Examining the Effects of Drought on Household Food Security: A Case Study of Small-Scale Farmers in Chibombo District

Drought is the most devastating climatic hazard affecting agriculture and food systems globally. Small-scale farmers in developing countries face significant challenges related to climate change which impacts their ability to maintain food security. The economic consequences of drought extend beyond the immediate impact on crop production. Drought often causes market disruptions, which result in higher food prices. This research study seeks to examine the effects of drought on household food security. The study is addressed by the objectives below; To evaluate the impact of drought on household food availability, accessibility, and utilization among small-scale farmers; To identify coping and adaptation strategies employed by small-scale farmers in response to drought-related food insecurity; and To examine the role of government and non-governmental interventions in mitigating the effects of drought on household food security. A sample size of 50 respondents was selected to help provide data, and the research study utilized both qualitative and quantitative methods which included surveys and focus group discussions. The key findings showed how the level of crop loss specifically impacted the household’s food stock. 22.50% of the household that had >75% loss, their food stock was almost completely depleted within a few weeks after harvest, 36.25% of the household that had 50-75% loss had run out of their food reserves halfway through the drought season leading to reduced meal frequencies, 31.25% of household that had 25-50% losses had a reduction in yields which meant food stock couldn’t last until the next harvest season, and 10% of the households that had <25% losses had experienced a drop in yields although they managed to maintain enough food stocks for most of the year. The findings suggest that there is need of effective government interventions to help farmers implement effective coping and adaptation strategies by developing several policy frameworks aimed at improving climate resilience and food security such as the National Policy on Climate Change (NPCC) (2016), which integrates climate change mitigation and adaptation into national planning. Therefore, it is essential for small-scale farmers, governmental organizations such as the ministry of agriculture as well as non-governmental organizations to work together to come up with and implement effective and efficient coping and adaptation strategies that will help ensure resilience in response to drought-related food insecurity.