Lusaka, Zambia – Zambian farmers are turning to climate-smart agricultural techniques to combat the devastating effects of a prolonged drought, with a new training program empowering young people and women to secure food and income despite failed rains.

In the southern Magoye area of Mazabuka District, once-fertile fields are now cracked and dry. Smallholder farmer Daniel Chola has seen his harvests plummet due to prolonged dry spells linked to El Niño.

“It’s been over a month since the rains stopped,” said Chola. “We’re just praying for rain so we can have something to eat.”

In the 2023–24 season, Chola harvested only 13 bags of maize and anticipates an even smaller yield this year. This agricultural crisis prompted the Zambian government to declare a national disaster in early 2024. The drought has also impacted the country’s energy sector, as low water levels in major hydroelectric dams have disrupted electricity generation.

The training program is teaching farmers simple but effective methods to increase resilience, such as using drought-resistant seeds and implementing efficient water management techniques. By equipping communities with these tools, the initiative aims to build a more sustainable future for Zambia’s agricultural sector.