The Government of Zimbabwe is making remarkable strides in making sure that the whole nation is well equipped with the knowledge of climate change. Everyone has seen the realities presented by climate change vagaries, ranging from drought spells, shift of climatic weather pattern, flash floods, cyclones and among other unprecedented scenarios, such a process is referred to as climate proofing. The term refers to the ability by the government through entities, departments or agents to carry out an engagement process with regards to the need to incorporate institutions, departments and individuals in climate change programming.
It can be noted that while climate change is causing more harm than good to communities, there are a number of opportunities that can be unlocked by government to the very communities. Climate change mitigation and adaptation options present a lot of cross cutting opportunities for communities. It is in this manner that some mitigation options can actually translate into adaptation through economic benefits and gains.
In August 2022, the Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry (MECTHI) embarked on a climate change mainstreaming agenda in the eastern districts of the country. This was being spearheaded by the Climate Change Management Department under the Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry. The Climate Change Mainstreaming Engagement Programme targeted Chimanimani, Chipinge, Mutare and Mutasa Districts. This is also the same area that bears the evidence and realities of climate shocks in Zimbabwe. The Cyclone Idai that ravaged some parts in Chimanimani and Chipinge still bears fresh memories in the whole region of Southern Africa.
The current efforts are part of a country wide awareness and capacity building exercise to assist subnational governments to begin to integrate climate change in development planning. The engagement programme is also informed by the rising cost of response measures due to climate change augmented by weak preparedness. The programme also builds on the foundation laid by the Climate Change Mainstreaming Provincial Research Programme conducted in collaboration with provincial structures and the MECTHI.
The programme has so far covered, districts in Mashonaland Central, Masvingo, Midlands, Matebeleland South, Matebeleland North, Mashonaland East and West provinces. Concerted efforts to bolster climate change mainstreaming are made during the engagement, as outlined in the National Budget for 2022 towards ensuring the effective integration of climate change issues in planning and budgetary processes. It is expected that at the end of the engagement programme subnational governments will be able to identify climate change mainstreaming entry points as they implement their subnational economic development plans.
The government is working with District Development Committees, non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, women, youths and vulnerable groups. The engagements with District Development Committees in Manicaland Province revealed that the leaders at district levels are instrumental in the quest to mainstream climate change in development planning and the devolution process. This cascades down to inform non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society organizations (CSOs) with latest knowledge on current and future climate scenarios, climate change priorities, and investment opportunities to increase resilience to climate change.
The most significant aspect revolves around the trainings conducted with vulnerable groups on climate change adaptation initiatives and stakeholder involvement processes for climate change adaptation to actively participate in the National Adaptation Process (NAP). This has led to the active participation of vulnerable groups in the climate change mainstreaming agenda. Increased awareness of climate change and adaptation at local level enhances appreciation of climate change mainstreaming entry points. Improved understanding of climate change priorities and investment opportunities at district and local level as they relate to planning and devolution; and increased participation of vulnerable groups in the climate change mainstreaming agenda.
Vulnerable groups were represented by women, the disabled, youth, and people living with HIV and AIDS among other members. The efforts made show that the country is working towards action-based implementation. The key results are now pointing towards policy documents that include; the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), the Climate Change Communication Strategy and the National Development Strategy (NDS 1). The Nationally Determined Contributions on Climate Change (NDCs) recently updated, also speak to an inclusive climate change programming.
