The World Bank says Zambia may become more dependent on agricultural imports due to the adverse effects of climate change.

The bank says Zambia’s imports of almost all crops are likely to increase.

“The results suggest Zambia may become more dependent on imports of major agricultural products, except for cotton and groundnuts, whose exports are expected to grow in the period up to 2050,” reads part of an assessment of the country’s Climate Smart Agricultural (CSA) profile.

Also read: Zambia’s Lungu wants agricultural import regulation

CSA systematically integrates climate change into the planning and development of sustainable agricultural systems. It aims to reduce the exposure of farmers to short-term risks, while strengthening their resilience by building capacity to adapt and prosper in the face of longer-term stresses.

ADAPTING

The report recommends the need to increase awareness for farmers to adopt CSA practices.

Climate change will likely compromise agricultural production, especially in smallholder systems with little adaptive capacity, as happens in many parts of Africa.

The assessment projects a decline in maize and rice production, two of the most important crops grown by rural smallholder farmers. Other crops are also adversely affected by climate change.

Also read: ZNFU predicts dip in maize production

Zambia is now establishing a climate change fund, which must channel and coordinate international and national finances for climate change adaption and mitigation programmes.