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The latest Afrobarometer survey shows that many Zambians attribute the effects of climate change to human activity and are calling for urgent action by both the government and developed nations.
Although four in ten citizens have not heard of climate change, those familiar with the issue largely agree that it is worsening living conditions.
Edward Chibwili, a research fellow at the Institute of Economic and Social Research (INESOR) at the University of Zambia (UNZA), presented the findings in Lusaka on Thursday during a two-day media training at Mkango Golf View Hotel.
The survey highlighted that most Zambians were experiencing negative impacts of climate change, including increasingly severe droughts and crop failures.
“Substantial minorities have already taken steps to adapt to changing weather patterns, such as adjusting water consumption, altering crop-production methods, and reducing or adjusting the hours they work outside,” Chibwili said.
The survey also revealed that certain groups—including those with primary or no formal education, women, and the very poor—are less likely to have heard of climate change.
Targeted interventions for these populations could significantly raise awareness.
The survey noted widespread public backing for climate action.
Large majorities support investing in infrastructure and technologies to mitigate the worst effects of climate change, while over three-fourths want the government to pressure wealthy countries to provide climate assistance.
Read More: Climate change worsening gender-based violence in Zambia, says Vice President Nalumango
Almost seven in ten respondents (68%) said the government should act immediately to limit climate change, “even if it was expensive or causes some job losses or other harm to the economy.”
Similar proportions believe that rich countries should act “even if it is costly” (72%) and assist Zambia in responding to the crisis (71%).
Zambians view ordinary citizens (38%) and their government (34%) as bearing the primary responsibility for limiting climate change, while only small percentages assign this responsibility to the private sector (7%), rich countries (5%), or traditional leaders (5%).
Chibwili concluded that strong majorities supported policies responding to changing weather patterns, including pressuring developed nations for aid (77%), investing in climate-resilient infrastructure (72%), and developing wind and solar technologies (70%).
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