By Bernadette Deka Zulu ( PHD Researcher)
CLIMATE change, an escalating global crisis, transcends boundaries and touches every facet of human existence. Its far-reaching implications extend beyond environmental concerns, seeping into the very core of economies, livelihoods, and ecosystems.
Nowhere are these implications more pronounced than in Zambia, where the unrelenting impacts of climate change cast an ever-lengthening shadow.
Here, it infiltrates the agriculture sector, disrupts water resources, challenges energy stability, and threatens overall economic well-being.
This article delves into the puzzling undercurrent: Why does climate change appear to be relegated to the periphery in the country’s budgetary considerations? In doing so, it underscores the pivotal roles of civil society organisations (CSOs) and explores the government’s ambitious campaign to eradicate hunger amid the growing climate crisis.
Climate change in budget allocations: A notable absence
Zambia’s 2024 budget addresses vital sectors like agriculture, energy, tourism, mining and trade but significantly overlooks the critical issue of climate change. Despite being highly vulnerable to climate-related shocks, the budget lacks explicit allocations for climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.
Droughts, floods, and unpredictable rainfall patterns have already taken a toll on the nation’s agriculture, which forms the backbone of its economy.
Although the budget allocates resources for agricultural support, it fails to incorporate climate-smart farming practices and investments in climate resilience. Moreover, the country’s heavy reliance on hydropower demands investments in climate-resilient energy sources, which the budget inadequately addresses.
The tourism and trade sectors, both important for the nation’s economic growth, are also susceptible to climate impacts.
While the budget allocates funds for these sectors, it largely ignores climate adaptation measures. CSOs must play a more active role in advocating for climate-focused allocations, given their current lag in budget proposals related to climate change.
To achieve its ambitious campaign to end hunger, the government needs to align its efforts with climate resilience strategies, as climate change is a significant contributor to poverty and hunger.
Essentially, the country’s 2024 budget presents a missed opportunity to confront the pressing issue of climate change. While it caters to key sectors, it fails to incorporate climate adaptation and mitigation measures, leaving the nation vulnerable to the escalating climate crisis.
It is important for both CSOs and the government to advocate for climate-resilient budgetary priorities to secure a sustainable future for the country.
The role of CSOs
The role of CSOs in Zambia is instrumental in advocating for climate-resilient policies and budget allocations. However, a significant challenge arises from the fact that many CSOs often prioritise immediate socio-economic issues over climate change concerns.
This tendency can be attributed to resource constraints and limited capacity within these organisations, coupled with the perception that climate change is a long-term issue.
To effectively address climate change in the budgetary process, there is a pressing need for CSOs to realign their priorities and enhance their engagement in advocating for climate resilience, recognising that climate change’s impact is both immediate and far-reaching.
Lack of budget proposals addressing climate change
A significant contributing factor to the absence of climate change considerations in the country’s budget is the dearth of comprehensive budget proposals from CSOs specifically tailored to address climate change adaptation and mitigation.
Such proposals play a pivotal role in guiding policymakers and advocating for the allocation of resources to address climate-related challenges.
The absence of well-articulated proposals focused on climate change limits the government’s ability to make informed decisions and allocate budgetary resources effectively in combating this pressing issue.
To bridge this gap, CSOs should prioritise the development and submission of detailed climate-related budget proposals, thereby ensuring that climate change receives the attention and resources it urgently requires in national budgetary planning.
Government’s hunger-alleviation efforts vs. climate change
The budget prominently emphasises the government’s commitment to ending hunger, particularly through initiatives like the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP). However, it is important to recognise that climate change is a significant contributor to food insecurity and poverty in Zambia.
The unpredictability of weather patterns, increased droughts, and flooding incidents pose severe challenges to agriculture, ultimately affecting food production and livelihoods.
The importance of climate-resilient budgeting
Climate change adaptation and mitigation must be integrated into budgeting processes to ensure that the impacts of climate change are adequately addressed.
Allocating funds to build climate-resilient infrastructure, support sustainable agriculture practices, and invest in renewable energy sources can help Zambia mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.
Recommendations:
Increased CSO Engagement: CSOs should prioritise climate change advocacy and budget proposal submissions, collaborating with experts to ensure a comprehensive approach to addressing climate-related issues.
Climate Mainstreaming: The government should explicitly integrate climate change considerations into budget allocations for various sectors, ensuring climate-resilient development.
Capacity Building: Capacity-building initiatives should be done to enhance the understanding of climate change among policymakers and CSOs, enabling them to make informed decisions.
Addressing climate change is not just an environmental concern; it is crucial for poverty alleviation and food security in Zambia.
While the budget focuses on critical sectors, overlooking climate change can undermine the progress made in other areas.
Collaboration between CSOs and the government, coupled with the mainstreaming of climate change into budgetary allocations, is essential for building a more sustainable and resilient country.
bernadettedekazulu@gmail.com
