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GOVT LAUNCHES DIGITAL CLIMATE ADVISORY SERVICES
GOVT LAUNCHES DIGITAL CLIMATE ADVISORY SERVICES
Lusaka, March 23, 2026-Government through the Zambia Meteorological Department has officially launched the Digital Climate Advisory Services (DCAS), a groundbreaking initiative aimed at transforming climate data into practical guidance for communities and key economic sectors.
Speaking during the launch, Ministry of Green Economy and Environment Permanent Secretary, Dr. Douty Chibamba, emphasized the critical role of meteorological science in safeguarding lives, strengthening economies, and protecting the environment.
The system is designed to translate complex climate data into simple, actionable advice for both commercial and small scale farmers, communities, and policymakers, helping them make informed decisions on agriculture and disaster preparedness.
The PS highlighted that Zambia, like many parts of the world, is increasingly experiencing the harsh impacts of climate variability and change, including extreme heat, floods, droughts, and erratic rainfall patterns.
He has since called on the private sector, researchers, and citizens to support and utilize the Digital Climate Advisory Services, emphasizing that investment in meteorological services is both a humanitarian necessity and an economic imperative.
At the same event, Dr. Chibamba also paid tribute to meteorological professionals across the country during the commemoration of World Meteorological Day today, 23rd March, 2026 under the theme "Observing Today, Protecting Tomorrow " describing them as silent guardians of national safety and resilience. He added that the theme emphasizes the urgent need to invest in accurate weather and climate observation systems to better prepare for future risks.
The Permanent Secretary singledout the 2025/2026 rainfall season as a clear example, where La Niña conditions have triggered above-normal rainfall, resulting in severe flooding in districts such as Lundazi, Lumezi, and Monze. These floods have led to the displacement of families, damage to infrastructure, and destruction of crops.
Dr. Chibamba re-echoed that accurate weather forecasting remains the country’s first line of defence against such disasters.