One climate change impact that I clearly see affecting my community in Zambia is drought and unpredictable rainfall. Seasons are no longer reliable. Sometimes the rains come late, stop too early, or fall heavily for a short time and then disappear for weeks. This makes it very difficult for people to plan their farming and daily activities.
The biggest challenge is for families that depend on farming for food and income. When crops fail, especially maize, households struggle with food shortages and higher food prices. Water scarcity has also become a serious issue. In some areas, boreholes dry up, and people have to walk long distances to find water. In towns like Lusaka, low water levels in dams have led to water rationing and power cuts, since most of our electricity comes from hydropower. These power outages affect businesses, schools, health facilities, and everyday life.
In response, people are trying to adapt in different ways. Some farmers are now planting drought-tolerant crops like cassava, sorghum, and millet instead of relying only on maize. Others are using conservation farming methods to help retain moisture in the soil. The government and NGOs have also introduced climate-smart farming practices, early-maturing seed varieties, and small irrigation projects in some communities.
On a personal and household level, many people are becoming more careful with water use, diversifying their sources of income, and paying closer attention to weather updates. While these efforts are helping, it’s clear that climate change is already affecting how we live, farm, and plan for the future in Zambia. More support and long-term solutions are needed to help communities build resilience and protect their livelihoods.