Zambia Hosts SASSCAL 2.0 Research Workshop to Strengthen Climate Change Response.

The Ministry of Technology and Science, in collaboration with the Southern African Science Service Centre for Climate Change and Adaptive Land Management (SASSCAL), hosted the SASSCAL 2.0 Research National Thematic Workshop in Lusaka, aimed at strengthening climate change response through scientific research in forest ecosystems, agriculture, and water resources.

The high-level workshop brought together researchers, policymakers, academics, and international delegates to share insights on sustainable climate solutions. The event was officially opened by Dr. Brilliant Habeenzu, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Technology and Science, who emphasized the government’s commitment to science-led climate action.

“I am pleased to note that the Southern African Science Service Centre for Climate Change and Adaptive Land Management, with generous funding from the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space, has been implementing the SASSCAL 2.0 Research Portfolio since 2021,” said Dr. Habeenzu.

He revealed that the portfolio includes 51 sub-projects implemented by over 24 research and academic institutions and supports 104 postgraduate students across the region. “Each project benefits from collaboration between at least two regional partners and one German institution,” he added.

Dr. Habeenzu noted that Zambia’s climate strategy is aligned with its Revised Nationally Determined Contributions, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25% unconditionally and up to 47% with international support by 2030.

“The government recognizes that climate change is a cross-cutting challenge that cannot be addressed in isolation.

It requires strong partnerships, inter-disciplinary collaboration, and knowledge-driven interventions,” he stated. In his welcome address, Mr. Chomba Innocent Chomba, National Programme Coordinator for the Zambia. SASSCAL Node Office, expressed gratitude to all attendees, including international participants and those from across Zambia.

“I wish to welcome you all to this important SASSCAL 2.0 Research Workshop. We do not take your presence for granted,” he said. “At SASSCAL, we realize that tackling the challenges of climate change is not a task to be done alone. It requires integrated efforts from different stakeholders.”

Mr. Chomba emphasized that continued research, policy engagement, and capacity building are critical in responding effectively to climate challenges. “We pride ourselves in supporting research and adaptive land management for sustainable development,” he said.

Representing the Department of Science and Technology, Dr. Larry Mweetwa, Director for SASSCAL Coordination at the Ministry, highlighted the strategic role that partnerships like SASSCAL play in advancing climate research in Zambia.

“As a department, we are delighted to host SASSCAL as a strategic partner in funding and supporting scientific research in climate change,” he said. “With the support of the Minister and the Permanent Secretary, we are committed to working with institutions like SASSCAL to provide leadership in science and research as we address climate change challenges.”

The workshop’s theme, “Strengthening Climate Change Response Through Scientific Research on Forest Ecosystem, Agriculture and Water Resources,” underscores the urgent need to align research efforts with national and regional climate priorities.

The event concluded with a call for continued collaboration among governments, academia, civil society, and development partners to drive evidence-based policy and sustainable climate solutions.