El Niño Hits Zambia
…Prolong dry spell forces President Hichilema Declares National of emergency
By Francis Maingaila
Lusaka, Zambia24 (2 -03-2024) – Zambia is grappling with a severe crisis exacerbated by the El Niño phenomenon, which has wreaked havoc across the nation. President Hakainde Hichilema has declared a national of emergency to address the devastating effects.
In a national address, President Hakainde highlighted the dire situation resulting from a prolonged drought affecting 84 out of 116 districts in various provinces.
The crisis has led to significant consequences, including the destruction of approximately one million hectares of maize, resulting in acute food shortages and malnutrition for over six million people.
Moreover, the reduced rainfall has led to water shortages affecting both urban and rural areas, while hydropower generation has diminished, causing power outages and disruptions.
The country’s electricity supply has been severely impacted, with a deficit of up to 520 megawatts expected by December due to low water levels in key dams.
The El Niño-induced dry spells have disrupted agriculture, threatening food security and leading to crop failures and decreased yields of staple crops like maize, soybeans, and groundnuts.
The Central, Copperbelt, Eastern, Lusaka, North-Western, Southern, and Western provinces are among the hardest-hit areas, with about six million people affected across 84 districts.
Droughts have also affected livestock and wildlife as pasture lands dry up, increasing competition and migration patterns for water sources.
Climate change presents an immediate reality with dire repercussions, and Zambia is at a pivotal moment in its fight against the destructive forces of El Niño. Urgent action is necessary to minimize impacts and foster resilience for the times ahead.
Rolf Shenton, a Director at Grassroute Trust and a Prominent Zambian Environmentalist, emphasized the undeniable impact of El Niño on Zambia’s climate, including erratic weather patterns disrupting agricultural cycles and exacerbating water scarcity.
He highlighted the scientific consensus on climate change, attributing unprecedented carbon dioxide emissions to human activities such as fossil fuel burning and deforestation.
ActionAid Zambia programs manager Kabinga Musonda stressed how vulnerable communities in Zambia, including rural farmers and indigenous groups, bear the brunt of El Niño’s impacts, facing heightened risks of food insecurity, waterborne diseases, and displacement.
Musonda underscored the disproportionate effects of climate change on vulnerable communities, emphasizing the challenges they face in adapting to or recovering from climate-related disasters.
Prof. Oliver Saasa pointed out the staggering economic toll of El Niño on Zambia, which includes crop failures, water shortages, and energy deficits, hindering development and perpetuating poverty cycles.
He argued for the economic benefits of climate action, highlighting how investments in renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure can create jobs, stimulate innovation, and foster economic growth.
Readlay Makaliki, a Lead Technical Expert at the Southern African Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (SACREEE), sees an opportunity for technological innovation and adaptation amidst the challenges posed by El Niño, suggesting that embracing renewable energy sources can alleviate energy shortages and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
He advocates for the adoption of renewable energy sources as a solution to mitigate energy shortages and decrease dependence on fossil fuels.
Makaliki highlighted the transformative potential of renewable energy in addressing both environmental concerns and energy access issues, paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient energy future in Southern Africa.
WWF Country Director Nalucha Ziba told Zambia24 that the situation in Zambia remains critical, necessitating urgent needs for food, clean water, and humanitarian assistance to mitigate the widespread effects of the drought.
She emphasized that climate action is imperative, as the consequences of inaction jeopardize the health, well-being, and ecosystems of current and future generations.
According to Nalucha, harnessing scientific expertise, advocating for social justice, leveraging economic opportunities, and embracing technological innovation, Zambia can build a more resilient future.
“Let us unite across sectors and communities to safeguard our nation’s future and address the existential threat of climate change,” she said.
She also mentioned the increased pressure on national parks, leading to human-wildlife conflicts due to animals migrating in search of food and water.