MIDLANDS STATE UNIVERSITY

FACULTY OF ARTS

DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT STUDIES

AN ASSESSMENT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION STRATEGIES FOR

CHIRUMANZU DISTRICT

BY

CYNTHIA RUTENDO GOTA (R132984P)

SUPERVISOR: MR SILLAH

NOVEMBER 2016

Submitted to the Department of Development Studies, in partial fulfilment of the requirements

of the Bachelor of Arts in Development Studies Honours Degree

The undersigned certify that they have read and recommended to the Midlands State University

for acceptance, as a dissertation entitled: An assessment of climate change adaptation strategies

for Chirumanzu District.

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(Signature of Student) Date

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(Signature of Supervisor) Date

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(Signature of the Chairperson) Date

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(Signature of the Examiner (s) Date

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 DECLARATION

I Cynthia Rutendo Gota hereby solemnly declare that this research is my own work and is not

reproduction of someone else‟s work, unless otherwise acknowledged.

Signature ……………………………………

Date …………………………………………

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 DEDICATION

I dedicate this to the Lord Almighty who has made it possible for me to come up with this

academic presentation. I also dedicate it to the special gifts that God graced me with, that is my

loving mother and father, who have been my pillar. I love you!

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to thank the Lord Almighty for His guidance and protection throughout the

compilation of this thesis. My most heartfelt gratitude goes to my supervisor Mr Sillah for his

guidance and backing throughout the project. I am likewise enormously grateful for the support

that I got from my father, mother, brothers Tendai and Tawanda and my sister Emilda. I also

appreciate and would like to thank my friend Phil and my father, for providing me with relevant

information that led to the successful compilation of this study. To my friends Nyasha and

Glorious thank you for the encouragement. My special friend Yeukai, thank you so much for

being there for me every time that I needed your support. Lastly, but most importantly, I would

like to thank the Chirumanzu Community for providing me with the relevant information that led

to the successful completion of the study.

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vi
 ABSTRACT

The aim of the study was to look at the effectiveness of climate change adaptation strategies in

Chirumanzu District. The study took into cognizance the fact that climate change has affected

the livelihoods of communities and sought to find out how communities have adapted to climate

change. Qualitative approach was used as it gave vivid descriptions of climate change impacts,

community response and adaptation. Interviews, focus group discussions and observations were

the tools implored in gathering data from respondents which was analyzed using the sustainable

livelihood approach. The study showed that there is evidence of climate change in the district

and community based adaptation is the dominant strategy. Adaptation strategies in the district

were successful in curbing the impacts of climate change on agriculture which is a major source

of livelihood in the community. The study recommended that various actors be implored if

effective adaptation programming is to take place.

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 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1: Showing the drying up of Sebakwe (Zibagwe) river.

Figure 2: Showing harvested stalked sesame in ward 19.

Figure 3: Showing maize production in ward 19.

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 ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATION

AEZ Agro Ecological Zones

AGRITEX Agriculture Technical Extension Support

CBA Community Based Approach

FGD Focus Group Discussion

FAO Food and Agriculture Organization

INDC Intended National Determined Contributions

IKS Indigenous Knowledge Systems

MSU Midlands State University

NCCRS National Climate Change Response Strategy

SDG Sustainable Development Goals

UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

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Contents
SUPERVISION ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM................................................................................................ ii
DECLARATION .............................................................................................................................................. iii
DEDICATION................................................................................................................................................. iv
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ................................................................................................................................ v
ABSTRACT ................................................................................................................................................... vii
LIST OF FIGURES ........................................................................................................................................ viii
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATION ............................................................................................................... ix
BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY ..................................................................................................................... 1
Statement of the Problem ........................................................................................................................... 4
Research Objectives ..................................................................................................................................... 4
Research Questions ...................................................................................................................................... 5
Significance of the study .............................................................................................................................. 5
Theoretical Framework ................................................................................................................................ 6
Conceptual Framework ................................................................................................................................ 8
Research Methodology .............................................................................................................................. 11
Research Approach ................................................................................................................................. 11
Research Design ...................................................................................................................................... 11
Population and Sampling ........................................................................................................................ 12
Data Collection ........................................................................................................................................ 13
Data Analysis ........................................................................................................................................... 15
Ethical Considerations............................................................................................................................. 15
Literature Review ................................................................................................................................... 15
CHAPTER ONE ............................................................................................................................................. 22
EVIDENCE OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN CHIRUMANZU DISTRICT ................................................................... 22
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 22
An overview of Climate Change in Zimbabwe ...................................................................................... 22
Evidence of Climate Change in Chirumanzu District ............................................................................. 24
Chapter Summary................................................................................................................................... 30
CHAPTER TWO ............................................................................................................................................ 31
ADAPTATION STRATEGIES AND THEIR EFFECTIVENESS IN CHIRUMANZU DISTRICT ............................... 31

