In this week’s Monday opinion, we are looking at the role of climate information services (CIS) in developing climate resilience. As the world grapples with the devastating impacts of climate change, Zambia stands at a critical juncture. The country’s economy, heavily reliant on agriculture and natural resources, is particularly vulnerable to the effects of rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events. The 2012 UNFCCC report on climate change impacts in Southern Africa paints a stark picture of the challenges Zambia faces, with projections of increased temperatures, reduced crop yields, and economic losses.
The findings of the report are nothing short of alarming. It projects that Southern Africa will experience increased temperatures, with the average temperature expected to rise by 1.5°C to 2°C by the end of the century. This will have catastrophic consequences for the region’s agriculture, with crop yields expected to decline by up to 20% by 2050. The impacts will be felt most acutely in the southern parts of the region, where rainfall is projected to decline by up to 15% by 2050. This can be observed from the 2015/2016 El Niño, which was associated with severe droughts and floods in different parts of Zambia. Both the frequency and intensity of climate and weather shocks have increased in Zambia, locking rural households especially smallholder farmers into poverty. A study by Alfani and others in 2019 found that the 2015/2016 El Niño-induced drought shocks in Zambia were associated with about 20% and 37% reductions in maize yields and per capita incomes respectively. Currently, the drought situation associated with the El Niño has affected water availability leading to low per generation in the country, water rationing for most urban areas in Lusaka as well as looming food insecurity. However, amidst this grim forecast, there is a glimmer of hope – climate information services (CIS) can play a pivotal role in helping Zambia and the local communities prepare and respond to the impacts of climate change.
CIS provide timely, accurate, and actionable information to help communities make informed decisions about adapting to climate change. In Zambia, where smallholder farmers and rural communities are on the frontlines of climate change, access to CIS can mean the difference between survival and devastation. By providing early warnings of extreme weather events, CIS can enable farmers to take proactive measures to protect their crops and livestock. Moreover, CIS can help guide the development of climate-resilient agricultural practices, such as drought-resistant crops and water-efficient irrigation systems, ensuring that Zambia’s food security is not compromised by climate change.
Beyond agriculture, CIS can also support the development of climate-resilient infrastructure and natural resource management. By providing information on changing rainfall patterns and extreme weather events, CIS can inform the design and construction of roads, bridges, and buildings that can withstand the impacts of climate change. Similarly, CIS can help guide the management of Zambia’s water resources, ensuring that water is available for drinking, agriculture, and hydroelectric power generation, even in the face of climate-related shocks.
The potential of CIS to transform Zambia’s climate resilience is further amplified by the rapid advancements in digital technologies. Mobile apps, online portals, and satellite imagery can now deliver climate information directly to farmers and communities, overcoming the challenges of limited infrastructure and reaching even the most remote areas. By harnessing the power of digital technologies, CIS can provide real-time, location-specific information that is tailored to the needs of local communities, empowering them to make informed decisions about adapting to climate change.
However, realizing the full potential of CIS in Zambia will require a concerted effort from the government, development partners, and the private sector. Investments are needed to strengthen the capacity of national meteorological and hydrological services to collect, analyse, and disseminate climate data. Partnerships must be forged to develop user-friendly CIS platforms that are accessible to all, regardless of literacy levels or technological savvy. And crucially, efforts must be made to ensure that CIS are integrated into national and local development plans, ensuring that climate change adaptation is a priority across all sectors.
In conclusion, climate information services offer a powerful tool for building climate resilience in Zambia. By providing timely, accurate, and actionable information, CIS can help communities prepare for and respond to the impacts of climate change, safeguarding livelihoods, food security, and economic development. As the country grapples with the challenges of a changing climate, it is clear that CIS must be at the forefront of its adaptation efforts. With the right investments and partnerships, Zambia can harness the power of CIS to build a more resilient and sustainable future for all its citizens.
About the author
Solomon Mwampikita a Researcher at the Centre for Trade Policy and Development (CTPD) and Lecturer at NIPA. He holds bachelor’s degree in Environment Studies from the University of Zambia and Master of Science in Water Management and Governance from IHE Institute for Water Education with interest in climate policy and adaptation, and an enthusiast of indigenous knowledge.
