African countries are facing an escalating climate change bill, with an average loss of 2-5 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) due to climate extremes.

In Africa, the cost of adaptation is estimated to be between USD 30-50 billion annually over the next decade, representing 2-3 percent of the region’s GDP., according to the 2023 State of Climate in Africa report.

“This report serves as a stark reminder of the urgency of climate action in Africa, where extreme weather events are intensifying and disproportionately impacting the continent’s social economic development,” Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Mike Mposha said.

During the launch of the 2023 State of the Climate in Africa report at the 12th Climate Change and Development in Africa (CCDA12) Conference by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and the African Union Commission in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire on Monday, Mr. Mposha said Africa was uniquely vulnerable to climate change.

“With its high dependence on rain-fed agriculture and limited adaptive capacity, rising temperatures, rising sea levels, and erratic rainfall are already causing widespread harm to human health, ecosystems, and livelihood. These challenges threaten to derail Africa’s big-bed progress towards achieving the sustainable development goals and the African Union agenda 2063,” he said.

Mr Mposha said it was essential to continue advocating for increased investments in climate adaptation and resilience, particularly through the laws and dynamic priorities.

“Africa faces disproportionate burdens and risks from climate change, which threatens food security, public health, and socio-economic development across the continent,” said Ambassador Josefa Leonel Correia Sacko

Deputy Executive Secretary and Chief Economist at the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) Hanan Morsy said Africa was on the front lines of fighting climate change and its impacts, from rising temperatures to shifting rainfall patterns, and other extreme weather events.

“Consequently, key sectors like the agricultural sector, which employs over 60 perent of Africa’s population, are under threat. Crops are failing and livestock is suffering as climate variability disrupts traditional farming practices, jeopardizes food supply, and the economic stability of nations, which are already grappling with high poverty and levels,” Ms. Morsy said.

She added that at the same time, African countries face significant debt distress, forcing trade-offs with critical development needs such as health or education.
“We can only drive investments in climate action if we have financing. Therefore, there is an urgent need to achieve sustainable debt levels to make the essential investments.

“There must be first, a timely and sustainable international debt resolution that calls for an overhaul of the G20 Common Framework to make it more effective, time-bound, and transparent, and second, a reform of the global financial architecture to ensure affordable financing at scale. Third, the implementation of innovative financing instruments such as debt-for-nature swaps, and green and blue bonds; and fourth, advancing carbon markets to establish a fair carbon price supported by high-integrity carbon registries to ensure transparency and trust. These are transformative avenues to address Africa’s climate finance requirements,” Ms. Morsy explained,

The 2023 State of the Climate in Africa report is expected to serve as a vital tool for policymakers, providing the observational basis necessary to drive action and support decision-making in the face of an increasingly challenging climate future.

By Benedict Tembo

The Road Development Agency (RDA) has announced the resignation of its Director and Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Grace Mutembo, following her request to step down in order to pursue another opportunity. The decision was made during a Special Board Meeting held earlier today, where the Board accepted her request.

In light of this development, the RDA Board has appointed Eng. Jairos Mhango, currently the Director of Road Maintenance, to serve as the Acting Director and Chief Executive Officer for the agency. Eng. Mhango will assume these responsibilities until a permanent replacement is appointed.

The Board expressed its gratitude to Eng. Mutembo for her service and contributions during her tenure with the RDA. “The Board thanks Eng. Grace Mutembo for the services rendered during the period of her employment with the Agency and wishes her all the best in her future endeavors,” the RDA stated in a press release.

A CALL TO ACTION TOWARD INCREASING LIVESTOCK POPULATION AND ATTAINING THE GOVERNMENT’S $1 BILLION EXPORT TARGET

Earlier this year, President Hakainde Hichilema stated that the New Dawn administration aims to increase the cattle population to 6.5 million within the next two years to generate $1 billion annually from beef exports. In response to this policy directive, we must analyze and address the challenges that could hinder these government aspirations. One critical issue is the threat posed by the invasive species Mimosa pigra, commonly known in English as the “Sensitive Plant” or “Touch Me Not.”

