BY SAMUEL NJINGA IN MASVINGO.
Climate change, once a distant concern for Zimbabweans, has now become a harsh reality, affecting every corner of the country. From prolonged droughts to erratic rainfall patterns, the signs of a warming planet are evident across the nation, threatening livelihoods, agriculture, and access to water. As global temperatures rise, Zimbabwe is facing a crisis that could reshape its future.
Zimbabwe’s economy is heavily reliant on agriculture, with over 60% of the population depending on farming for their livelihoods. However, the changing climate patterns have introduced an unpredictable element that has turned farming into a gamble. The southern regions, including Matabeleland, are experiencing some of the worst droughts in decades. Crops like maize, Zimbabwe’s staple food, are withering under the scorching heat, leaving many farmers struggling to feed their families.
“Every year is worse than the last,” says Robert Makadho, who is Masvingo farmers` Beef Producers Association Chairperson. “People must desist from starting fires. Captains of industries must look for alternative methods that do not keep on posing hazardous chemicals that result in wild carbon emissions in the atmosphere.”
This uncertainty has led to reduced yields and rising food insecurity, with the World Food Programme estimating that nearly half of Zimbabwe’s rural population could face hunger by the end of the year. Once fertile regions are now seeing rivers dry up, soil degradation, and a decrease in biodiversity as wildlife migrates in search of water.
Zimbabwe’s urban centers are not spared from the effects of climate change. Harare, Bulawayo, and other cities are grappling with severe water shortages, a situation exacerbated by years of drought. The water levels in major dams such as Lake Mutirikwi and Kariba have plummeted, leading to power shortages from hydropower generation and water rationing in cities.
“We sometimes go days without running water,” says Entrance Takaidza, Chairperson for the Community Working Group on Health for Masvingo. “It’s a struggle to even find clean drinking water, let alone water for daily use.”
In some rural areas, communities have resorted to digging shallow wells, exposing them to waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid, which are already on the rise due to poor sanitation.
The effects of climate change are not just limited to human beings. Zimbabwe’s rich wildlife and natural ecosystems are under threat as well. In Hwange National Park, one of the largest wildlife reserves in Africa, drought has led to a severe water shortage for animals like elephants, lions, and buffalo. In Gonarezhou National Park, human-wildlife conflict is also escalating, as animals wander into villages in search of food and water, sometimes with tragic consequences.
The drying of wetlands and deforestation have further aggravated the situation, reducing carbon sinks and making Zimbabwe more vulnerable to extreme weather events. Fires, once rare in certain regions, have become more frequent, destroying forests and wildlife habitats with most fires being recorded in 2023 as 606. Statistics shows that from 2001 to 2023, Masvingo lost 121 ha of tree cover from fires.
There have been government and international responses throughout. Zimbabwe’s government, recognising the urgency of the situation, has implemented several initiatives to combat climate change. The country has signed on to international agreements like the Paris Climate Accord, committing to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable practices. However, economic challenges and political instability have hampered progress.
“We need to adapt fast. It is incumbent upon us to enhance our capacity in terms of coming up with more accurate and finer forecasts,” says Environment Minister, Sithembiso Nyoni. “The climate is changing faster than we can respond, and this is putting immense pressure on our economy, infrastructure, and communities.”
International organisations, including the United Nations and the African Development Bank, have been stepping in with funding and projects aimed at boosting climate resilience. These include efforts to promote drought-resistant crops, improve water management systems, and invest in renewable energy.
However, experts warn that without a collective global effort, Zimbabwe’s efforts may fall short. “We are feeling the brunt of climate change, we are adapting through education and awareness campaigns that we keep on receiving from local leadership,” says environmental activist Modrick Taruvinga who is the secretary for Njovo Primary School and Community Wetlands Project. “The global community must take responsibility and team up to support vulnerable nations in the fight against climate change.”
Despite the challenges, Zimbabweans have hope that through innovation and community action, they have to adopt innovative ways to adapt to their changing environment. In Chivi district, a group of women has formed a cooperative that grows drought-resistant crops like sorghum and millet. The crops require less water and are more resilient to heat, offering a glimmer of hope for communities battered by unpredictable weather.
“We’ve learned to rely on traditional methods that our ancestors used,” says Elliot Tavaziva, who doubles as the Vice Chairperson of Rubweruchena Micro Irrigation Scheme as well as member of the cooperative. “It’s not easy, but we have to keep trying, because our children’s futures depend on it.”
Solar energy is also emerging as a critical solution, providing clean energy to rural areas and reducing dependence on firewood, which has contributed to deforestation.
Zimbabwe’s climate crisis is a wake-up call for the entire world. The effects of rising temperatures are already being felt in every aspect of life, from food security to water access and biodiversity. The path to a sustainable future will require bold action, both from within Zimbabwe and on the international stage. Adaptation strategies, financial support, and long-term planning will be essential to protect the country from the devastating effects of climate change.
In the face of adversity, Zimbabweans continue to show resilience and determination, but time is running out. The climate clock is ticking, and the stakes have never been higher. (24 October 2024)