These rivers are vital sources of water for agriculture and fishing, but their contamination is severely disrupting the delicate balance of Zambia’s economy.

The pollution has had a devastating impact on Zambia’s fishing industry, which many communities rely on for both food and income. “The fish stocks have drastically declined,” says Dr Kelvin Kamayoyo, Technical Advisor for the African Rivers Initiative. “This is not just a loss of food, but also a loss of income for families that depend on fishing as their primary livelihood.” The Kafue River, one of Zambia’s longest and most significant rivers, has been particularly affected. With its contamination, fishermen in the region are seeing their catches diminish, while fish that remain are often unfit for consumption. For many, this has become a matter of survival.

The impact is also being felt in agriculture, where farmers who rely on water from these rivers for irrigation are now struggling to maintain their crops. Maize and groundnuts, essential staple crops for Zambia’s food security, are suffering as the pollution hampers both water quality and soil health. “This pollution not only affects the water we use for irrigation but also affects the soil quality. When the rivers are polluted, it creates a knock-on effect, making it more difficult to grow the crops that our families depend on,” explains Mary Banda, a local farmer in the Kafue River region.

The pollution of Zambia’s rivers is more than just an environmental issue; it’s also an economic crisis. Agriculture and fishing are among the most important sectors in Zambia, contributing significantly to the national economy. The decline in both industries poses a direct threat to Zambia’s economic stability.  Kamayoyo further notes, “These rivers are vital not only for their ecological value but for the livelihoods they sustain. Pollution affects food security, employment, and the overall economic well-being of the country.”

The growing pollution crisis underscores the need for more robust environmental protections and sustainable practices, especially in industries like mining that contribute significantly to pollution. As the contamination of Zambia’s rivers continues to deepen, there is a pressing need for immediate intervention to prevent further environmental degradation.

“We need a comprehensive approach that addresses both pollution and the broader challenges posed by climate change,” says Kamayoyo. “If we don’t act quickly, the long-term consequences will be far-reaching, affecting not just Zambia, but the entire region.”

--ChannelAfrica--