LUSAKA, Jan. 31 (Xinhua) -- Zambia on Wednesday called for closer collaboration among stakeholders to tackle the negative effects of climate change.

Collaboration between both the public and private sectors is vital in tackling the challenges that climate change is posing to humanity, the environment and economies, said Zambia's Minister of National Development Planning Alexander Chiteme at a World Bank-led Climate Investment Fund meeting in Morocco.

The Zambian government has developed a multi-sectoral approach to tackle climate change although challenges still remain, the minister added.

"We have faced challenges in attracting private sector financing and effective participation," he said. "However, with the additional financing coming on board late last year, we will manage to mobilize private sector investments in economies such as agriculture, natural capital and by providing technical support to relevant beneficiaries."

It is critical to respond to climate change using a proactive and strategic approach across all sectors in an integrated manner, he said.

The landlocked Sub-Saharan African country has been experiencing the adverse impacts of climate change, including an increase in the frequency and severity of seasonal droughts, occasional dry spells, increased temperatures in valleys, flash floods and changes in the growing season, according to the United Nations Development Program.