Effects of Climate Change on Household Food Security: A Case of Mulobezi District

The study examined the effects of climate change on household food security in Mulobezi District, Western Province of Zambia. Guided by the Vulnerability and Resilience Framework, it focused on the impact of climate change on household income, food accessibility, and coping strategies among smallholder farmers. A mixed-methods approach was used, involving surveys of 100 households and interviews with key informants. Results showed that 73% of respondents experienced reduced income due to droughts, irregular rainfall, and rising input costs, with farming being the most affected activity. More than half of the households reported poor food access, and 70% observed increased food prices during droughts. Coping strategies included crop diversification, off-farm business, livestock rearing, and small-scale irrigation, while financial responses involved savings, asset sales, and borrowing. Only a few households received support from NGOs and government agencies. The study concludes that climate change has weakened income stability, food access, and livelihood resilience, recommending drought-tolerant crops, irrigation expansion, improved access to credit and insurance, and stronger institutional coordination.