As vital discussions on climate financing unfold at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, a pressing situation is developing in Southern Africa, particularly in Zambia and Zimbabwe, where extreme weather conditions are underscoring the complexities of renewable energy resources. This year, both nations experienced a significant drought that has severely impacted agriculture and reduced water levels in the Zambezi River, a critical resource for the region.
Historically, the Kariba Dam has been a reliable source of electricity for Zambia and Zimbabwe. However, recent assessments revealed that the dam, which has long supported energy generation, is operating at a minimal capacity due to unprecedented low water levels. In September, officials in Zambia reported that only one of six turbines was functioning, leading to widespread power outages affecting urban households and disrupting daily life.
Urban areas, where approximately 75% of households typically enjoy electricity access, have faced severe cuts since low rainfall was reported in 2022. This imbalance between water reserves in Lake Kariba—currently the world’s largest dam reservoir—and consumption needs has affected much of the population, especially in urban environments. Meanwhile, rural communities are grappling with severe challenges as Zambia endures its driest agricultural season in four decades. The provinces most impacted typically account for half of the nation’s annual maize output and are critical for livestock grazing.
Rising food inflation is becoming increasingly alarming, with UNICEF estimating that over 50,000 children under five in Zambia are at risk of severe malnutrition. Coupled with a cholera outbreak exacerbated by water scarcity, this multi-faceted crisis reveals the urgent need for comprehensive solutions.
While climate change undeniably plays a role in these challenges, it is crucial to understand that existing issues have been highlighted and intensified as a result of policy decisions. A significant focus on urban development over rural support has created stark inequalities that hinder much of the population, especially subsistence farmers dependent on climatic conditions for their livelihoods. This policy imbalance contributes to higher rates of malnutrition and stunting in rural areas, echoing deeper systemic inequities.
The long-standing preference for hydropower in many African nations—including Zambia—reflects a legacy of colonial infrastructure development that has not adequately adapted to contemporary climate realities. This strategy, while potentially capable of managing weather extremes through dam construction, often overlooks the long-term sustainability of such projects. Increasing investment in hydropower continues amid a recognition that climate change is undermining its viability.
Addressing these issues requires urgent action to ensure that rural needs are prioritized alongside urban concerns. It is essential for Zambian leadership to allocate resources towards improving access to essential services—water, energy, and food—across both urban and rural landscapes. Without significant reforms, the existing disparities will deepen, likely exacerbated by ongoing climate challenges.
In conclusion, the ongoing conditions in Zambia and Zimbabwe reveal critical lessons that must inform future approaches to both energy production and climate resilience. By focusing attention on equitable solutions and sustainable development, these nations can foster a more inclusive and resilient future for all citizens.
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