The Policy discusses water security in the context of climate change. It states that groundwater resources offer essential livelihood mechanisms and its strategic importance will probably intensify under climate change and human development (population growth, urbanisation) in the future. Groundwater constitutes the most important buffer and reserve of water during surplus periods as well as a source of water for streams and/or direct withdrawals in times of shortage, and thus is expected to play an essential role in climate change adaptation.
The Policy also states that Zambia faces the issues of inadequate climate resilient water harvesting infrastructure; inadequate framework for rainwater harvesting; and inadequate groundwater exploration and aquifer mapping.
To harness water resources and ensure water security for enhanced access and utilisation, the Policy lists the measure of establishing mechanisms that ensure environmental considerations are included in the design for water resources infrastructure and mitigate the effects of climate change.
