Effects of Climate Change at Community Level: A Case of the Smallholder Farmers in Monze District of Zambia

This study assesses the impact of changing climate patterns on food security and explores the coping strategies employed by rural communities in Monze District, Zambia. Monze is heavily reliant on rain-fed agriculture, making it highly vulnerable to climate variability, including erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts, and rising temperatures. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study combines quantitative data from structured household surveys with qualitative insights from interviews and focus group discussions. A sample of 200 households was selected through stratified random sampling for the surveys, while purposive sampling was used for interviews with 20 community leaders and local agricultural experts. The findings reveal a significant decline in agricultural productivity, with maize and sorghum yields dropping by nearly 45% during drought years. This has led to widespread food insecurity, with 60% of households reporting food shortages, particularly during lean seasons. Households commonly rely on traditional coping strategies such as altering planting dates and diversifying crops; however, these methods are only partially effective in extreme climate conditions. The study identifies limited adoption of modern coping mechanisms, hindered by financial constraints, lack of access to resources, and limited agricultural extension services. This research underscores the need for targeted interventions, including increased access to climate-resilient resources, agricultural training, and financial support to enhance rural communities’ adaptive capacity. By identifying the barriers to effective climate adaptation, the study contributes valuable insights for policymakers, agricultural stakeholders, and development organizations working to strengthen food security in climate-vulnerable regions.