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 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 31
Adaptation Strategies in Chirumanzu District ....................................................................................... 31
Drought Resistant Crops ..................................................................................................................... 32
Conservation Agriculture .................................................................................................................... 36
Irrigation.............................................................................................................................................. 38
Organic Farming .................................................................................................................................. 42
Mixed Cropping ................................................................................................................................... 43
Small Livestock Rearing ....................................................................................................................... 44
Optimizing Breed Mix ......................................................................................................................... 45
Greenhouses ....................................................................................................................................... 46
Indigenous knowledge system ............................................................................................................ 48
Natural resource management ........................................................................................................... 50
Off Farm Activities............................................................................................................................... 50
Nature conservation as an alternative source of livelihood ............................................................... 51
‘Mushandirapamwe’ ........................................................................................................................... 52
Chapter Summary................................................................................................................................... 52
CHAPTER THREE.......................................................................................................................................... 54
TOWARDS EFFECTIVE CLIMATE CHANGE PROGRAMMING IN CHIRUMANZU DISTRICT ......................... 54
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 54
Chapter Summary................................................................................................................................... 58
CONCLUSION TO THE STUDY...................................................................................................................... 59
REFERENCE LIST .......................................................................................................................................... 63
APPENDIX ................................................................................................................................................... 65

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BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

Climate change is one of the major threats to sustainable development with multiple adverse

impacts on environment, food security, human health, economic activities, natural resources and

physical infrastructure. Climate change, according to The United Nations Framework

Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Article 1 refers to the change of weather patterns

which is strongly linked directly or indirectly to human activity which alters the makeup of the

global atmosphere over a considerable time period (http://unfccc.int). It is important to note that

there is no one single definition of climate change, the term, is usually made in reference to

changes in weather patterns that are induced by human activity, such as the emission of

greenhouse gases and aerosols, which are causing extensive shifts in weather patterns.

The world over is experiencing a shift in weather patterns owing to the impacts of climate

change. Africa, in part, is already under pressure from climate change stresses and is highly

vulnerable to the impact of climate change (Madzvamuse 2010). Climate change has a negative

impact on development and there is need for urgent climate change action if any considerable

development is to take place in the world and Africa, as clearly enshrined in the Sustainable

Development Goal 13 which calls for nations to take part in climate action. The impacts of

climate change in Africa are already being felt in Zimbabwe as the country has been the hardest

hit, as it is more vulnerable to climate change owing to its highly variable climate, widespread

poverty and limited coping capacity. Agriculture, rural livelihoods, sustainable management of

natural resources and food security are inextricably linked within the development spectrum and

climate change challenges of the twenty-first century. The impacts of climate change in

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Zimbabwe particularly the increase in rainfall variability make it difficult for people who depend

on rainfall for water resources, (Brazier 2015). The National Climate Change Response Strategy

(2015), states that, Zimbabwe has witnessed climate change as it has experienced a warming

trend towards the end of the twentieth century compared to the beginning with mean

temperatures increasing by about 0.4‟C. Chirumanzu district being housed in Zimbabwe is in this

calamity.

Chirumanzu district is found in the central parts of Zimbabwe in the Midlands province and lies

within the natural farming regions 3 and 4 which are characterized by great aridity (Mugabe et al

2012). Chirumanzu receives very low, erratic rainfall, not more than 300mm per annum,

experiencing cold dry winters and hot summers which becomes wet in November (Mupaso et al

2014). As a result of these climatic changes of increase in temperatures and decrease in rainfall,

Chirumanzu has become one of the most vulnerable communal areas in Zimbabwe.

Agriculture, in Chirumanzu District is rain fed and agriculture remains the dominant economic

activity with little or no other economic activities, making the community more reliant on

farming in order to sustain their livelihoods. The area is heavily characterized by communal

farmers who struggle to develop climate change coping mechanisms with the worsening erratic

rainfall distribution patterns. A series of climate change induced droughts and water shortages

have been experienced in Chirumanzu. Food insecurity is a major source of vulnerability at

household and community level in Chirumanzu. In addition the area experiences water shortages

towards the rainy season making it difficult for agriculture to thrive, loss of livestock, health

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problems which threatens lives and livelihoods. People in Chirumanzu mostly children, women

and the disabled among the rural poor are bearing the brunt of climate change. Climate change

induced droughts have resulted in food insecurities resulting in hunger and dependence on food

aid. Clean water has become scarce resulting in humans and animals competing for the precious

liquid. Children and the elderly are exposed to heat stress due to increase in temperatures. Urban

migration has also been on the rise as most men and young people move to nearby urban areas to

seek employment since agriculture has been disrupted and is no longer viable. This has social

impacts since it over burdens women who are left behind to look out for the families. Women

and children are exposed to emotional and physical abuse.

Several adaptation strategies and practices have been developed over the years in the district to

reduce the effects of climate change at household and community level. The research sought to

assess the adaptation strategies being implemented in Chirumanzu all was done in a bid see if

they respond to and are consistent with sustainable livelihoods that are, safeguarding food

security and rural livelihoods. It has to be noted that poverty and social vulnerability combined

with climate change have had great repercussions on the vulnerable groups of the society that is

children, women and the disabled. The researcher‟s major concern was adaptation mechanisms

that have been developed to respond to the challenges facing the agricultural sector. The

adaptation mechanisms include use of indigenous knowledge systems, adoption of small grain

varieties, drought resistant crops and use of organic farming methods and practices. It therefore

was imperative for the researcher to assess and ascertain these adaptation strategies to evaluate

their effectiveness in ensuring households‟ coping abilities to the effect of climate change.

