Authors : Mukwalikuli Mundia; Mufalali Mwiya Simasiku; Godfrey Banda; Regina Muduli; Passy Haachizo; Cloudy Hamyongwa

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 3 - March

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DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26mar1473

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Abstract : This study investigates the impact of smallholder adaptation strategies on maize food security in Kabwe District, Zambia. Against a backdrop of increasing climate variability, smallholder farmers, who form the backbone of Zambia’s maize production, face recurring challenges such as droughts, erratic rainfall patterns, and rising temperatures. In response, many farmers have adopted various adaptive practices aimed at sustaining yields and protecting household food security. This research aims to assess the effectiveness of these strategies and determine the extent to which they have contributed to mitigating food insecurity among maize-dependent households. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative data from structured questionnaires with qualitative insights from in-depth interviews with selected smallholder farmers. Findings demonstrate that while adaptation strategies, such as minimum tillage which is at 60%, pruning and use of drought-resistant/early maturity seed have had a positive impact on maize production and food availability which is at 90%, their effectiveness is significantly influenced by socio-economic and institutional factors. Farmers with better access to extension services and agricultural inputs were more likely to achieve food security. Conversely, barriers such as high input costs, inadequate tools, and weak extension networks constrained effective adaptation. The study concludes that although smallholder adaptation is making a meaningful contribution to food security in Kabwe District, there is a critical need for stronger institutional support, input subsidies to ensure long-term resilience and sustainability.

Keywords : Climate Change, Food Security, Resilience, Adoption Strategies, Smallholder Farmers.

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