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Malnutrition Remains a Stubborn Challenge
Malnutrition remains a stubborn challenge among smallholder farmers in Zambia. World Food Programme Zambia reports that the poverty rate of greater than half of the population worsened following the COVID pandemic, and ongoing climate disruptions with frequent prolonged dry spells, extreme high temperatures, and flooding that have negatively impacted crops, food security, and the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. More than one-third of children below the age of 5 exhibit stunted growth, and 48% of the population are unable to meet their minimum daily caloric requirements.
Drought Strikes Zambia
On February 9, 2024 Zambia President Hakainde Hichilema declared the drought in his country a national disaster devastating food production, safe drinking water, and power generation. The drought has destroyed nearly half of maize nationwide, the primary staple crop and food source. In the Petauke District the prolonged dry period occurred during the crucial flowering stage resulting in total crop loss. The ZIAP Zambia team are scouting fields where ears from 36 plants are harvested from each field. A current drought result is pictured. This compared to approximately 60 pounds of shelled corn for the same stand in Iowa. Zambia is experiencing the driest rainy season in 40 years.
Smallholder Farming in Zambia
Traditional farming methods in Zambia, largely completed by hand, have resulted in land degradation and diminished productivity. Where maize is the primary staple food crop for both personal food and income, the yield is less than one-third those found in Iowa. A lack of soil organic matter and nearly absent crop residue have left the fields vulnerable to both floods and drought. Widespread soil compaction has also been observed. Multiple hybrid seed varieties are available locally along with a standard mix of commercial fertilizer. However, intense poverty and a lack of capital limits access to adequate seed, fertilizer, and improved farming methods.