The Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation (MWDS), with support from the European Union’s Green Nexus Programme, has launched Zambia’s first-ever National Rainwater Harvesting Strategy. This initiative marks a significant step towards achieving better water security in the country. The Green Nexus Programme is part of the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy, which aims to foster a sustainable and resilient future for Zambia.
In response to the President of the Republic, Hakainde Hichilema, declaring the drought during the 2023/2024 rainy season a national emergency, the MWDS initiated the development of this strategy and implementation plan. The strategy addresses a critical challenge in the water sector: the lack of water security, which has profound implications for Zambia’s food and energy security.
“The launch of the National Rainwater Harvesting Strategy and its Implementation Plan will enhance overall water security that will benefit various water users and build resilience against climate shocks in Zambia as a whole,” stated the Minister of Water Development and Sanitation, Hon. Eng. Collins Nzovu, MP. “Specifically, the Strategy will establish water harvesting mechanisms to enable irrigation development to stimulate agricultural production.”
Rainwater harvesting is a sustainable and innovative method for capturing and storing rainfall water. This harvested water can be used for various purposes, including agriculture, sanitation, industrial applications, and even drinking. Additionally, rainwater harvesting improves resilience to climate variability, ensuring that communities have access to water during droughts or periods of irregular rainfall.
“Rainwater harvesting presents a unique opportunity towards building the climate resilience of ecosystems, food security and sustainable livelihoods for people in Zambia,” stated Claudio Bacigalupi, Head of Cooperation at the European Union Delegation to Zambia and COMESA. “As Team Europe, we come together to promote and facilitate partnerships and investments in green recovery and sustainable growth through sustainable land use and natural resource management across various sectors that align with Zambia’s development agenda.”
Zambia’s dependence on rain-fed agriculture, especially for maize and hydropower, highlights the critical role of rainwater in ensuring the country’s food and energy security. Rainwater harvesting offers a sustainable solution to declining water resources, supporting livelihoods, mitigating climate change impacts, and enhancing water, food, and energy security.
The effective implementation of the Rainwater Harvesting Strategy will promote the development of infrastructure that supports socio-economic growth, improves food security, addresses drought effects, and strengthens resilience to climate change.
The European Union, Germany, and Sweden have co-funded the AWARE 2.0 project as part of the Green Nexus Programme. This initiative aims to scale up nature-based solutions for better water management and increased water security in the Lower Kafue Sub-Catchment.
