A Comprehensive Study on the Livestock Sub-Sector Analysis and its Role in Fostering Sustainable Development in Zambia: Insights from the 2022 Livestock Survey Report

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of Zambia\u27s dynamic livestock sub-sector as of April 30, 2022, drawing insights from the 2022 Livestock Survey Report. With 1,801,075 households actively engaged in livestock activities, the sub-sector emerges as a vital component of the country\u27s rural livelihoods. Understanding the interplay of household characteristics and livestock populations is pivotal for crafting sustainable development policies that enhance the well-being of the sub-sector\u27s participants. Gender dynamics within the livestock sub-sector underscore the central role of men as household heads and primary decision-makers. This necessitates targeted initiatives to empower women, fostering their active involvement and amplifying contributions that lead to improved household prosperity, expanded economic opportunities, and the preservation of indigenous knowledge. Zambia\u27s diverse livestock population, with a significant presence of 4,698,972 cattle, plays a crucial role in ensuring protein availability, bolstering nutritional security, and contributing to household incomes. Goats, sheep, and pigs also feature prominently, meeting various demands for meat, milk and other essentials. Recognizing the unique contributions of each livestock species allows for tailored strategies to improve their productivity and welfare. Addressing provincial disparities in livestock production and resource utilization is imperative for achieving sustainable development goals. Provincial variations in agro-ecological conditions, market access, and infrastructure necessitate context-specific interventions. Such approaches can harness provincial strengths, optimize resource utilization, and stimulate value chain development. Moreover, this study highlights opportunities in honey production and milk output. Apiculture and beekeeping investment can aid biodiversity conservation through pollination services while fostering high-quality honey production. Tailored capacity-building and infrastructure development can address provincial disparities in milk production, benefiting smallholder dairy farmers and the broader dairy industry. This study underscores the livestock sub-sector\u27s pivotal role in sustainable development, food security, and rural livelihood enhancement in Zambia. By embracing responsible, inclusive strategies and evidence-based insights, policymakers, stakeholders, and development practitioners can optimize the sub-sector\u27s potential. Focusing on household well-being, gender inclusivity, and provincial equity will foster a resilient and thriving livestock sub-sector, benefiting all segments of society and paving the way for a brighter and more sustainable future for Zambia

ASSESSING UPSTREAM AND DOWNSTREAM INTERACTIONS IN CHALIMBANA RIVER CATCHMENT, ZAMBIA

Chalimbana river originates from forest reserve number 27 east of Zambia’s capital city, Lusaka. From its headwaters to the confluence with Chongwe river, Chalimbana river meanders through the farming and rural community over a distance of approximately 51 kilometers. The extent of the catchment is 680 km2 and it lies between latitudes 15o 19 Ì and 15o 32 Ì south and longitudes 28o 21 Ì and 28o 45 Ì east. Chalimbana catchment has good arable soils for agriculture and receives mean annual rainfall of 832.5mm. Its proximity to Lusaka city has attracted settlers, peasant and commercial farmers. Over the years, agricultural development in the catchment has led to the construction of hydraulic structures (weirs and dams) in the upper and middle parts of the catchment. Currently there are 9 privately owned dams on Chalimbana river. This development on one hand has contributed to food security for the local community, surrounding areas and the city of Lusaka. Agricultural produce such as horticultural products are also exported to the international market. Agriculture has therefore contributed to the livelihood for the local people within and outside the catchment. On the other hand, construction of hydraulic structures in the catchment has changed the flow regime of the river from a perennial to an intermittent river especially in the downstream section of the catchment. Furthermore, water demands for both commercial farmers and downstream community has increased significantly over the years resulting in conflicts among themselves as well as with the downstream community. This study was therefore carried out to assess the upstream and downstream interactions in terms of water demands. The data inputs to this study included historical hydrological and climatic data, irrigation and domestic water demand and area-capacity curves for the reservoirs. A spread sheet river basin simulation model called Water Allocation and Flow Model in Excel (WAFLEX) was developed for the catchment to evaluate different water demand alternatives. This was done to determine water demand satisfaction levels for both upstream and downstream water demands. The main water demand management alternatives evaluated in this study based on current water demand were; management of catchment as a complete system, expansion of irrigation areas and improvement of irrigation efficient system. The study concludes that runoff and the storage in the reservoirs is able to sustain both irrigation and domestic water demand. Furthermore, the simulated results indicate that management of the catchment as a complete system is an initial step to the resolution of upstream-downstream water conflicts. Water availability for the downstream community and environmental flows also improves under this management option. The study also concludes that the current water demand is sustainable if the water resources are managed in an integrated manner. Expansion of irrigation area by 30% is also sustainable if irrigation efficient system is improved. The study thus recommends that downstream water demand must be provided for in the water allocation system and manage the catchment as a complete system. For optimal water use, efficiency in irrigation system must be improved.,WATERne