Zambia prepares for El Niño impact

Zambia is taking steps to prepare for the effects of an expected strong El Niño weather pattern, which could disrupt agricultural production. This climate phenomenon typically brings drier and warmer conditions, which may reduce rainfall and harm crops in the region.

Government seeks funds for food reserves

The Minister of Finance and National Planning, Situmbeko Musokotwane, has asked the parliament to approve an extra 19.9 billion kwachas (around 987 million dollars) for 2026. This money is intended to buy maize through the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) to build up food reserves before a possible difficult period in 2027.

Maize purchases exceed initial targets

The FRA has already bought more than one million tonnes of maize by late August, far exceeding its initial goal of 500,000 tonnes. This purchase cost over 6 billion kwachas and has increased the agency’s stock to about 3.1 million tonnes by September, including grain from the previous season.

Higher prices set for farmers

The FRA paid 347 kwachas per 50-kilogram bag of maize in 2026, which is 15.6% higher than the national average price in July. This price is significantly above some private offers, which were close to 220 kwachas per bag, providing better income for farmers.

El Niño may reduce rainfall

According to the FEWS NET food security monitoring network, El Niño could lead to late and below-normal rainfall in the 2026/2027 agricultural season, especially in southern and western Zambia. This could limit planting, reduce cultivated areas, and lower income for people working in agriculture.

Economic growth forecasts lowered

The government has lowered its economic growth forecasts for 2027 and 2028 to 4.9% and 5% respectively, from previous estimates of 6% and 7.5%. This change is due to the anticipated impact of El Niño and the ongoing effects of the war in Iran on the global economy.