LUSAKA, ZAMBIA – The Government of Zambia, through the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, will this Thursday launch the National Framework for Climate Services (NFCS) in collaboration with the World Bank and AICCRA—the Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa.
The initiative, part of a global effort to transform food, land, and water systems in the face of the climate crisis, aims to bridge the climate information gap affecting small-scale farmers, policymakers, and extension officers.
Why this matters
The framework is expected to improve access to reliable and actionable climate information, enabling better planning, faster adaptation, and risk reduction in the face of climate-related shocks.
According to Bobby Shabangu, Communications Lead for AICCRA Zambia, the framework will ensure that climate data is not only generated but also translated and delivered in practical, usable formats across multiple sectors.
“A well-structured national framework is key to ensuring climate information drives decision-making across agriculture and beyond,” he noted.
Impact so far
The AICCRA project, funded by the World Bank, has already made a strong mark in Zambia:
- Over 118,000 farmers reached since inception
- 36% of beneficiaries are women
- Attracted $500,000 in additional funding from a USAID-led crisis-relief fund
- On the continental scale, nine million smallholder farmers reached across Africa
These farmers now have access to climate-smart agriculture tools and services, boosting resilience in the face of a changing climate.
Rising climate challenges
Zambia continues to grapple with escalating droughts and erratic weather. The 2023–2024 farming season was particularly devastating, with:
- 90% crop failure
- Impact across more than 100 districts
- Ongoing threats to food security, water access, and rural livelihoods
Mr. Shabangu stressed that these extreme events are “no longer isolated incidents” and require a coordinated, science-based national response.
Looking ahead
The launch of the NFCS is both timely and urgent, as Zambia seeks to build resilience in the agricultural sector and across rural communities.
With data-driven tools and strategic policy alignment, the framework promises to be a game changer, turning climate data into a powerful ally for food security and sustainable development.
