08/10/2026
THE ZAMBIA AIR FORCE READIES TO COMBAT EL NINO
The Zambia Air Force (ZAF) Commander, Lt Gen Oscar Nyoni, flanked by General Grade Officers earlier today, carried out a tour of the ZAF Lufwanyama Farm 1 to assess the preparations being made for the oncoming 2026/2027 farming season.
Following a successful 2025/2026 bumper harvest, the Air Force Commander is spearheading efforts to build on the success and progress made as well as addressing challenges faced during the past agricultural season, such as irrigation and slow field preparation.
To enhance the efficiency and output of the agricultural activities on the various ZAF farms, the Air Force is leveraging mechanization of the farming activities. The Commander and delegation walked through the fields, inspecting as earth moving equipment such as excavators and bulldozers had been deployed to level large ant hills sparsely lumped throughout the 150-hectare field.
Addressing the Lufwanyama Farm 1 Personnel, Lt Gen Nyoni encouraged them not to relax and relent but instead to intensify their efforts to ensure that the oncoming season is a far greater success than the last one as their efforts would not go unnoticed.
He cautioned them of the forecasted ‘El Nino’ expected to cause severe low rainfall and drought throughout parts of the country and instructed them to ensure that preparations to address and mitigate its effects are in place.
“We are aware of the high probability that the Country will experience ‘El Nino’ in this rainy season. It is therefore, imperative that we implement efforts such as reservoirs to ensure that we counter the negative effects and ensure that ZAF, once again, has a successful agricultural season,” Lt Gen Nyoni said.
The ZAF, with the assistance of cooperating partners like the World Bank, intends to install centre pivots to further mechanize the farm's operations and increase production output and ultimately the Air Force’s continued contribution towards the National Food Basket in line with the directive by the President of the Republic of Zambia and Commander-In-Chief of the Defence Force, Mr Hakainde Hichilema.
During his tour of the Lufwanyama Farm 1, the Air Force Commander paid a courtesy call on His Royal Highness, Chief Lumpuma, at his Palace to thank him for his continued support to ensure the success of the Air Force’s agricultural activities. His Royal Highness stated that he was pleased to see the progress being made by the ZAF agricultural activities and the direct positive impact it was having on his community by way of employment as well as secondary development benefits. He encouraged the Air Force Commander to consolidate the Air Force’s presence by expanding their activities as well as constructing more permanent structures.
The Zambia Air Force - Defend and Support