A gendered analysis of sustainable agricultural practices with changing climate in the Chankumba agricultural community, Zambia

Abstract

abstractLow agricultural productivity in Zambia is the result of long-term unsustainable practices amongst small-scale farmers. This situation has been compounded by the effects of climate change. Climate change has contributed to frequent droughts and increased floods in sub-Saharan Africa which is regarded as the most vulnerable region in the world. These natural disasters coupled with factors such as poor access to capital and inappropriate technologies have led to poor agricultural productivity leading to poverty amongst small-scale farmers. Moreover, although women play a key role in small-scale agriculture by contributing their labour and time in producing food, their access to resources is limited compared to men. This Article draws from empirical data from a study comprising of 70 randomly selected households and focus group discussions in the Chankumba agricultural community in Zambia. Using a gendered analysis, it explores the sustainable agricultural practices, knowledge levels and adaptation strategies practiced by small-scale farmers to combat the impacts of natural disasters due to climate change. It was found that due to several constraints such as lack of finance and the marginalisation of women, conventional or traditional methods of agriculture are still being practiced with variable methods being introduced to mitigate against the effects of droughts and floods. The study recommends that sustainable agriculture should be mainstreamed at national level, loan facilities are provided to small-scale farmers and women's marginalisation on land issues should be sensitised as a priority to achieve land reform and stronger resilience to climate change.