Drip Irrigation Revolutionises Zambian Horticulture With Netafim Technology
Zambian agriculture stands at a critical crossroads as water scarcity and erratic weather jeopardise food security and farm productivity. Currently, only about 4% of Zambia’s arable land benefits from irrigation, leaving the majority of crops vulnerable to drought and inconsistent rainfall. Against this backdrop, Netafim’s precision drip irrigation technologies are transforming Zambia’s horticultural landscape by enhancing water efficiency, boosting yields, and empowering farmers to adapt to climate uncertainties.
David Nganga, Netafim’s technical advisor in Zambia, highlights some of the pressing challenges faced by local farmers: “Water scarcity limits agricultural production for both livestock and crops, erratic weather patterns disrupt growing seasons, and limited irrigation access leaves many farmers reliant solely on unpredictable rains.” These conditions exacerbate vulnerability and threaten national food security.
In response, Netafim offers precision irrigation systems that deliver water directly to plant roots, dramatically reducing wastage from runoff and evaporation. This targeted approach not only conserves water but also improves crop health by ensuring consistent moisture levels, crucial for high-value horticultural crops such as carrots, beetroot, sweet peppers, and strawberries.
Premium Fresh Harvest, a Zambian horticulture farm entering its fifth year of production, serves as a compelling case study. Co-owner and operations manager Hellen Kabesh shares her experience: “Initially, we relied on labour-intensive sprinkler and rain hose irrigation, which was cumbersome and inefficient. Introducing Netafim’s drip irrigation simplified operations significantly. Workers simply switch on the booster pump and open valves; the system then delivers water evenly to crops without constant manual adjustment.”
Beyond operational ease, Premium Fresh Harvest has observed marked improvements in germination rates, particularly for direct-seeded crops. “Every bed receives uniform watering, which was not the case with sprinklers,” Kabesh notes. The system also freed up labour, enabling workers to focus on other critical farm tasks, thus improving efficiency and reducing costs.
Netafim supports Zambian farmers through comprehensive training programmes, ensuring they can operate and maintain systems effectively, thereby promoting sustainability. Regular maintenance, such as filter cleaning and dripline flushing, keeps the irrigation system durable — a quality evidenced by Premium Fresh Harvest’s continued use of original driplines after four years.
Moreover, Netafim is actively engaged in research partnerships in Zambia to optimise irrigation design, water management strategies, and climate-smart agricultural practices. Tools like GrowSphere™ facilitate real-time remote crop monitoring and automation, further enhancing adaptive capacity amid climate variability.
The benefits of Netafim’s systems extend widely: they increase crop yields and quality, support sustainable resource use by optimising fertiliser and water application, and bolster resilience against climate-induced stresses. These advances are vital to both smallholder and commercial farmers seeking profitable, water-smart horticulture.
FFA Explainer Box: Drip irrigation involves delivering water slowly and directly to the plant’s root zone through a network of tubes and emitters, maximising efficiency and minimising wastage compared to traditional watering methods.
In conclusion, Netafim’s precision irrigation technology is a game-changer for Zambian horticulture, aligning with broader objectives of climate-smart agriculture and sustainable rural development. By empowering farmers like Hellen Kabesh with affordable, effective tools, Zambia moves closer to securing food production and enhancing livelihoods in a challenging climate.
Patricia Tembo is an agricultural journalist dedicated to sustainable farming practices, providing expert insights into innovations transforming African agriculture.
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