The Kafue Flat Plains, a vital region for agroforestry and livestock, face a significant challenge from Mimosa pigra. Locally known as Mpande or Kasaka in Bemba and Mponda in Nyanja, this invasive plant threatens the sustainability of agriculture, forestry, and livestock resources, posing a severe risk to livelihoods. Its unchecked spread disrupts vegetation and diminishes livestock potential, undermining efforts to increase livestock numbers and boost export earnings.

To achieve the government’s livestock population and export targets, experts in forestry and livestock production emphasize the urgent need for a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach to tackle this invasive species. A collaborative effort is required among the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock (Department of Livestock Development), academia, and research institutions under the National Science and Technology Council.

Strategies for Combating Mimosa pigra

Effective strategies must include innovative and combined approaches for both biological and mechanical removal of Mimosa pigra. This requires concerted action from various stakeholders, including researchers, policymakers, and local communities, to prevent further ecological and economic damage. The severity of this issue demands immediate attention and proactive measures.

We call upon agricultural, livestock, and agroforestry experts to engage in finding sustainable solutions through research to combat Mimosa pigra. Their insights are invaluable in developing strategies that not only address the immediate threat but also enhance the long-term resilience of the ecosystem.

The Agroforestry-Livestock Nexus

There is a crucial connection between agroforestry and livestock production for many smallholder farmers. Agroforestry, which integrates trees and shrubs into agricultural landscapes, offers a sustainable solution to improve livestock nutrition. This symbiotic relationship is essential for several reasons:

1. Forage Production: Agroforestry systems can include fodder trees and shrubs that provide high-quality forage, especially during dry seasons when natural pastures are scarce. This ensures consistent and nutritious feed for livestock, enhancing their productivity and health.

2. Soil Fertility: Trees in agroforestry systems contribute to soil fertility through leaf litter and root biomass, improving pasture quality and increasing forage yield. This directly benefits livestock by providing nutrient-rich grazing areas, leading to higher meat and milk production.

3. Climate Resilience: Agroforestry practices enhance the resilience of farming systems to climate change. By providing shade and windbreaks, they protect livestock from extreme weather conditions, reduce heat stress, and maintain pasture productivity.

Forestry’s Role in Forage Production

The forestry sector plays a vital role in unlocking the full potential of forage production. Trees such as Leucaena, Gliricidia, and Moringa are excellent sources of protein-rich fodder in agroforestry systems. They also maintain water cycles, enhance soil moisture retention, and provide shade, all of which are essential for livestock welfare.

A list of forage legumes suitable for improving livestock nutrition among smallholder farmers in Zambia has been identified. Species such as Desmanthus leptophyllus , Panicum colorantum, Vicia vilosa, and Stylosanthes varieties are recommended for agroecological zones I and II, while others like Arachis pintoi and Chamaecrista rotundifolia are suitable for zone III.

Achieving this potential requires collaboration between the forestry and agricultural sectors. Professional bodies such as the Forestry Institute of Zambia (FIZ) and the Agricultural Institute of Zambia (AIZ) must lead this initiative, leveraging their expertise to develop agroforestry systems tailored to Zambia’s unique conditions.

Call for Government Support and Capacity Building

To meet the $1 billion beef export target, the government must deliberately support capacity-building initiatives for foresters, agriculturalists, and natural resource professionals especially the leading livestock production specialists as well. Training in forage production, agroforestry practices, and sustainable land management is essential to equip professionals with the skills necessary to drive this agenda forward.

We urge the government to allocate resources to empower bodies like the Forestry Institute of Zambia/Agricultural Institute of Zambia to contribute meaningfully to the livestock sector. Additionally, establishing Livestock Economic Zones that incorporate agroforestry practices will maximize the benefits of both sectors.

Specifically, we call on the government to support organizations like the Forestry Institute of Zambia and the Agricultural Institute of Zambia under projects such as the Enhanced Smallholder Livestock Investment Programme (E-SLIP). We commend the success achieved under E-SLIP in forage production and recommend incorporating forage production business training in annual programming and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) initiatives. This will ensure the sustainability of forage production and seed knowledge through a multi-sectoral approach.

