he Rural Women’s Assembly (RWA) remains dedicated to promoting agroecology as a sustainable and resilient approach to agriculture. Through education, advocacy, and support for small-scale farmers like Mary Sakala, RWA emphasises the importance of traditional seed systems, biodiversity, and climate-adaptive practices to strengthen food sovereignty and empower rural communities in the face of climate change.
The Austrian newspaper Salzburger Nachrichten published the first print article about Mary Sakala, highlighting her climate-adapted farming methods, the severe impact of drought in Zambia, and the critical importance of seed preservation. Written by journalist Leonie March, the article showcases how innovative agricultural practices can build resilience against climate change and support food security. The story, released on February 15, 2025, is available online through a paywalled link: Salzburger Nachrichten. A PDF version of the article written in German is also provided and attached here for easier access. With the consent of the author, we edited and translated her text. Our English version is shared below.
Title: Coping with Climate Change: The Story of Mary Sakala in Zambia
By: Leonie March
Introduction
In Southern Africa, where droughts have become a persistent threat, Mary Sakala, a small-scale farmer from Zambia, showcases how farming can thrive despite the challenges of climate change.
A Glimpse into Mary Sakala’s Farm
Mary Sakala gazes at the sky, observing the passing clouds. On her farm, maize, pumpkins, and peanuts are sprouting. “We just need good rain now,” she says. Her farm is located in the Mumbwa District, about a three-hour drive from Zambia’s capital, Lusaka. The farm covers 20 hectares and is only accessible via dirt roads. Like many rural areas in Zambia, it lacks irrigation systems.
The Changing Climate and Lost Traditions
The 63-year-old farmer recalls when predicting rainfall was easier. “Certain birds signaled a good rainy season, and specific trees produced many buds. But those trees are gone now,” she shares. Zambia, which suffers from one of the highest deforestation rates globally, has seen its forests cleared for commercial agriculture and charcoal production. “This makes us even more vulnerable to climate change,” Sakala emphasizes.
Adapting to the New Normal
Mary Sakala has preserved the old trees on her land and planted new ones, but her efforts alone are not enough to save biodiversity. She points out that weather patterns have drastically changed: “Rainy seasons now start with floods, followed by intense dryness and heat.” These conditions lead to crop failures, livestock deaths, increased malnutrition, and poverty.
The previous season was particularly harsh. The combination of the climate crisis and the El Niño weather phenomenon resulted in a severe drought—one of the worst in 30 years. Nationwide harvests were only about half of the five-year average. Approximately six million Zambians, nearly a third of the population, face food insecurity. One-third of children under five are stunted, a sign of chronic malnutrition. The country ranked 115th out of 127 on the Global Hunger Index last year, indicating a “serious” situation.
A New Approach to Farming
Sakala’s adaptive farming methods have allowed her to assist others. As neighbors struggle to find food, she shares her produce. Years ago, she transitioned to climate-resistant cultivation techniques. She maintains soil fertility and plants not just maize but a variety of crops. She also produces her own seeds, including early and late varieties, to reduce the risk of total crop failure and save costs.
Proudly, Mary shows off her seeds in bowls and sacks, which include sorghum, amaranth, sesame, melons, and okra. “With such diversity, food security is not an issue,” she states confidently. As the head of the Rural Women’s Assembly in Zambia, she encourages other farmers to adopt similar methods.
Challenges Beyond Climate Change
Despite her success, Sakala warns of obstacles. The government promotes commercial, hybrid seeds, mostly maize, which might undermine traditional seed systems like hers. An upcoming law could favor seed companies over local farmers’ rights.
Sakala also criticizes the lack of support for food processing. She points to her mango trees, heavy with fruit. “If we could dry them, fewer would go to waste,” she says. However, there isn’t a single dehydrator available in Lusaka. Watching her fellow Zambians struggle with hunger, she worries deeply. “Rain alone won’t solve the problem,” she concludes, looking back up at the sky.
Conclusion
Mary Sakala’s story is a testament to resilience and adaptability in the face of climate change. While rain may bring hope, sustainable agricultural practices and supportive policies are crucial for lasting solutions.
