Zambia is bracing for another challenging farming season as El Nino threatens to bring erratic rainfall, raising concerns over food production and prices.
The extreme heat experienced during October has already offered a glimpse of the challenges ahead for Zambian farmers. The meteorological department forecasted below-normal rainfall in the southern region of the country, but heavier rains in the north.
After the devastating 2024 drought, the government said improved harvests have strengthened its position, but access to irrigation and support remains uneven.
"That shows you that despite the fact that we experienced drought two years ago, we are still in a resilient position where we are seeing problems such as disasters and droughts -- they give us opportunities to invest more in agriculture and also tap into the low-hanging fruits of what agriculture can benefit, such as irrigation," said Balewa Zyuulu, spokesperson for Zambian Ministry of Agriculture.
Yet, for small-scale farmers, irrigation remains out of reach for many.
"If I want to compare with other farmers here, it's one drawback that they have in terms of the financial capital muscle for them even to establish irrigation systems like drip, that I have. Even just installing boreholes has been a huge drawback for most farmers," said Oliver Mhembere, a small-scale farmer.
The government said it is committed to enhancing resilience in the face of the next climate shock.
El Nino threatens Zambia's agriculture
