Our visit to Nakonde Farms in Zambia revealed the significant challenges local farmers face due to severe droughts and unreliable water supplies. This visit highlighted the critical need for mechanization and better water management to improve agricultural productivity and resilience.
Addressing Water Scarcity
Farmers in Nakonde are experimenting with winter cropping, but water scarcity remains a major hurdle. The crops show signs of water stress, evident from the colour changes in the plants. To overcome these challenges, there is a pressing need for improved irrigation systems and water storage facilities.
The Importance of Mechanisation
To transform farming practices, Nakonde needs to embrace mechanization. Effective water harvesting and management are essential for enhancing agricultural output. Building a dam in Nakonde could significantly boost livestock and fish farming, increasing production and sustainability.
Learning from Drought Experiences
The recent droughts have severely impacted the soil quality, making it difficult for crops to thrive. Despite weather forecasts predicting rain, the anticipated rainfall did not materialize, resulting in crop loss. Establishing a reservoir would allow farmers to store water and ensure a steady supply for irrigation, even during power outages.
Collaborative Efforts
During our tour of EllySams Farms, we were joined by a delegation of Australian agricultural experts from the Mulloon Institute, Regenerative Australian Farmers, and other institutions. The visit underscored the importance of partnerships between Australian institutions and Zambian farmers in finding sustainable solutions to agricultural challenges.
Conclusion
Our visit to Nakonde Farms highlighted the urgent need for improved water management and mechanisation to combat the effects of drought. We aim to support Zambian farmers in building more resilient and productive agricultural systems by fostering collaborations and sharing expertise. Together, we can create sustainable solutions to address the pressing challenges of climate change.
