Capacity Building

By Jane Phiri The rainfall pattern of Rufunsa District for the 2022-2023 rain season has generally been Normal to below Normal. Most parts of the District are dependent on the rains for Agriculture. Most farmers in Rufunsa grow maize and soya beans. Climate Change has continued to affect the way people live in the district and most probably will continue to do so until something is done. Continued human activities and industrialisation will continue to impact the globe. Temperatures have continued to rise above normal in the district. Most maize farmers have been affected this season as crops in most parts of the district have not done well. In an interview with a Rufunsa local farmer Mr. Jack Phiri said, “The rainfall pattern for this year hasn’t been very good. Look at most of the fields, the maize has dried up even before the maturing stage. The usage of chemical fertilisers and weed killers has also negatively affected the fertility of the soils in the district.” Mr. Phiri urged the Government to come up with programs that will encourage farmers to plant crops that are resilient to climate change to make sure that Zambia becomes food secure. Food security for the country is very important as this will make it easy for the country to fight poverty. Food security can only be achieved if the impacts of Climate Change are minimised.  

By Kasonde Kaoma Climate refers to the average atmospheric conditions of a place over a given period of time. Climate can change positively or negatively at a given place over time, depending on how human beings manage the natural environment. The natural environment provides food resources to support life and create resources if well-managed. However, human activities have depleted the natural environment, impacting resources like fish, minerals, and forests. For example, overfishing in oceans, lakes, rivers, and dams depletes fish resources. If mines operate without proper mineral rights and licenses, the mineral resource, such as copper in Zambia, is at risk of depletion. Similarly, indiscriminate cutting of trees affects the availability of timber and fruits, impacting the country’s economic growth. In Lundazi District, areas like Kapichila, Mwase, and Mphamba chiefdoms lack adequate trees due to deforestation for farmland, charcoal burning, and other activities. Residents, previously engaged in the tobacco industry, contributed to the depletion of millions of trees annually. This lack of trees affects future generations, depriving them of access to forests and forest products. The provided image below represents an area at the newly constructed Lundazi Bridge where trees were cut to facilitate construction. This highlights the impact on the buffer zone responsible for water reservation. Not only that, but rainfall patterns have shifted, affecting water levels at the Lundazi Bridge. Late rainfall contributes to low water levels, leading to potential droughts. Insufficient water supply affects the Eastern Water and Sanitation Company’s ability to provide clean and safe drinking water, impacting children’s access to essentials like education and sanitation. The effects of climate change underscore the need for resilience. Everyone has a role to play in mitigating climate change’s impacts. Practicing the 3 Rs—REDUCE, REUSE, and RECYCLE—can contribute to a sustainable future. Additionally, afforestation and reforestation programs are essential for maintaining and replenishing tree resources. As environmental agents of change, the Children’s News Agency advocates for responsible environmental practices. Communities, chiefs, stakeholders, and government entities should actively participate in climate change and environmental sustainability efforts to promote social and economic development.

By Kakwisa Blessing | CNA Lundazi Bureau The repercussions of climate change are already being felt in our daily lives. While the environmental implications of global warming are well-documented, one aspect that demands urgent attention is its profound impact on children and society as a whole. As vulnerable members of our communities, children face a future fraught with challenges, which, if left unaddressed, could disrupt the fabric of our society. A changing climate disrupts agricultural patterns, causing crop failures, food scarcity, and malnutrition. Children, who are more vulnerable to the adverse effects of malnutrition, face stunted growth, cognitive impairments, and weakened immune systems. Furthermore, the availability of safe drinking water becomes a pressing concern as droughts, flooding, and contamination affect water sources, risking the health of children and society at large. Meanwhile, climate change is likely to cause some of the areas in the district to have no rains, shortage of food and also to experience heavy rains which will make it hard for crops like maize and groundnuts to survive due to floods. Climate change-induced events often disrupt education systems, depriving children of access to schooling. Natural disasters can damage infrastructure like in the case of ChaweyaPrimary School in Chasefu District which had its roof blown off due to the heavy rains experienced in the area, leading to the closure of schools, while frequent climate-related emergencies force families to relocate, causing interruptions in children’s learning routines. Displaced children face increased challenges in accessing quality education, leading to long-term educationalgaps and hindering their overall development. Concisely, the effects of climate change on children and societyare far-reaching and demand immediate attention. Mitigatingthe impacts requires comprehensive action on multiple fronts.Policymakers must prioritize climate resilience strategies, investin renewable energy, and implement measures to protect themost vulnerable. Education and awareness programs shouldequip children with the knowledge and skills to understand andrespond to climate change effectively. It is crucial to foster asense of global responsibility, empowering individuals andcommunities to take collective action towards a sustainable andequitable future. In the face of this climate crisis, we must recognize that thewell-being of children is intrinsically linked to the well-being ofsociety as a whole. By prioritizing the needs of our youngestgeneration and addressing the challenges they face due toclimate change, we can forge a path towards a more resilientand harmonious future for all. The pictures above shows how the water levels at LundaziBridge Forest Management area has been affected by climatechange in Lundazi district in Eastern Province due to massivecutting of trees near the Lundazi River.