Community Climate Copying Strategies and Food Security Among Small-Scale Farmers: Experiences from Kashitu Community in Kapiri Mposhi, Zambia

Abstract

Around the world, climate change has significantly disturbed agricultural systems, posing threats to food security in developing countries. Small-scale farmers have been the hardest hit by increasing temperatures, unpredictable rainfall patterns and extreme weather. In Zambia, these shifts in climatic conditions have reduced crop harvests, soil ruin, and increased food insecurity. This study examines the approaches used by small-scale farmers in Kashitu, Kapiri Mposhi, Zambia. It goes further to highlight changes made by the community to cope with the effects of climate change. Data was collected from 75 respondents who included farmers, village leaders, and agricultural extension officers using a mixed-method approach. The findings show that farmers use different methods which include preservation, agroforestry, growing a variety of crops, and water harvesting to mitigate climate impacts. Farmers face barriers such as poor access to loans, insufficient extension services, and poor infrastructure which prevent them from fully using of climate resilience strategies. The study reveals that to improve resilience, approaches that combine traditional knowledge with climate-smart agriculture are needed. Additionally, policy interventions, financial support, and capacity-building programs are important in ensuring long-term food security. The findings add to the broader discussion on global climate adaptation, showing the importance of local strategies in strengthening agricultural resilience in vulnerable regions.