Furthermore, investment in research and development is crucial to identify the most suitable tree species and agroforestry practices for Zambia’s diverse agro-ecological zones. Collaboration among forestry experts, agricultural scientists, and livestock specialists is key to developing innovative solutions that propel the sector forward.

Mr. President, the forestry sector is not just an ancillary component but a foundational pillar in achieving your vision for the livestock sector. By fostering a strong partnership between forestry and agriculture and investing in the capacity of our professionals, Zambia can achieve its livestock export targets and ensure the sustainability and resilience of our agricultural systems.

I, along with my colleagues, stand ready to support this critical initiative and contribute to the prosperity and well-being of our nation.

Yours sincerely,

Chaliafya Katungula
Advocacy General
Forestry Advocacy for Communities, Communication, Transparency, Accountability, and Research -F(A+C+T+A+R)

The Minister of Water and Sanitation, Collins Nzovu, has issued a firm directive to contractors and water utilities across the country, demanding the timely completion of all ongoing water and sanitation projects. In light of the ongoing dry spell affecting various parts of Zambia, the minister emphasized that there would be no extensions granted for these critical projects, warning that non-compliance will result in serious consequences.

During a tour of water and sanitation projects in Chililabombwe, Minister Nzovu expressed the urgency of the situation, describing the country as being under a state of emergency due to the severe water crisis. He instructed water companies and contractors to operate around the clock to alleviate the challenges caused by the prolonged dry spell.

“The government expects water companies and contractors to work 24/7 to resolve the water crisis facing some parts of the country,” said Mr. Nzovu. He also appealed to the public to refrain from disposing of waste in sewer lines, as this practice could trigger cholera outbreaks, further complicating the already dire situation.

The minister’s visit included an inspection of the rehabilitation works at the Kafue Raw Water Intake, managed by Mulonga Water and Sanitation Company. The project, which involves the restoration of a water facility with a capacity of over thirty thousand cubic liters, is being handled by China Henan International Cooperation Group (CHICO).

ZHOU Xiaozhan, a representative of CHICO, assured the minister that the company would collaborate closely with Mulonga Water and Sanitation Company to expedite the rehabilitation efforts.

Local leaders, including Chililabombwe District Commissioner Precious Njekwa and Mayor Lucky Sichone, expressed optimism that the minister’s familiarization tour would lead to tangible improvements in addressing the water challenges faced by the district.

As the government intensifies its response to the water crisis, Minister Nzovu’s directive highlights the critical need for efficient and timely execution of water and sanitation projects to safeguard public health and ensure access to clean water during this challenging period.

A certified paralegal practitioner, Emmanuel Hazemba has urged Zambians to clearly understand the distinctive roles that Members of Parliament (MPs), District Commissioners (DCs), Civic leaders and other public office bearers play in the broader governance system.

Mr Hazemba explained that these mentioned public office bearers play different but complementary roles in ensuring that development is delivered in their respective areas.

He has since expressed great concern with the seemingly lack of genuine desire by some members of the public to understand the distinctive roles and the jurisdiction of public office bearers and the now established Sub-District in the development of their respective areas.

ZANIS reports that Mr Hazemba observed that despite the remarkable strides made in the implementation of the Decentralisation Policy by the government, some communities seem not to understand the ‘Bottom –UP’ approach in the development processes of their areas.

The certified paralegal practitioner has since implored local authorities across the country to effectively use their Public Relations Units at their disposal in the dissemination of information on the existence of the Sub-District structures.

He cited the formation of the Ward Development Committees (WDCs), Community Welfare Assistance Committees (CWACs) and the recently reconstituted Zonal and Satellite Disaster Management Committees (SDMCs) as crucial in actualising the Decentralisation Policy.

Mr Hazemba pointed out that sub-district structures are key in spearheading development, enumeration of vulnerable households on various social protection programmes and addressing minor disasters in their localities.

He has since implored members of the public to take keen interest in the prudent utilization of the expanded Constituency Development Fund (CDF) especially the disbursement criteria of loans and grants to cooperatives.