LUSAKA – In a sobering announcement, Collins Nzovu, the Minister of Green Economy and Environment, has issued a grave warning concerning Zambia’s prolonged dry spell, cautioning about its potentially devastating impacts on agriculture, water resources, and power generation.
Minister Nzovu underscored the severity of the situation, emphasizing the adverse effects the extended dry period could have on agricultural productivity, particularly for staple crops like maize and soya beans.
These crops, crucial for food security in Zambia, require adequate moisture during critical growth stages, making them highly susceptible to water stress, wilting, and yield losses.
Speaking before the National Assembly in a ministerial statement addressing the 2023-2024 rainfall season and the ongoing dry spell, Minister Nzovu highlighted that the dry conditions, prevalent since January 20, 2024, are expected to persist into February, particularly in the southern regions of the country.
Of significant concern are the dwindling water levels in major reservoirs such as Kariba, Kafue Gorge, and Itezhi-Tezhi.
Nzovu warned that this trend could lead to decreased power generation, exacerbating the issue of load shedding and energy shortages in the coming months unless the situation improves.
In response to the looming crisis, the government is poised to release a comprehensive report analyzing the multifaceted impacts of the dry spell on agriculture, food security, water resources, and energy.
The report will offer targeted interventions aimed at supporting affected communities and mitigating the adverse effects of the prolonged drought.
Additionally, Minister Nzovu urged farmers to stay vigilant and adapt their farming practices in line with prevailing weather conditions.
He stressed the importance of implementing water conservation measures such as mulching and soil management techniques to optimize water usage, particularly in regions experiencing rainfall deficits and depleted soil moisture levels.
As Zambia grapples with the challenges posed by the extended dry spell, concerted efforts are underway to address the immediate concerns while laying the groundwork for long-term resilience in the face of climate variability and extreme weather events.
