Over 6,000 smallholder farmers in Kafue and Chilanga districts of Zambia are set to benefit from a newly launched emergency project designed to restore livelihoods, enhance food security, and bolster resilience against future climate shocks.
This initiative, titled the “Emergency Response to El Niño Drought on Smallholder Farmers in Zambia,” aims to address the urgent needs of drought-affected communities by providing a comprehensive package of emergency agricultural inputs, solar-powered irrigation systems, training in climate-smart farming techniques, and robust early warning support systems. The objective is to transform immediate relief efforts into sustainable, long-term solutions that empower farmers to withstand similar crises in the future.
The project was officially launched yesterday by the Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), backed by a financial commitment of $750,000 from the Government of Japan. During the launch ceremony held in Lusaka, the Ministry of Agriculture Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Mr. John Mulongoti, emphasised the significance of this intervention as a vital lifeline for smallholder farmers, stating, “This project is not merely a response to a crisis; it represents a crucial stepping stone toward long-term resilience. Our goal is to ensure that farmers do not just recover from this setback but emerge stronger, better equipped, and more adept at weathering future droughts.”
The 2023/2024 El Niño event has inflicted serious agricultural damage across Zambia, resulting in the worst drought the country has faced in over 40 years. This severe weather condition has adversely affected agricultural production and water availability in 84 out of the nation’s 116 districts, leading President Hakainde Hichilema to declare a national disaster in February 2024 in an effort to mobilise resources for recovery.
In this context, the Government of Japan stepped forward with vital support to help mitigate the ongoing crisis. Japanese Ambassador to Zambia, Mr. Kazuyuki Takeuchi, highlighted the dual nature of the project’s goals, emphasising, “Through this initiative, we are not only addressing the urgent needs of today but are also laying the groundwork for a more sustainable agricultural future. Our support is anchored in the philosophy of collaboration and mutual learning with the Zambian people.”
FAO Country Representative, Anne-Rose Suze Percy Filippini, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to providing technical support throughout the project’s implementation. “With this partnership, our aim is to transform the ongoing hardships into opportunities for smallholder farmers,” she remarked.
Meanwhile, Mr. Norman Chipakupaku, National Coordinator for the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU), stressed the significance of a coordinated response. “This initiative transcends humanitarian assistance; it is a comprehensive recovery effort that seeks to restore dignity and self-reliance in affected communities. We are dedicated to ensuring that every intervention reaches the most vulnerable households promptly and effectively.”
This project aligns seamlessly with Zambia’s Disaster Response Plan and will be executed in close collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, FAO, and local authorities. It builds upon the foundation of existing partnerships and integrates lessons learned from Japan’s long-standing collaboration with Zambian farming communities, particularly through the efforts of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
