Climate impacts on Zambian agriculture

Tiyese Sakala in AllAfrica,com via the Times of Zambia: …In Zambia, the studies have confirmed a positive correlation between climate change and the deterioration of living conditions particularly for small-scale farmers. Way back, from 1976, studies have indicated reduction in crop production in seasons of droughts and extreme wetness confirming a positive relationship between rainfall amount and crop production levels.

Some of the research considered in this article includes the Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources research report, which confirmed loss of yield within the last 20 years due to prolonged dry spells and shorter rainfall seasons. The International Red Cross and Red Crescent societies also reported an 80 per cent crop failure during the 2004-05 season. One female farmer, Susan, of Petauke District suffered a 70p er cent loss in maize production during the 1994-95 agricultural season.

The highest failure in maize production was in 1992 when 730,000 metric tonnes was harvested against the expected production of 1,200,000 tonnes. During this time, 660,000 hectares of land was planted. The loss was even heavier at 740,000 tonnes in 1995 considering that more land, with 850,000 hectares was committed to maize production.

Climate change affects crop production by compromising internal chemical processes that build the dry matter, which is stored as grain or tubers. Therefore, the stage in plant development at which departure from normal temperature and water supply occurs is crucial….

A street market in Chipata, Zambia, shot by Brian Dell Bdell555