PURPOSE:
To present youth-driven policy proposals aimed at strengthening Zambia’s
climate resilience, promoting environmental sustainability, and empowering
communities through inclusive economic opportunities.
POLICY BRIEF FOR
PARLIAMENTARY CONSIDERATION
1. Climate-Resilient Infrastructure and Housing
Target
Ministry: Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and
Urban Development
Problem:
Current housing and infrastructure are ill-equipped to withstand climate change
impacts, resulting in flooding and settlement damage.
Recommendation:
- Develop
and enforce national climate-resilient building codes.
- Invest
in modern drainage systems in high-risk areas.
- Upgrade
informal settlements into planned climate-proof communities.
Justification: A resilient housing and infrastructure system will reduce flood damage, protect livelihoods, and lower disaster response costs.
2. Improved Waste Management Systems
Target
Ministry: Ministry of Green Economy and
Environment; Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development
Problem:
Poor waste disposal practices contribute to pollution, disease outbreaks, and
environmental degradation.
Recommendation:
- Benchmark
successful waste management models.
- Implement
community-led “Keep Zambia Clean” campaigns.
- Strengthen
enforcement of waste disposal laws.
Justification: Proper waste management will improve public health, protect ecosystems, and enhance Zambia’s environmental image.
3. National Rainwater Harvesting Initiative
Target
Ministry: Ministry of Water Development and
Sanitation; Ministry of Agriculture
Problem:
Drought and erratic rainfall undermine food and water security.
Recommendation:
- Launch
a youth-led rainwater harvesting programme nationwide.
- Install
water storage tanks in drought-prone districts.
- Support
farmers in adopting water-efficient irrigation systems.
Justification: Harvesting rainwater will provide a sustainable water source for domestic and agricultural use, boosting food security.
4. Sustainable Tree Planting and Alternative Livelihoods
Target
Ministry: Ministry of Green Economy and
Environment; Ministry of Community Development and Social Services
Problem:
Communities depend on tree-cutting for income, leading to deforestation.
Recommendation:
- Provide
alternative income-generating opportunities such as agroforestry and
renewable energy projects.
- Implement
reforestation programmes with community ownership.
Justification: Offering sustainable livelihoods will reduce deforestation and restore degraded ecosystems while supporting household incomes.
5. Climate Education and Awareness
Target
Ministry: Ministry of Education; Ministry of
Agriculture; Ministry of Green Economy and Environment
Problem:
Limited public awareness of climate change and sustainable agriculture
practices.
Recommendation:
- Integrate
climate change into school curricula.
- Train
farmers on sustainable agricultural methods and safe fertilizer use.
- Conduct
public climate awareness campaigns through media and community forums.
Justification: Increased awareness leads to informed decision-making, improved farming practices, and stronger climate action at the grassroots level.
6. Rehabilitation of Dams and Local Resource Development
Target
Ministry: Ministry of Water Development and
Sanitation; Ministry of Agriculture; Ministry of Local Government and Rural
Development
Problem:
Many water reservoirs, including 71 dams in Chongwe, are in disrepair, reducing
water availability.
Recommendation:
- Renovate
and maintain community dams.
- Develop
local industries that utilize available natural resources sustainably.
Justification: Rehabilitating dams ensures reliable water supply for communities and agriculture while supporting local economic development.
7. Climate Financing and Natural Resource Governance
Target
Ministry: Ministry of Finance and National
Planning; Ministry of Green Economy and Environment; Ministry of Commerce,
Trade and Industry
Problem:
Communities do not fully benefit from their local natural resources, and value
addition is minimal.
Recommendation:
- Empower
local people to own and manage production in natural resource sectors.
- Promote
value addition before export.
- Adjust
tax policies to support local enterprises.
- Expand
sustainable use of timber and other underutilized resources.
Justification: Inclusive natural resource governance will increase GDP contributions, boost rural incomes, and promote sustainable development.
CONCLUSION
The adoption of these
youth-driven recommendations will significantly enhance Zambia’s preparedness
for climate change impacts, strengthen environmental sustainability, and foster
inclusive economic growth. By empowering communities especially, the youth to
take the lead in climate action, Parliament will help secure the nation’s
environmental and economic future.