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Statement of the Problem

Chirumanzu district is currently facing the following problems as a result of climate change:

Increasing variability in the onset and duration of summer rainfall, a notable decrease in average

annual rainfall, drying up of perennial and other important water sources, increases in the

numbers of new pests and pathogens and changes in their timing affecting crops and livestock,

increased risk of veld fires, increases in livestock deaths, declining yields of the staple maize

crop, increased burden on women and children as they walk longer distances to fetch water,

extinction of wetlands and decrease in vegetation cover among other climate change impacts. A

number of adaptation strategies have been put in place at global, regional, national and local

level; therefore it was imperative for the researcher to look at their impact and effectiveness in

Chirumanzu District.

Research Objectives

1. To assess the impact of climate change in Chirumanzu District.

2. To assess the level of community participation in climate change adaptation strategies in

Chirumanzu District.

3. To assess the level of success of climate change adaptation strategies in Chirumanzu

District.

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Research Questions

1. What is the impact of climate change in Chirumanzu District?

2. What has been the level of community participation in climate change adaptation

strategies in Chirumanzu District?

3. What has been the level of success of the climate change adaptation strategies in

Chirumanzu Distict?

Significance of the study

This research was aimed at assessing climate change adaptation strategies implemented in

Chirumanzu District. The research will help in mainstreaming climate change issues in all

development issues in Chirumanzu district. The research will also assist development officers

and residents of Chirumanzu in spelling out if sustainable livelihood would be achieved by

climate change adaptation strategies being implemented in Chirumanzu. The findings of this

research study may provide opportunities for further studies on climate change adaptation

strategies which meet sustainable livelihoods in Zimbabwe and may contribute to knowledge

development through the understanding and appreciation of climate change. The research will

also help in sharpening the researcher‟s analytical and conceptual skills.

It is the hope of the researcher that the research will enrich the secondary sources of information

for the Midlands State University (MSU). The research forms a firm foundation where future

researches shall be laid upon and will assist the university in making their own research in the

future. It will also contribute towards the data bank of the university and showing that MSU as

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an institution is grooming research officers of tomorrow who will be in a position to carryout

research projects.

Theoretical Framework

The research is anchored on the Crisis Decision Theory. The theory simply explains how

individuals, groups, or communities respond to situations in the face of negative events. The

theory provides a critical link between theories of stress, coping and decision making research in

the face of crisis. The theory gives a clear basis of assessing climate adaptation strategies in

Chirumanzu District. In the case of Chirumanzu, the theory provided a basis for understanding

the impacts of climate change in Chirumanzu and a clear framework for analyzing the response

(adaptation strategies) that have been implemented in order to assess their effectiveness.

According to Sweeny (2008), Crisis Decision Theory addresses two major questions regarding

how people or community‟s decision making processes occur in the face of negative events and

the factors that predict response choice. The two major factors are then sub divided into three

stages which include: assessment of the severity of the negative event, determining the response

options and lastly evaluation of the response options.

In the first stage, communities look closely at the severity of the negative event. Information

about the causes, potential harm or consequences is sought. Information with regards to how

other communities, individuals or groups who were in a similar situation responded is also

compared and taken into cognizance in relation to their crisis. Sweeney (2008) states that the

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perceived risk is also carried out concerning others who were in a similar situation; severity of

the crisis plays a pivotal role in the response that communities choose.

Furthermore, determining available response options is the second stage in crisis decision theory.

The stage is when people ask themselves how they can respond to a problem. Sweeney (2008)

argues that this stage is when people device plans as to how they can solve the situation at hand.

Folkman et al 1986, Lazarus and Folkman 1984) are of the view that the stage is also when

people look closely at their resources to determine their coping strategies. Likewise, this stage is

fundamental in analyzing adaptation strategies in dealing with the problem of climate change in

Chirumanzu District.

The third stage in crisis decision theory is evaluating the response options available. At this stage

each response option is weighed and the advantages and disadvantages of each option are

analyzed. Thus, the theory provides a fundamental guide to the assessment of Climate Change

Adaptation Strategies in Chirumanzu District. Through the three stages, the researcher was able

to look closely and assess the effectiveness of the coping strategies in Chirumanzu District where

as highlighted in the final stage, the researcher weighs pro and cons of available options, this

clearly showed the central part of the research that the researcher carried out, wanted to find out

whether the adaptation strategies in Chirumanzu District are sustainable. Thus, indeed the theory

provides a firm foundation in the analysis of Climate Change Adaptation strategies in

Chirumanzu District.

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Conceptual Framework

As was alluded to earlier, the major thrust of the research was to assess climate change

adaptation strategies implemented in Chirumanzu District. The major variables of the research

were climate change and adaptation strategies. Smith et al (1996) says that adaptation to climate

change includes all adjustments in behavior or economic structure that reduce the vulnerability

of society to changes in the climatic system. It has to be noted that adaptation is necessary to

limit potential risks of the unavoidable residual climate change now and in coming decades. Smit

et al. (2000), also goes on to argue that adaptation is a response to potential environmental

changes that affect given entities and systems. Climate change adaptation strategies are thus an

attempt to respond to changes in climate being brought about by the disastrous effects of climate

change.

