Effect of Climate Change on Agricultural Productivity: A Study of Choma District Zambia

Abstract

Systems involved in the production of food should evolve in order to sustain future demands in food supply, due to changes in climate being experienced in recent decades. Climate change has handicapped farming systems while the global is trying to increase production by the use of environmentally friendly farming techniques. The study aimed at finding out causes of environmental degradation, ascertaining the impact of the greenhouse effect on food security as well as establishing possible agricultural practices to mitigate climate change. The study looked at the effect of climate change on agriculture productivity in Choma District Southern Province. The teachers and school managers for the primary schools under study were selected using a purposive sampling technique. The study used both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Quantitative approach adopted a causal research method while qualitative used a questionnaire to solicit responses from farmers and extension officers. Data was analyzed quantitatively, and it was achieved using structured questionnaires, where respondents chose their response from those already suggested by the researcher. However, respondents highlighted some of the challenges that made them not implementing the agricultural practices. Some of the challenges were: lack of finance to implement some agriculture practices like efficient irrigation; lack of technical knowhow; missing information due large catchment areas extension officers have to cover. In addition, it was established that one-on-one as a means for extension education was not feasible in large catchment areas.