The Role of Public Administration in Zambia’s Drought Crisis

The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ASPA as an organization.

By Noah Ndhlovu
October 7, 2024

Climate change is an undeniable reality that presents multilayered challenges for communities worldwide. Public administrators are at the forefront of addressing these challenges, tasked with developing and implementing strategies to build resilient communities. This article explores the role of public administration in combating climate change, focusing on the drought in Zambia that has led to power shortages and load shedding. We will explore innovative approaches to sustainability and offer recommendations for creating resilient infrastructures and communities.

Zambia, a country in Southern Africa, provides a stark example of how climate change can disrupt essential services and affect daily life. The nation relies heavily on hydroelectric power, which accounts for about 85 percent of its electricity generation. However, prolonged droughts, attributed to changing climate patterns, have severely impacted water levels in major reservoirs like the Kariba Dam. The reduced water levels have hindered the dam’s ability to generate sufficient electricity, leading to widespread power shortages and load shedding.

The drought in Zambia has resulted in significant power deficits, compelling the government to implement load shedding—planned power outages to manage the shortfall. These power cuts disrupt businesses, healthcare services and daily activities, underscoring the urgent need for resilient energy solutions. The situation in Zambia highlights the broader implications of climate change on infrastructure and the critical role of public administration in mitigating these effects.

Innovative Approaches to Sustainability:

1. Diversifying Energy Sources:
   • Solar Power Projects: Zambia has started investing in solar energy as an alternative to hydroelectric power. The development of solar farms, such as the 54 MW Bangweulu Solar Plant, is a step toward diversifying the energy mix and reducing reliance on water-dependent power sources.
   • Wind Energy: Exploring wind power potential can further diversify energy sources and provide a buffer against the variability of hydroelectric power.
2. Water Management Strategies:
   • Efficient Irrigation Systems: Implementing modern irrigation techniques, such as drip and sprinkler systems, can optimize water use in agriculture, a sector heavily affected by drought.
   • Rainwater Harvesting: Encouraging rainwater harvesting at both community and household levels can supplement water supplies and reduce pressure on reservoirs.
3. Urban Planning and Infrastructure:
   • Green Building Initiatives: Promoting the construction of energy-efficient buildings can reduce overall energy demand and improve resilience to climate change.
   • Smart Cities: Incorporating smart technologies in urban planning can enhance resource management, reduce emissions and improve quality of life. This includes smart grids, waste management systems and public transportation networks.

Addressing climate change requires coordinated efforts across all levels of government. Local, regional and national authorities must work together to develop comprehensive climate action plans. International cooperation is also crucial, as climate change transcends borders. Zambia’s experience with drought and power shortages could benefit from regional partnerships and shared resources within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

Engaging the private sector is essential for mobilizing the financial and technical resources needed for large-scale sustainability projects. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) can drive innovation and investment in renewable energy, efficient water management and resilient infrastructure. For instance, Zambia’s collaboration with private companies in developing solar power projects demonstrates the potential of PPPs in supporting sustainable development.

Recommendations for Building Resilient Communities

1. Develop Comprehensive Climate Action Plans:
   • Public administrators should lead the creation of detailed climate action plans that outline strategies for reducing emissions, adapting to climate impacts and enhancing resilience across sectors.
2. Secure Funding for Green Projects:
   • Governments should prioritize funding for green infrastructure and sustainability projects. This can be achieved through public budgets, international aid and private investment.
3. Promote Public Awareness and Participation:
   • Educating communities about the impacts of climate change and the importance of sustainability can foster public support and participation in climate action initiatives. Public administrators should facilitate community engagement through workshops, campaigns and participatory planning processes.
4. Enhance Data Collection and Monitoring:
   • Investing in data collection and monitoring systems can improve understanding of climate impacts and inform decision-making. This includes weather stations, remote sensing technologies and data analytics platforms.

Climate change poses significant challenges, but it also presents opportunities for innovation and resilience. The drought in Zambia and its subsequent power shortages underscore the critical role of public administration in addressing climate-related impacts. By diversifying energy sources, implementing sustainable water management practices and fostering intergovernmental and public-private collaborations, public administrators can lead the way in building resilient communities. As we move forward, a proactive and inclusive approach to climate action is essential to ensure a sustainable and resilient future for all.

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Author: Noah Ndhlovu is a doctorate student with extensive experience in public administration and healthcare policy. He served for the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) as a statewide program director for 6 years. With a passion for analyzing and improving public systems, Noah provides insightful commentary on the intersection of government and societal well-being. You can get in touch with Noah using [email protected]

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