In the light of the above, and for the purposes of this research, climate change adaptation

strategies refer to the mechanism that have been put in place in order to respond to the impacts

of climate change. In order to measure the success of the adaptation strategies, the researcher

used the sustainable livelihood approach; the approach gives a fundamental guide to the

indicators of a sustainable livelihood, which also pinpoint to measuring the success of adaptation

strategies. In this case, the researcher was arguing that if Chirumanzu District is able to sustain

itself by providing itself with the necessary services that point to a sustainable livelihood, then

the adaptation strategy that would have been used to sustain that livelihood becomes effective.

The sustainable livelihood approach provided the best framework for measuring adaptation

strategies in Chirumanzu District.

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The sustainable livelihood approach provided the researcher with indicators that pinpointed to

the effectiveness of the coping mechanisms that are being carried out in Chirumanzu District to

cope with the effects of Climate Change. A 1997 White Paper on International development

defines SLA as follows“…refocus our international development efforts on the elimination of

poverty

and encouragement of economic growth which benefits the poor. We will

do this through support for international sustainable development targets and

policies that create sustainable livelihoods for poor people, promote human

development and conserve the environment” DFID (1997: Summary, page 6).

Chambers and Conway (1992) give sustainable livelihoods as

“A livelihood comprises the capabilities, assets (stores, resources, claims and

access) and activities required for a means of living; a livelihood is sustainable

which can cope with and recover from stress and shocks, maintain or enhance

its capabilities and assets, and provide sustainable livelihood opportunities for

the next generation; and which contributes net benefits to other livelihoods at

the local and global levels and in the short and long-term.”

Assets (capitals) of sustainable livelihood as referred to in the definition above according to

Scoones (1998) include things like natural capital, human, economic or financial capital,

physical capital and social capital. Odero (2006) suggested information capital to be included

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amongst the assets. Ownership of these assets is not necessarily important. Access to the asset is

considered of great importance than ownership if sustainable livelihood is to be achieved. It is

thus the thrust of this research to assess whether the climate change adaptation strategies being

implemented in Chirumanzu support sustainable livelihood. Adaptation livelihoods in

Chirumanzu must not only help the community to recover from stress and shocks but must also

help in maintaining and enhancing capabilities and assets for the present Chirumanzu

Community and for future generations.

The researcher, focused on indicators of climate change adaptation strategies which include

agriculture resilience, where the researcher assessed agriculture production in relation to food

security. Moreover, the researcher also assessed availability and proximity of clean water sources

for domestic use and also for livestock and off rain season as an indicator. The ability of

Chirumanzu community to find alternative energy sources thereby reducing stress on natural

environment that is forestry resources. Movement of people from rural to urban areas will also be

another indicator in this research. The researcher was able to look at how the adaptation

strategies managed to reduce urban migration as a result of adverse impacts. The coping

capability of people in Chirumanzu to adapt to climate change will be used to evaluate the

adaptation strategies guided by the sustainable livelihoods approach.

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Research Methodology

Research Approach

The researcher used the qualitative approach in assessing climate change adaptation strategies in

Chirumanzu District. The qualitative research approach was the best approach as it gave an in-

depth description of how people are experiencing the impacts of climate change and how they

have responded to the impacts of climate change. Scholars have argued that the strength of

qualitative research is in its ability to provide complex textual descriptions of how people

experience a given issue. In the case of this research, the researcher was able to have an insight

on impacts of climate change and the adaptation strategies that the community of Chirumanzu

has adopted. Hancock (2002) also argues that qualitative research dwells more on coming up

with explanations of social phenomena. Qualitative research aims to help us to understand the

world in which we live and why things are the way they are. It is concerned with the social

aspects of the world and seeks to answer questions about behaviors of people, formation of

attitudes and opinions and how people are affected by the events taking place around them.

Qualitative research provided the best methodology in assessing adaptation strategies in

Chirumanzu, through the exploration of how people are affected by events (in this case events to

the researcher being climate change),the research was able to have a clear picture about the

impacts of climate change and the adaptation strategies that have been employed in Chirumanzu

District.

Research Design

The research was mainly focused on climate change adaptation strategies in Chirumanzu

District, therefore making the research a case study of the area. Case study as research design

offers a richness and depth of information not usually offered by other methods. Thus the method

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presents clear in depth information about climate changes adaptation strategies being

implemented in Chirumanzu District. Yin, (1989) argues that case study provide a rich picture of

what is happening, as observed by many individuals. Owing to the versatile nature of case study,

Hancock (1998) argues that the method is able to capture as many complex variables and brings

them together to produce a particular manifestation. Case studies can provide very engaging, rich

explorations of a project or application as it develops in a real-world setting which thereby

presented the researcher with the basis for analyzing climate change adaptation strategies in

Chirumanzu District.

Population and Sampling

Random sampling techniques will be used to select the participants for this research.

Panneerselvan (2004) says random sampling is a form of probability sampling which enables

each unit of a population to have the same probability of being selected as a unit of sampling.

Chirumanzi district is a large and homogeneous population. It has a total of nineteen wards,

twelve of them are communal, while three are urban, new resettlement and old resettlement

respectively. One ward will be selected from the communal ward, new resettlement and old

resettlement wards and from each ward, five villages will be selected for sampling. A Ward is an

administrative unit made up of six to seven villages (Madzudzo, 1997). Selection of households

will be done randomly targeting ten households in each village. Williman (2005) says that

random sampling gives the most reliable representation of the whole population and it is free

from bias.

