Meheba (Zambia) : climate change negatively impacts the agricultural harvest

SOS Médias Burundi

Meheba, November 24, 2025 – Refugees in the Meheba camp, in northwestern Zambia, are experiencing very poor agricultural production following uncontrolled and unpredictable rainfall after a prolonged drought. Faced with this situation, they are appealing for emergency aid.

Lost harvests

In October 2025, the country experienced the start of its rainy season, with rainfall considered normal to above average for the 2025/2026 season, according to local weather forecasts. This rainfall is expected to continue until April 2026.

Refugees, who primarily cultivate beans in the marshlands, have suffered heavy losses.

“I had taken half a hectare. But the entire crop is ruined because of the rains. I wonder how I’m going to harvest at least 400 kg (eight sacks) to pay the landowner, as stipulated in our agreement,” laments a Burundian refugee.

According to him, more than 30 hectares rented by refugees have been affected by these extreme weather conditions.

“All these plots are rented under harvest-sharing agreements with local landowners.” “But if the harvest is poor, what little remains goes to the landowner,” emphasize refugees who spoke to SOS Médias Burundi.

A prolonged drought worsens the situation

The poor agricultural season comes after a prolonged and unexpected drought, which particularly affected northwestern Zambia, the region where the Meheba camp is located.

“This climate change should prompt the government and the UNHCR to provide us with emergency aid, because we have no other alternatives,” stressed refugees who spoke to SOS Médias Burundi.

Destroyed infrastructure

The refugees are also calling for the rehabilitation of the bridges connecting the camp, which were destroyed by the rains. This damage cuts the camp off from the rest of the Kalumbila district, endangering the lives of the inhabitants.

A vulnerable population

The Meheba camp currently hosts more than 27,000 refugees, including approximately 3,000 Burundians, who are facing increasing food insecurity due to the impacts of climate change.