Government says failure to adapt to climate change is affecting Agricultural sector

Government says resistance to the change in climate by some farmers is a major stumbling block in addressing vulnerabilities of climate change in the country’s agro sector.

Minister of National Development Planning Alexander Chiteme said it is important that people change their perception and adopt new agricultural practices, according to the change in climate, in order to sustain their livelihoods.

Mr Chiteme said some provinces are still resistance to embracing climate resilient approaches by clinging to traditional practices and approaches of farming, despite being affected by climate change.

He said through the interventions government is putting in place, small holder farmers have an opportunity to change to early maturing and drought resistant crops, in order to ensure food security when faced by dry spells, drought or change to crops that thrive in perennially flooded areas.

The Minister added that government is prioritising and mainstreaming climate change into the national development agenda within the framework of the Seventh National Development Plan.

Mr Chiteme said this will ensure that climate change mitigation programmes and activities are infused in the development process of the country.

The Minister added that government has since put in place necessary policies and legislation to ensure that climate change effects on people’s livelihoods are mitigated.

And Ministry of National Development Planning Permanent Secretary Chola Chabala said government will scale up sensitisation programmes on the effects of climate change, in order for citizens to adapt .

Mr Chabala said human induced activities are contributing to climate change and it is only right that a sustainable mechanism is developed that will safeguard environmental interests against economic interests.

The Permanent Secretary disclosed that government is finalising the Climate Investment Fund that will have about US$200 million to finance climate resilient development initiatives to sustain people’s livelihoods.