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Data Collection

Chiromo (2004) says that data collection is the gathering of information needed to address a

research problem. These are steps taken in administering instruments and collection of data from

subjects under study. This researcher employed the following techniques, focus groups

discussions, observation, interviewing key informants district administrators, village headmen,

agricultural extension officers, villagers themselves as well as organizations working on climate

change issues in the district and also secondary data was also employed by the researcher.

Interviews were used to augment data collected from already published literature from academics

and Government documents. Interviews enabled the researcher to collect primary data.

Interviews were helpful in capturing different dimensions of understanding the extent of climate

change adaptation strategies in Chirumanzi District. Interviews were also useful to the

researcher, as they provided probing further where extra information was required, which in turn

resulted in her having a deeper understanding of climate change and adaptation strategies in

Chirumanzu District. Since qualitative research requires greater interaction and involvement of

the researcher, in depth interviews with village householders were conducted in order to establish

the extent to which climate change has affected their livelihoods and also to establish the

mechanisms that they put in place in order to adapt to the impacts of climate change.

Furthermore, project implementers on climate adaptation were also interviewed in order to

establish adaptation strategies that have been put in place in Chirumanzu District.

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Patton (1990) asserts that, observational techniques are methods that the researcher engages in,

in order to gather firsthand information concerning the research under study. Henceforth, the

researcher observed the livelihoods of the Chirumanzu Community and the adaptation strategies

that they have put in place in dealing with climate change. This enabled the researcher to have an

insight on whether the adaptation strategies are viable and sustainable. By observing their

lifestyles, the researcher was able to tell whether adaptation strategies in Chirumanzu District are

in tandem with maintaining a sustainable livelihood, which is the basis that the researcher is

using in assessing the adaptation strategies.

Furthermore, according to Modell (2007) focus group discussion (FGD) refers to a group of

similar respondents who engage in discussion about a specific topic under the direction of an

interviewer. Each FGD consisted of 5 participants. In these FGDs the researcher facilitated,

moderated, monitored and recorded the responses of the participants. FGD take place between

the researcher and groups of individuals selected from public and private organizations. The

researcher directed questions to the participants.

Moreover, secondary sources are also a tool that the researcher used in carrying out her research.

Jewel (2001) defined secondary data as the data that has already been collected by and is readily

available from other sources. The researcher used such data sources namely from the internet,

electronic journals, text books and research papers. There is a lot of literature on climate change

and climate change adaptation strategies and the researcher used such data. Such data was also

advantageous since it was cheaper, quicker and easy to obtain as compared to primary data.

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Data Analysis

Data was analyzed using the sustainable livelihood approach. The indicators of a sustainable

livelihood which include income, food security, access to clean water services and agricultural

resilience were used as basis of analyzing the effectiveness of adaptation strategies in

Chirumanzu District. The data was analyzed in a past and present situational analysis, where a

comparative was done in terms of their income levels, food access, clean water access and

agricultural resilience before they had adapted to climate change and the present situation when

they are carrying out adaptation strategies.

Ethical Considerations

The researcher paid particular attention to confidentiality during the research. All information

was collected in confidentiality and reported in anonymity. Belmont Report (1974) upholds the

aspect of confidentiality during research where the report highlighted that respect for individuals,

should prevail during research. The researcher upheld this during her research, this proved to be

advantageous to the researcher as she was able to build trust with the participants which in turn

was beneficial in obtaining as much information. The researcher also upheld the laws of the land,

as she sought permission to interview participants from the Chirumanzu Rural District Officer,

village headmen and the chief.

Literature Review

In this literature review, the researcher acquaints herself with various literatures that have been

propounded by scholars, concerning the issue of climate change and adaptation strategies. The

literature review is aimed at finding out what scholars have to say about climate change

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adaptation strategies. The literature review will review literature concerning climate change

adaptation strategies as to what scholars think about effectiveness of various adaptation

mechanisms. Literature was retrieved based on key indicators of an effective adaptation strategy

and also from key objectives that needed to be addressed in the research.

There is a lot of literature that has been documented on climate change. The literature that is

available does not pin point much about climate change adaptation strategies in Chirumanzu

District. Significant research has been carried out in Murehwa, Chivi and Seke. Mudombi, S. &

Muchie, M., (2013) in a research weighed the opinions of rural household heads with regard to

various aspects of water access and climate change in Seke and Murehwa districts. The research

sought to evaluate whether there were significant differences in perceptions of respondents from

female-headed and male-headed households. The research found out that the majority of both

female-headed and male-headed households relied on rainfall for their crops, rivers were cited as

the main water source for their livestock and protected wells water for household use. The

general perception was that there would be less water available in future, with a greater

proportion of female-headed than male-headed households perceiving such difficulties.

A study by Manyeruke C, et al (2013) examines the widespread effects of climate change and

variability on food security in Zimbabwe. The research went further to analyze how the

shortage of food and depletion of water resources could result in conflicts which may influence

shifts in the country‟s balance of political power. In addition Mudombi-Rusinamhodzi G, et al

(2012) analyzed the factors affecting responsiveness of smallholder farmers to climate variability

16
induced hazards. The results of their study revealed that productive assets had influence on

responsiveness, but perceptions did not influence responsiveness.

