LocationsUNDP and the Ministry of Agriculture coalition, under the SCRALA project, is enhancing climate resilience among smallholder farmers by implementing irrigation systems in Zambia
Tackling Water Scarcity With Innovative Irrigation Solutions
August 12, 2024
Farmers celebrating the launch of the Tauya irrigation scheme in the banana field
UNDP Zambia
"Planting crops such as maize, groundnuts, and soya beans has been a nightmare here in Chirundu district due to prolonged drought periods that we have been facing. Our crops were all affected by the 2023/24 drought, and with the small amount of maize that I harvested, it is clear that it will not be enough to sustain my family throughout the year."Rosemary, smallholder farmer in Chirundu district
These are the words of Rosemary, a 60-year-old mother of seven who is a smallholder farmer in Chirundu, a district located in Zambia’s Agro-Ecological Region I, characterized by extremely high temperatures.
She is among the six million farmers in Zambia whose lives and farming practices have been disrupted by the 2023/24 drought caused by El Niño–Southern Oscillation. I met her during the recent launch of the irrigation scheme in Chirundu district under the Strengthening Climate Resilience of Agricultural Livelihoods in Agro-Ecological Regions I and II in Zambia (SCRALA) project, where firsthand accounts revealed the profound impact of climate change on people's lives.
Another smallholder farmer, Benson, from the district, explained that he could no longer harvest crops such as maize and groundnuts due to insufficient rainfall in the region. This shortage has led to reduced meals for his family, posing serious issues of malnutrition for his children.
In Zambia, the majority of rural communities depend on rain-fed agriculture. However, erratic weather patterns, such as drought, often lead to significant crop damage and livestock losses. Food security remains a pressing issue, with approximately 40% of children under five stunted and 60% of the population living below the poverty line, according to the World Bank.
In my interactions with such smallholder farmers, it is evident that Zambia has not escaped the ravages of climate change. These effects have disrupted the livelihoods of millions, who struggle to grow enough food or sell surplus produce due to erratic rainfall as well as prolonged and frequent drought.
This underscores the urgent need to assist farmers in adapting to the widespread effects of climate change by enhancing their capacities to adjust to evolving climate conditions. In Zambia, adapting to these impacts has become essential.
In response to the challenges posed by climate change, the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) with technical support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and funding from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) is collaborating on implementing the SCRALA project, an intervention that is enhancing water access for small-holder farmers.
The SCRALA project constructed a 20-hectare solar-powered drip irrigation scheme in Tauya village, Chirundu district. This community-driven initiative was officially handed over to the local community on 7 June 2024 by the Honourable Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Mtolo Phiri, in order to address the challenges farmers are facing. For the beneficiary community, this day marked the beginning of a transformative journey towards improved food production and household incomes.
Tauya community irrigation scheme
UNDP Zambia
This scheme will change our living standards and we are indeed grateful because we are assured of several sources of income and enough food for our children in our homes, also, since we have been trained in its management as a cooperative, we will ensure it is put to good use.said Japhet Chivundi, Chairperson of the Tauya Irrigation Scheme during the launch
Journeying through the fields where climate change meets innovation, I witnessed how the SCRALA project is turning the tide with groundbreaking irrigation systems among farmers - Theresa Kinkese, SCRALA Project Manager
UNDP Zambia
The initiative is set to be a model for replication across the 16 districts where the project is implemented to promote a shock-responsive, risk-informed, and inclusive society, aligning with Zambia's Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP), and Sustainable Development Goals on Zero Hunger, No Poverty and Climate Action while leaving no one behind.
The project demonstrates how critical climate resilience and adaptation is, towards resilient social protection by reducing vulnerabilities and risks, and by promoting gender and youth inclusive socio-economic development.
Because of the SCRALA project, Rosemary along with other farmers in the Siangwemu agriculture camp now have hope for improved livelihoods from this mechanism that will revolutionise their food security and income streams.
Through this Green Climate Fund (GCF) financed climate resilient agriculture project, the government with cooperating partners have come together to propel Zambia’s economy while protecting people and the environment from climate shocks, reducing food shortages, promoting alternative livelihoods as well as contributing to the aspirations of the Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement.
The SCRALA project receives additional technical support from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the World Food Programme (WFP), Water Resource Management Authority (WARMA) and Zambia Meteorological Department (ZMD).
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