TRYNESS TEMBO
Lusaka
MINISTRY of Green Economy and Environment Permanent Secretary Douty Chibamba says climate change has become an immediate economic and social crisis that directly threatens Zambia’s national growth trajectory.
Dr Chibamba said recent severe climate shocks, including prolonged droughts and erratic rainfall, have exposed the vulnerability of the country’s agricultural systems, water resources and rural livelihoods.
“We do not need to look far back to understand the stakes. Climate change is an immediate economic and social crisis that directly threatens our national growth trajectory,” he said yesterday.
Dr Chibamba was speaking during the National Dialogue on Climate-Resilient Agriculture and Renewable Energy organised by the Agricultural Consultative Forum (ACF) in Lusaka yesterday.
He said Zambia’s most severe drought on record in 2024, driven by the El Niño weather pattern and climate change, demonstrated the devastating impact of climate shocks.
She said the recommendations will form part of the EU’s continued commitment to supporting democratic processes and oversight institutions in Zambia.
The EU has observed every election in Zambia since 2001 at the invitation of the Zambian government.
For this year’s elections, the mission deployed 16 teams of long-term observers, 16 teams of short-term observers, a core team of experts and supporting staff.
Ms Stasiak said the observation mission represented a significant commitment by the EU in terms of financial resources, personnel, expertise and effort towards strengthening the quality of Zambia’s electoral process.
She said the mission also reflected the strong partnership that has developed between Zambia and the EU over the years, as well as their shared interest in supporting credible, transparent and inclusive elections.
Ms Stasiak was speaking yesterday during the handover of equipment and materials used by the observation mission to several civil society organisations.
The donated equipment, which includes laptops, printers and mobile phones, is valued at approximately K4.9 million and is expected to strengthen the operations of local organisations serving communities across the country.
Among the beneficiaries are Healing Balm Foundation in Livingstone, Namusola Community School in Chongwe, Prisoners’ Future Foundation in Kabwe, Kitwe District Land Alliance, community radio stations supported through BBC Media Action, the Media Self-Regulation Council and Free Press Initiative Zambia.
Ms Stasiak said the organisations worked in different sectors and served different communities but shared a commitment to responding to real needs on the ground.
She said democracy is a process that needs to be nurtured every day through participation, dialogue, and respect for rights and service to communities.