This study adds to the analysis by assessing climate change adaptation strategies in Chirumanzu

District. The study sought to show how the adaptation strategies were inclusive of all members in

society especially women, children and the weak in society. Downing et al (1997), argues that

for adaptation to be effective, vulnerable groups, also need to be incorporated. Manyeruke (2012)

concurs with this, saying that failure to integrate vulnerable groups often leads to failure to adapt

and often leads to significant deprivation, social disruption and population displacement, and

even morbidity and mortality. Thus this research adds to the analysis by showing how important

it is for an effective adaptation strategy to include vulnerable groups.

Furthermore, it has also been noted that the impacts of climate change are experienced

differently by various people, groups of people and communities. Kaswan (2013) is of the

opinion that the general perception of climate change hazards is that indeed they affect everyone,

but children, women and the disabled are extremely vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

According to Nelson et al (2009) about 75% of the world‟s population live in rural areas and

agriculture is their main sources of livelihood. However, agriculture in rural areas is mostly

hampered by the lack of proper infrastructure such as water systems. Physical weather, social

and economic conditions under which different people live contribute to their vulnerability to the

impacts of climate change. This clearly puts to light the fact that a one size fits all approach to

adaptation strategies is less effective in dealing with climate change adaptation. Thus this will

17
add to the research in clearly bringing out the special needs in adaptation that Chirumanzu as a

District requires.

Several works have been implored on the need to pay particular attention to gender when

assessing climate change and adaptation strategies. Chief among these are Angula (2010:37);

Carvajal-Escobar, Quintero-Angel & Garcia-Vargas (2008:279); Nair (2012:10); Nelson et al.

(2002:56); Parikh (2007:4); Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (2005:9); UNDP

(2009:25) and UNDP (2010:6) who have voiced their concern against the perpetuation of gender

inequality in climate change adaptation strategies. It is the thrust of this research to assess

whether adaptation strategies are also catering for the vulnerable in society as literature has

shown that exclusion of certain group of people will often result in adaptation strategy that

would have been put in place to be less effective.

This research gives special focus to the adaptation strategies which are being implemented in

Chirumanzi in order to avert the effects of climate change. Adaptation to climate change is

necessary in dealing with the potential unavoidable risks of climate change in years to come.

Smit et al. (2000), in defining adaptation says it is a response to environmental changes that

affect systems. Climate change adaptation strategies are an attempt to respond to changes in

weather patterns being brought about by the disastrous effects of climate change.

18
Smith et al (1996) says that adaptation to climate change includes the reduction in vulnerability

by promoting resilience through adjusting all alterations in behavior or economic structure.

Adaption strategies can be classified into two categories which are coping strategies and

adaptation strategies. Coping Strategies are the set of strategies which the farmer has evolved

over time through experience in dealing with the current known and understood natural variation

in weather whilst adaptation strategies are longer-term (beyond a single rainfall season). Given

the above it is thus very vital to distinguish between coping strategies and adaption strategies as

failure to do so devalues the research.

Brooks (2003) brings an interesting view in climate change adaptation strategies. He

distinguishes between actual adaptation and adaptive capacity. This line of thinking is also

further explored by Kelly and Adger (2000), Turner et al. (2003); Smit and Wandel (2006);

Gallopín (2006), O‟Brien et al. (2007); Füssel (2007b); and Nelson et al. (2007). The distinction

between the two is the potential for adaption that does not necessarily become real. According to

Adger and Barnett (2009) adaptive capacity does not automatically lead to actual adaptive action.

This is a good point of analysis for assessing the climate change adaptation strategies being done

in Chirumanzu. To this end it then means that actual adaptation is strongly hinged upon

technological advances, institutional arrangements, availability of financing, and information

exchange (Watson et al. 1996). Grothmann and Patt (2010) concur with this, as they found

farmers in Zimbabwe hesitant or even resistant to take adaptive actions because they had not

learned how to correctly interpret climate-related probabilities and they preferred to plant (and

eat) maize over millet (the proposed strategy for drought years).

19
The African Climate Change Resilience Alliance (ACCRA) (2010) consortium identified five

characteristics of adaptive capacity, and one of the characteristics is knowledge and information

It highlights that successful adaptation requires information and understanding of future change,

knowledge around adaptation options, whereby it is important to ensure that systems are in place

to distribute relevant information at both national and regional scales e.g. early warning systems;

meteorological data and forecasting; and climate impact data. Mutekwa (2009) studied climate

change impacts and adaptation in the smallholder sector in Mazvihwa area of Zvishavane

District in Zimbawe, and the findings were that the majority of the farmers (53%) professed

ignorance about climate change and its potential consequences, whilst 47% indicated that there

was some kind of change that they had observed in recent years.

Klein et al (2001) cited in De Jonge (2010) brings an interesting view that either adaptation or

mitigation is effective in reducing human and natural environmental systems risk to climate

change. However, Chagutah (2010) argues that the Kyoto Protocol governs the countries‟

reductions in the greenhouse gas emissions but these reductions will not lead to direct

stabilization due to time lags offering adaptation as the best option to respond to climate change.

