By LENZY MWILA AND CEASAR MBEWE
FLOODS have destroyed 40 hectares of crop fields posing a threat on households’ food security in Gibson area of Chitambo district in Central province.
“40 hectares of crops which is 25 hectares of maize and 15 hectares of cassava have been destroyed, impacting 70 households. For many families, the floods have not only wiped out their food supply but also their source of income, leaving them uncertain about the future,” Chitambo District Agriculture Coordinator, Belvin Muntanga revealed.
Mr Muntanga explained, a total of 188.3 hectares of farmland has been engulfed, comprising of 126.3 hectares of cassava and 62 hectares of maize. Beyond the crops, the floods have also damaged 11 houses, leaving 92 households affected in Gibson area.
“Farmers in Katonga Camp, Mpelembe Block, particularly in Gibson, Machende, and Mangala areas, are counting their losses as maize and cassava fields lie submerged under water,” he disclosed.
Lead farmer, Saviour Chisala, voiced the frustrations of many in the community. He noted that farmers had already signed bonding forms committing to sell maize to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA), but now face the grim reality of having little to deliver.
“We don’t know how we are going to recover from this disaster; we are pleading with the government to intervene in this matter,” Mr Chisala echoed the desperation of farmers.
He narrated that some farmers have resorted to prematurely harvesting cassava, fearing that leaving crops in flooded fields will result in total yield loss.
The floods in Chitambo District highlight the vulnerability of rural farming communities to climate extremes. For families dependent on maize and cassava, the destruction of fields is not just an agricultural setback but it is also a blow to survival. As the waters rise, so too does the urgency for government intervention, relief support, and long‑term strategies to protect farmers from recurring disasters.
Meanwhile, government has advised farmers in Samfya District in Luapula Province to quickly report fields affected by heavy rains through the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) to ensure timely assistance.
Speaking during a tour of Njipi Camp under Kapolombo Block, District Agriculture Coordinator (DACO) Musonda Munshya, urged farmers to report incidents of crop flooding promptly, and also notify DMMU once their fields are affected for remedial measures.
“So far, the rains have been heavy in these parts of the district, as can be seen, some crops are submerged. We urge our farmers to act quickly on such matters and report to DMMU so that they can receive help on time,” Mr Munshya said.
He noted that crops heavily affected by the flooding include; cassava, maize, groundnuts and beans, which are key to food security in the area.
One of the affected farmer, Mercy Bwalya, whose field has been submerged in water, said the heavy rains have caused significant damage to her crops.
“As you can see, my field is in water due to heavy rains. I’m worried about my food security and how I will survive with my family. I am grateful that government visited us soon after we reported the situation…we now await assistance,” Ms Bwalya said.
Meanwhile, District Disaster Coordinator, Obina Chikote said the disaster response team has already begun assessing the affected areas in the district.
“We’re on the ground and doing everything possible to make sure all the affected areas are recorded and assisted,” Mr Chikote said.
He assured farmers government is committed to ensuring all affected communities receive the necessary support following the heavy rains. –NAIS
