*I Write What I Like*
*05.12.2024*
*Failure of the Zambia Meteorological Department to Correctly Inform and Guide Farmers is a National Catastrophe*
*By Daimone Siulapwa*
The Zambia Meteorological Department (ZMD) has, once again, demonstrated gross negligence and a shocking lack of foresight in its handling of critical weather-related guidance for our nation’s farmers.
At a time when agriculture remains the backbone of our economy, this institution has chosen to gamble with the livelihoods of millions of Zambians by offering contradictory and delayed advice. This is not just incompetence—it is a betrayal of the public trust.
Just weeks ago, ZMD dismissed international weather forecasts predicting El Niño-induced drought conditions for the 2024-2025 farming season.The department, through its Director, Edson Nkonde, confidently assured the public that Zambia would experience normal to above-normal rainfall.
Farmers were urged to disregard external predictions and rely solely on the department’s assurances. Today, however, the same ZMD has issued a last-minute advisory urging farmers in six provinces to plant drought-resistant crops. This sudden volte-face raises serious questions about the institution’s credibility and competence.
Agriculture is a time-sensitive endeavor. Farmers make critical decisions—such as crop selection, land preparation, and input purchases—months in advance. For ZMD to issue such advice now, when most farmers have already planted, is not only untimely but also grossly irresponsible.
This last-minute warning comes after farmers in Central Province, among others, have already planted crops that are now visibly stressed due to a prolonged dry spell.
What is most infuriating is the department’s prior dismissal of international forecasts. Advanced economies, with far superior technological capabilities and experience, predicted challenging weather conditions months ago.
Instead of engaging with these findings or preparing farmers for the worst-case scenario, ZMD chose arrogance over prudence. This outright denial of credible data is now costing farmers dearly, as their sprouting crops face drought stress with no signs of immediate relief.
Reports from the ground paint a dire picture. Farmers in Central Province, for example, have seen no rain since last Wednesday, leaving sprouted maize crops already water-stressed.
This dry spell has further exposed the disconnect between ZMD and the realities on the ground. While farmers struggle with failing crops and wasted resources, ZMD remains silent on when this dry spell might end or how farmers should mitigate its impact.
Where is the timely and actionable information that farmers so desperately need? Has the government communicated the latest weather forecast, or is ZMD continuing to operate in isolation, ignoring the plight of the very people it is supposed to serve?
The lack of clear and continuous communication is a direct threat to food security and economic stability in Zambia.
The implications of ZMD’s failures extend far beyond individual farmers. Zambia’s agricultural sector contributes significantly to employment, exports, and overall GDP.
A poor farming season does not just mean empty plates for farming households; it means higher food prices, reduced national food reserves, and increased dependency on imports. This cycle of inefficiency and neglect is unsustainable.
ZMD’s negligence also undermines public trust in government institutions. If farmers cannot rely on accurate and timely weather forecasts, they are effectively left to fend for themselves, making critical decisions based on guesswork.
This is unacceptable in a nation that prides itself on agriculture as a cornerstone of its development agenda.
It is time for ZMD to be held accountable for its glaring failures. This institution must undergo a comprehensive overhaul to ensure that it serves the public with integrity and competence.
*Key reforms should include technological upgrades, collaboration with international bodies, proactive communication strategies, and stronger government oversight. Additionally, the current leadership must be held accountable for these failures, and if necessary, replaced with more competent individuals.*
As we pray for rain and resilience in the face of these challenges, we must also demand accountability and reform. Zambia deserves better than this. Our farmers deserve better than this. And our future depends on ensuring that such negligence is never repeated.
*Daimone Siulapwa is a seasoned political strategist and analyst with over 20 years of experience in political planning and execution.*
*For comments or more information, please contact him at dsiulapwa@gmail.com.*
Another drought will kill us.
Elyo he has sold all the food reserves his friend left in 2021.
Ala bwafya.
Vote wisely in 2026.
These are the same people that told us there will be a lot of rains this year. Even when Australian and USA met depts warned that there is likely to be scarce rains this year again then the same our met dept dismissed their findings and just kept on telling people what they wanted to hear instead of the truth.