An Examination of the Effectiveness of Government Institution in Promoting Climate Change to Enhance Agricultural Productivity

This study examines the effectiveness of government institutions, specifically the Zambian Ministry of Agriculture, in promoting climate change adaptation to improve agricultural productivity in Chipata District, Zambia. The study responds to climate-related challenges such as erratic rainfall, drought, and pest infestations, which have significantly impacted crop yields. The research objectives were to determine factors affecting productivity among smallholder farmers, evaluate the Ministry’s climate adaptation programs, and provide recommendations to mitigate climate impacts on agriculture.

A mixed-methods research design was utilized, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The sample included 100 participants, comprising smallholder farmers, Ministry officials, and other stakeholders. Data were collected through interviews and questionnaires, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of both stakeholder perspectives and the quantitative impacts of climate adaptation interventions. The data analysis was conducted through thematic analysis for qualitative data and statistical analysis for quantitative data.

The findings indicated that several factors affected agricultural productivity, 28.85% over a quarter of the respondents identified erratic rainfall as their most significant challenge, leading to decreased crop yields and unpredictability in farming cycles. Close to 27% of respondents indicated that their limited access to crucial agricultural inputs like seeds and fertilizers significantly hindered their productivity. Around 19% of respondents mentioned that increasing incidences of pests and livestock diseases further decreased productivity and profitability. Although government interventions exist, there were significant gaps in policy implementation and support mechanisms for smallholder farmers, highlighting an area where the Ministry’s efforts could be intensified. Findings further revealed that many smallholder farmers were unable to fully benefit from climate adaptation measures due to insufficient training and resource support.

The study recommends enhancing financial resources dedicated to agricultural adaptation, expanding awareness and capacity-building programs, and strengthening technical assistance to bridge the collaboration gaps between government institutions and local communities. These steps are expected to improve the Ministry’s effectiveness in promoting sustainable, climate-resilient agriculture, ultimately increasing productivity among smallholder farmers in Zambia.