Background

So what can be done to the declining productivity levels in the region over recent years? The CFU has been attempting to tackle the problem by advocating good farming practices. This includes minimum tillage, timely preparation of land, harvesting of rainwater and early planting. The CFU believes that low production levels have arisen through poor farming practices rather than as a result of climate change. 

Whilst conceding that there has been global climate change the CFU nevertheless questions its significance for farming in southern Zambia. In an attempt to answer this question an initial study was commissioned to investigate evidence for climate change using summarised monthly rainfall data recorded at a single meteorological station. However, the monthly dataset was found to be inadequate to answer the questions posed. 

Therefore, a larger investigation was initiated in 2003/2004 incorporating eight meteorological stations in Southern Province that had maintained comparatively long records of daily rainfall data. The FAO Emergency Committee provides the majority of the funding for the study. The aim was to examine the role of rainfall data in the definition of suitable cropping strategies for small-scale farmers in the drought prone areas. The project also undertook to explore ways that farmers could be helped to make informed decisions about effective planting dates.