This is further supported by Gbetibouo (2009) who argues that without adaptation, climate

change is generally detrimental to the agriculture sector. Thus making the jest of the literature

review clear of analyzing the effectiveness of adaptation strategies, with various literature

indicating that adaptation strategies are indeed effective.

Incorporating Indigenous Knowledge System (IKS) into Climate Change Adaptation Strategies

has proved to be effective in adapting to climate change. Robert and Hernert (2001), agree that

20
Indigenous Knowledge Systems are cost effective, participatory and sustainable. Studies carried

out in Nigeria, Zambia and Zimbabwe also indicated this. Farmers have several indicators for

rainfall in Zimbabwe through IKS as postulated by Mugabe et al (2010).

Furthermore, a study on climate governance by Heinrich Böll Stiftung in Botswana, Kenya,

Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, South Africa and Zimbabwe indicated that a lack of appropriate

legislative and policy frameworks inhibits the implementation of adaptation and constrains

adaptive capacity in Zimbabwe. Madzvamuse (2010) supports this and says, Zimbabwe‟s

environmental policy-making process has involved minimal engagement between civil society,

policy-makers and the public, and he noted that though the process has been described as highly

participatory, no record of public engagement exists. McDevitt (2009) concurs with this and says

there is a danger that national adaptation strategies formulated without the participation of those

intend to adopt the practices will limit rather than facilitate adaptation and potentially cause

maladaptation.

The literature review showed that adaptation strategies are indeed effective in dealing with the

effects of climate change. The literature reviewed, revealed that information dissemination,

technological advancement and inclusion of vulnerable groups in climate change programming is

vital in ensuring that there is effective adaptation.

21
CHAPTER ONE

EVIDENCE OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN CHIRUMANZU DISTRICT

Introduction

The chapter is set to show how climate change has resulted in a crisis for Chirumanzu

Community. Chirumanzu Community, whose agricultural activities could support their

livelihoods has gone under threat as a result of climate change. The researcher is set to illustrate

how climate change has affected rainfall patterns, farming activities, vegetation cover, water

sources and the general livelihoods of people in Chirumanzu District. Though the main thrust of

the section is to look closely at the evidence of climate change in Chirumanzu District, the

researcher will also briefly look at climate change in Zimbabwe so as to have a clear

understanding of climate change in Chirumanzu District.

An overview of Climate Change in Zimbabwe

The phenomenon of Climate Change has raised concern in Africa and the International

community at large. Changes in rainfall patterns, increases in temperatures and the general

shifting of seasons have ultimately raised alarm in the International system as to the possible

dangers that climate change is posing. Scholars have argued that Sub Saharan Africa, owing to

it‟s over heavy dependence on rain fed agriculture is at risk to the impacts and effects of climate

change. Zimbabwe, being housed in Sub Saharan Africa is in the same calamity. There is strong

evidence that climate change is indeed taking place in the country and there is great need to

address its effects.

22
Zimbabwe has been subject to excruciating extreme temperatures ranging from 35*C (Brazier

2015). The country has experienced a number of heat waves over the years as a result of climate

change. Brazier (2015) also goes on to say that surface temperature has increased by 0.4*C in the

country. The country has been experiencing fewer cold days and more hot days. In addition,

Moyo (2012) states that rainfall in turn, has decreased by 5% since 1900 and rainfall patterns are

ever changing with average rains occurring at the beginning of the season in October and less

than the average in January and March. Brazier (2015) projects a further 38% decline in national

per capita water availability by 2050.

Furthermore, Manyeruke (2013) argues that global warming has caused an increase in the

average temperatures resulting in the shifting of the traditional farming seasons and agro-

ecological zones (natural regions). During the 60s, 70s and 80s, droughts recurred after every 10

years. However, this trend has ceased due to the rapid changes in climatic conditions that have

made the rainfall pattern across the country more unreliable and difficult to predict. By the mid-

90s the frequencies of droughts and dry spells had increased to every 4-5 years and by the late

90s, the country began witnessing alternating wet and dry years every three years. Since 2000,

the country‟s situation has worsened as droughts have become more successive from 2002-2003,

2004-2005 and 2007-2008. This has ultimately affected food production in the country as the

country mainly relies on rain fed agriculture in maximizing productivity.

Zimbabwe‟s agro-ecological zones (AEZ) have moved drastically because of the staggering

impacts of climate change and global warming. Zimbabwe is characterized by five AEZs

(regions 1-5) and majority of the farming is practiced in ecological regions 1, 2 and 3 which have

23
good climatic conditions for crop production. Regions 4 and 5 are characterized by low yearly

precipitation and include the country‟s low laying territories, known as the low veld. An

examination that carried out by Mugandani (2012) denotes that major shifts have happened in the

drought prone regions 4 and 5which have become drier than already experienced. As per the

exploration, noteworthy changes have been experienced about the size, structure and creation of

the five natural regions.

