Zambia is grappling with one of its most severe droughts in decades, causing extensive food insecurity and energy shortages. In March 2024, President Hakainde Hichilema declared the drought a national disaster due to its far-reaching effects on agriculture and hydroelectric power generation.
The drought has devastated staple crops like maize, with some agricultural regions experiencing up to a 70% yield loss. This crisis underscores the necessity of incorporating drought-resistant crops indigenous to Zambia, which have historically played a crucial role in food security during arid seasons.
Key Indigenous Drought-Resistant Crops
Lusala (Dioscorea hirtiflora bent): Lusala, commonly referred to as wild yam, is endemic to Zambia’s Southern Province. It flourishes in arid conditions, producing starchy, nutrient-rich roots that can be boiled or blended with vegetables and groundnuts. Its adaptability and resilience make it a valuable emergency food source.
Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor): Sorghum is a drought-tolerant cereal widely cultivated in Africa’s semi-arid regions. It thrives under high temperatures and limited rainfall. Its versatility extends to porridge, bread, and traditional beverages, providing essential dietary carbohydrates and minerals.
Millet (Pennisetum glaucum): This resilient grain is characterised by its drought tolerance and rapid growth cycle. It is protein-rich and high in fibre, making it nutritionally superior while requiring minimal water. Its resistance to common agricultural pests also reduces farming costs.
Marula (Sclerocarya birrea): The marula tree is a multipurpose species valued for its vitamin C-rich fruits and oil-rich seeds. It has long been an economic and nutritional asset in rural communities, contributing to both household food supplies and commercial value chains.
Bondwe (Amaranthus spp.): Known regionally as amaranth, bondwe is a fast-growing leafy vegetable high in vitamins and essential minerals. Its ability to thrive in nutrient-poor soils has made it a reliable food source, especially during prolonged drought periods.
Reclaiming Indigenous Agricultural Knowledge
Traditional agricultural practices in Zambia have long relied on a deep understanding of indigenous crops, sustained primarily by women. These practices extend beyond food production, embedding cultural narratives through communal farming, food preparation, and storytelling. Revitalising such heritage-based agricultural models could offer contemporary solutions for climate resilience.
The integration of traditional agricultural wisdom with modern agronomic technologies can strengthen Zambia's food security strategy. Establishing seed banks for indigenous crops, training farmers in sustainable agricultural methods, and promoting community-driven farming projects are essential steps.
Government and non-governmental stakeholders can further enhance these efforts by funding cooperative initiatives, facilitating agricultural workshops, and offering access to climate-smart technologies. Advanced tools such as precision irrigation systems, drought forecasting models, and climate-adapted crop varieties can work alongside traditional methods to boost productivity while conserving critical natural resources.
Cultivating a Resilient Future
Learning from other nations can guide Zambia’s agricultural transformation. Kenya’s farmer training programmes and government-supported seed distribution initiatives have strengthened food security there. Ethiopia’s water harvesting systems have enabled drought-prone communities to sustain farming activities, while India’s solar-powered irrigation systems and Israel’s precision drip irrigation have maximised limited water supplies.
