Enhancing the Resilience of Food Systems to Climate Variability in Southern Zambia: A Comprehensive Review of Vulnerability, Knowledge Systems, and Drivers of Change

Climate variability poses a significant threat to food systems in Agro-Ecological Zone I of Southern Zambia, a region characterized by semi-arid conditions and a high dependence on rain-fed agriculture. This review examines the vulnerabilities of food systems to climate change, assesses the roles of indigenous and scientific knowledge systems in adaptation, and identifies key socio-economic and environmental drivers of change. This article synthesizes existing literature to evaluate the vulnerability of food systems to climate variability, highlights the roles of indigenous and scientific knowledge systems in adaptation, and pinpoints key drivers of change. By integrating theoretical frameworks from climate resilience and food systems literature, this review emphasizes the complex interplay between environmental, socio-economic, and institutional factors that shape food system resilience. The article identifies critical research gaps, including the need for more empirical studies on integrating indigenous and scientific knowledge, the socio-economic barriers to adopting climate-resilient practices, and the role of governance in fostering adaptive capacity. The findings underscore the importance of a multi-dimensional approach to building resilience, combining policy interventions, community-based strategies, and technological innovations. Recommendations include the necessity for inclusive governance frameworks, community-based capacity-building programmes, and targeted financial incentives to support climate adaptation in smallholder farming communities. This review contributes to the broader discourse on climate resilience by offering a context-specific analysis that informs academic research and practical interventions in Southern Zambia and similar agro-ecological zones.