By Jeff Kapembwa
Zambia’s relentless application of anti-climate change agricultural practices is expected to more than double to 1.6 million tons of irrigated output next year, from a meager yield of 340,000 metric tons forecast for this year, the sector minister says.
Zambia, reeling from the effects of the El Niño-induced drought that dwarfed production of the maize, the country’s staple food and other crops by half during the 2023-24 farming season, is adopting climate resilient practices, among others, irrigation and other smart agriculture practices to ensure food security.
Spurred by the forecast output of maize to 4 million tons, up from 1.5 million tons yielded a year earlier, the ministry of agriculture in collaboration with various interest groups, cooperating partners among others, has devised various smart technological practices to insulate the country from climate change crisis.
In its quest to remain climate resilient and optimise food production, Zambia prioritized climate agriculture practices including conservation farming, crop diversification, agroforestry, improved soil fertility management and drought-resilience.
It seeks to improve soil fertility management and the adoption of drought-resilient and early-maturity crop varieties, coupled with sustained investment in small-scale and solar-powered irrigation infrastructure to reduce reliance on rain-fed practices, arguably, to strengthen resilience to climate change, has-helped reduce the impact.
The mediatory measures have induced guarantee about the country’s capability to further raise maize output to 10 million tons, one million tons of wheat, and a further one million tons of soya beans by the year 2031.
The vision of sustained productivity, and sought to be actualized in the next six year as espoused by the county’s agricultural experts through such smart technologies underway raises hope for Zambia’s food self-reliance.
Agriculture Minister Reuben Mtolo calls for sustaining and building of professional science-based and climate smart agricultural sector practices against the traditional rain-fed-reliance in the past six decades as the future for Zambia to arguably, alleviate poverty chiefly among the majority rural poor, still impoverished.
“We have relied too heavily on rain-fed, maize-centric farming systems that have proved inadequate in lifting rural communities out of poverty and in driving broad-based economic growth.” Minister Mtolo said in Lusaka.
Officiating at the Agricultural Institute of Zambia Scientific Conference in Lusaka themed: “Innovative Science Driven Strategies for Climate Resilient Agricultural Transformation” Minister Mtolo commended the application of smart practices were countervailing measures against the recurring climate crisis and bolster food productivity.
Minister Mtolo challenged the Agriculture Institute of Zambia and other agricultural interest groups to join hands with the Government in actualizing the food security vision, with surplus being exported to ultimately improve the livelihood of the people.
The Government’s resolve to lead the sector’s “food productivity revitalisation agenda” shows that the initiative is ‘a science, and a strategic driver of our national economy’ as amplified by the establishment of the Agriculture Institute of Zambia.
This is as evidenced by the ACT 2 of 2017, and operationalized through Statutory Instrument 19 of 2023.
Minister Mtolo, in a speech read for him by acting Permanent Secretary Lemmy Kafwamfwa commended the launch of the Zambian journal of agriculture science a forum to be publishing Peer reviewed research, showcase innovations and promote homegrown solutions suited to our unique context.
AIZ president, Kavwanga Yamba Yamba commended the Government for its wholesome resolve to counter climate change impact through various climate solutions and that the potential mindset change from informality, fragmented professionalism, and the underutilization of expertise is a game changer.
“Agriculture is not synonymous with maize production alone. Agriculture is far broader—it is the science, art, and practice of cultivating plants and rearing animals to produce food, fiber, fuel, and other goods indispensable to human survival and development”
Professor Yamba Yamba justified the call for the conference, stressing the need for Zambia’s transformation through science, innovation, and professionalism and benefit the sector in the long term.
“If we are to transform Zambian agriculture — not merely survive the shocks, but emerge stronger — we must embrace innovative, science-driven approaches as the foundation for climate-resilient agricultural transformation.”
He commended researchers and other sector players for their commitment to generating knowledge that addresses real challenges in various fields and vital in Zambia’s transformation journey climate-smart agriculture practices and reverse loss and damage caused by climate change.
Prof. Yamba Yamba challenged scientists and researchers to test their findings and knowledge in various fields under the sector and put into practice to benefit the farmers and help in policy formulation for the country.
And TEVETA Director General, Cleophas Takaiza announced the collaboration between the institution and Government in reviewing and re-aligning the curriculum to conform with the dictates of climate change mitigation and adaptation.
The ultimate goal is to help develop competencies tailored to emerging climate-smart agriculture, agribusiness, agro processing, irrigation technologies, and digital agriculture.
The ultimate goal is to establish national occupational standards that ensure graduates of agricultural vocational programmes possess theoretical knowledge while handling industrial related skills.
He challenged industrial players to engage in training institutions and support apprenticeships. He urged educators to innovate their delivery methods and align content with reality on the ground.