National workshop on the drought action plan for Zambia

Jeya Raj, Renuka; Alahacoon, Niranga; Amarnath, Giriraj; Moyo, C.; Tsegai, D. 2024. National workshop on the drought action plan for Zambia. Proceedings of the National Workshop on the Drought Action Plan for Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia, 19 June 2024. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). CGIAR Initiative on Climate Resilience. 42p.

Zambia, like many regions in southern Africa, has been severely impacted by the 2024 El Niño event. This climate pattern, characterized by warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, has triggered prolonged droughts and heatwaves across the country. The agricultural sector, a cornerstone of Zambia's economy and a vital source of livelihood, has been particularly hard-hit by these climatic shocks.

Crop production losses have been substantial, with staple crops like maize and sorghum experiencing significant declines in yield. This has threatened food security at both household and national levels and also disrupted agricultural value chains, leading to economic hardship for farmers and communities reliant on agriculture.

The drought has also exacerbated water scarcity, affecting both domestic and agricultural water supplies. This has had cascading effects on livestock production, health, and sanitation, further undermining the resilience of vulnerable communities. The widespread impact of the 2024 El Niño event highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive and proactive drought action plan in Zambia. This plan must address the immediate challenges posed by the recent drought while building long-term resilience to future climate variability and change.

This workshop aims to bring together key stakeholders to develop a robust drought action plan for Zambia. The workshop is jointly organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Zambia, and CGIAR initiatives on Climate Resilience "ClimBeR," Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA), Digital Innovation of Water Secure Africa (DIWASA), the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), and the International Water Management Institute (IWMI). The agenda is in Annex 1.