AS ZAMBIA prepares for the 2026/2027 agricultural and tobacco marketing season, tobacco growers are being encouraged to take early and deliberate measures to protect their crops and livelihoods from the possible effects of El Niño.
El Niño is a climate phenomenon that can significantly influence rainfall and temperature patterns.
For Zambia, its effects can include delayed onset of rains, prolonged dry spells, reduced rainfall in some areas and higher temperatures. Current regional assessments indicate that El Niño conditions are expected to strengthen during the 2026/2027 rainy season.
For tobacco farmers, this is an important warning to prepare early. However, El Niño should not be viewed as a guarantee of crop failure. Rather, it is an early warning that allows
farmers to make informed decisions and reduce production risks.
Start preparing before rains
One of the most important lessons from previous drought seasons is that preparation should begin before the effects of dry conditions become
severe. Tobacco growers should therefore begin preparing their fields, inputs, water sources and equipment well in advance.
Farmers should ensure that their land is ready for planting and that all required inputs are secured from reputable and approved suppliers. This includes obtaining quality seed and other inputs early to avoid delays during the planting window.
Growers should also remain in close contact with agricultural extension officers and follow technical guidance on suitable planting dates and agronomic practices for their Prioritising water management
Water is particularly important in tobacco production, especially during nursery establishment and the early stages of crop
development. Under El Niño conditions, farmers should treat water as a valuable resource and plan its use carefully.
Where possible, growers should establish or improve water-harvesting systems, maintain boreholes and other water sources, and ensure that irrigation equipment is functional before the season begins. Government is already promoting irrigation expansion and improved water management practices as part of preparations for the 2026/2027 agricultural season.
Farmers should also avoid unnecessary water losses and use available water efficiently.
Where irrigation is available, proper scheduling and application can help maintain crop growth during periods of inadequate rainfall.
Protect the nursery
A strong tobacco crop begins with a healthy nursery. During hot and dry conditions, tobacco seedlings can experience moisture stress, which may affect their establishment and
subsequent performance in the field.
Growers should therefore pay particular attention to nursery management. Seedbeds should be protected from excessive heat, moisture should be monitored regularly and watering should be done appropriately. Good sanitation should also be maintained to minimise pest and disease problems.
Conserve soil moisture
Good soil management will be critical during the 2026/2027 season. Farmers should adopt practices that improve the soil’s ability to retain moisture and reduce erosion.
Conservation agriculture, appropriate mulching and the maintenance of soil organic matter can help reduce moisture losses. Farmers should also avoid unnecessary soil disturbance and ensure that land preparation is undertaken appropriately for their farming systems.
These practices are consistent with the broader climate-smart agriculture measures being promoted by Government in preparation for the anticipated El Niño conditions.
Utilise weather forecasts
Tobacco growers should make weather information part of their routine farm planning.
The Zambia Meteorological Department provides seasonal and daily forecasts that can help farmers make decisions about farming activities.
Farmers should avoid relying solely on traditional indicators or information circulating informally. Instead, they should regularly consult credible sources, including the Zambia
Meteorological Department, Ministry of Agriculture, extension officers and relevant agricultural institutions.
sources, including the Zambia Meteorological Department, Ministry of Agriculture, extension officers and relevant agricultural institutions.
Plan for entire farming season
Preparing for El Niño is not only about planting. Farmers should think about the entire tobacco production cycle, including crop establishment, field management, harvesting, curing, storage and marketing.
Because dry conditions may affect crop development and carefully manage their available resources. They should also take measures to protect harvested tobacco from damage during curing, storage and transportation.
Most importantly, growers should remain engaged with the Tobacco Board of Zambia, extension officers, merchants and other stakeholders throughout the season. Early communication can help farmers respond more effectively when challenges emerge.
Turning early warning into action
The anticipated El Niño conditions provide an opportunity for Zambia’s tobacco growers to demonstrate resilience and preparedness.
The message for the 2026/2027 season is simple: prepare early, conserve water, protect the soil, follow credible weather information and adopt climatesmart farming practices.
The experience of previous drought seasons has shown that climate shocks can have serious consequences for farmers and rural livelihoods. Zambia is therefore strengthening its preparedness through coordinated responses, climateresilient agriculture, irrigation, improved extension services and farmer sensitisation.
For tobacco growers, early preparation can make the difference between simply responding to a difficult season and successfully managing it. As the 2026/2027 season approaches, every farmer has a role to play in building a more resilient tobacco sector.
Tobacco matters because a resilient farmer is the foundation of a resilient tobacco industry.
The author is executive director at Tobacco Board of Zambia.
Preparing for El Niño: What tobacco growers must do
- August 24, 2026
- 2:27 pm
