsoil. Techniques like ripping and potholing allow water to collect where it is most needed. Additionally, intercropping with legumes and rotating nutrient-heavy crops like maize with legumes such as soybeans can preserve soil fertility and moisture,” Dr Kapulu said. 

Another critical adaptation strategy involves crop diversification and growing drought-resistant crops like millet and sorghum. 

“These crops mature faster, require less water, and thrive in semi-arid areas, making them reliable food security options in adverse weather conditions,” Dr Kapulu explained. 

He highlighted the New Dawn Government’s initiatives to promote agricultural resilience, including the launch of a mechanisation strategy and the promotion of a diverse crop basket to mitigate risks at the farm level. 

Dr Kapulu further raised concerns about the emergence of new pests and diseases fueled by changing climatic conditions. 

“The fall armyworm, a migratory pest, thrives under the hot and humid conditions created by climate change, adding another layer of challenges for farmers,” he said.

Ultimately, Dr Kapulu advocated for a multifaceted approach to resilience, including diversifying consumption patterns.

“Over-reliance on a single staple crop like maize puts pressure on the food production system. By diversifying, we can reduce this strain and enhance food security,” he said, highlighting the urgency of adopting sustainable agricultural practices to adapt to the evolving climate.

As the 2024/2025 rainy season is now underway, the focus is clear: proactive, science-driven strategies are the pathway to overcoming climate challenges and securing a stable future for Zambia’s agriculture. 

Embracing these methods can ensure food security and economic growth even amidst the unpredictability of a changing climate.