To add on, the two main food producing regions in Zimbabwe, that is, AEZ 2 and 3 have shrunk

significantly. The shifting of natural regions boundaries observed in Zimbabwe strongly points to

climate change and variability. Region 2 has shrunk by 49% while region 3 has shrunk by 14%

(Moyo 2012), these changes in size of region 2 and 3 point to a possible reduction in food

production and thus problems of food security in Zimbabwe. The dry regions, that is, region 4

and 5 have expanded by 5.6% and 22.6% respectively (Mugandani et al, 2012). This is clear

testimony that there is evidence of climate change in Zimbabwe as climatic conditions are

drifting towards arid conditions. Zimbabwe has an agro-based economy that heavily relies on

agriculture. Thus climate change will have serious reparations on food security in the country.

Evidence of Climate Change in Chirumanzu District

Chirumanzu District, which is housed in the Midlands Province of Zimbabwe, lies in the Agro

Ecological Zone (AEZ) three and four which is heavily characterized by great aridity and erratic

rainfall patterns. Since Zimbabwe is being affected greatly by climate change, Chirumanzu,

being housed in Zimbabwe is in the same calamity. There is strong evidence that the district is

facing serious problems as a result of climate change. The District relies more on rain fed

24
agriculture and owing to the effects of climate change; agricultural activities have been greatly

affected. The effects of climate change are depicted by the occurrence of droughts in the area,

delayed erratic, short rainfall patterns, depletion of water sources and vegetation cover. All this,

has ultimately affected the livelihoods of communities in Chirumanzu District as they rely on

rain fed agriculture for their livelihood sustenance.

As has been alluded to earlier, Chirumanzu District lies in the Agro Ecological zone 4 and a

small fraction of it lying in zone 3. The zone is heavily characterized by great aridity, with high

temperatures and sporadic rainfall patterns. Climate Change has aggregately affected the region,

as the regions aridity is increasing. Mugadani et al (2012) argues that the dry regions, that is,

region 4 and 5 have expanded by 5.6% and 22.6% respectively. These changes in size of region

four and five point to a possible reduction in food production and thus problems of food security

in Zimbabwe. This makes it crystal clear that Chirumanzu District climatic conditions are

drifting towards relatively arid conditions that are not favorable for agriculture. Chirumanzu

District mainly relies on rain fed agriculture to sustain its main economic activity.

Furthermore, as a result of the shifting agro ecological zones owing to climate change, food

production in Chirumanzu has also been affected. Chagutah (2010) argues that research has

asserted that by 2050, average crop yield in Sub-Saharan Africa will go down by between 30

percent and 50 percent. This paints a gloomy picture for the region‟s food security and calls for a

regional and more integrated approach in mitigating the impact of climate change. There is

strong evidence that climate change has occurred as its manifestations are being felt by the

increasing food shortages in Zimbabwe and as Chirumanzu is housed in Zimbabwe has also

25
fallen in this calamity. Climate change has greatly affected agriculture in Chirumanzu District.

Moyo et al (2014) in a research carried out in Chirumanzu District clearly postulates that in the

turn of the millennium, farmers in the district have recorded declines in maize production as

opposed to the period just before the turn of the millennium where farmers would at least harvest

twenty five bags of maize meal, but in the present years are even lucky to get five bags of maize,

all this as a result of climate change. This further puts to light how climate change has disrupted

the socio economic activity of Chirumanzu District, since they mainly rely on rain fed

agriculture for maize meal production and ultimately their food security.

In addition, the effects of climate change are now manifesting and having an impact on the

livelihoods of communities in Chirumanzu District. Mugabe et al (2014) noted that Climate

Change has resulted in a number of school dropouts as incomes of people in the District have

been disrupted since agriculture has been the backbone of their economic activity. Through

interviews that were carried out by the researcher, the researcher found out that climate change

has disrupted agricultural activities and in turn farmers professed that they are unable to produce

anything owing to climate change. This clearly shows how climate change has manifested itself

in Chirumanzu District as it has resulted in large school dropouts as many of the farmers in the

region are unable to send their children to school because the little income that they used to have

is no longer there. Thus putting it to light that climate change is real in Chirumanzu District.

Moreover, changing sporadic rainfall and rising unbearable temperature changes indicates that

there is indeed climate change in Chiruamanzu District. Mugadani et al (2012), argues that

farmers in the area no longer know when to plant. Mugadani et al (2012) goes on to say that rain

26
keeps shifting and the rains have also been scarce during the start of the seasons in recent years.

It has also been noted that if farmers in the area choose to plant early the crops in most cases are

affected by the dry spells which are quick to follow as a result of the short rain season. The

researcher observed that farmers experience losses as a result of opting to farm later as in most

cases the rains stop before the crops mature. This clearly puts to light that climate change is

having its detrimental effects on communities in Chirumanzu District.

High temperature and sporadic rainfall patterns have also resulted in scarce water supplies and

4water sources in the District. Sebakwe or Zibagwe River which provides the area with water is

almost dry as a result of climate change as shown in Fig 1 below which was obtained from the

reserachers field work.

Fig 1: showing evidence of the drying up of Sebakwe (Zibagwe) river.

27
In an interview carried out with farmers in the district revealed that under normal circumstances,

the river ought to be from the period September to November, but has noted that climate change

has affected the water source which once supplied water in the district. The researcher, through

interviews with local people noted that before the turn of the millennium, the river system used

to be full of water and it provided water for the District, but in recent years, owing to the impacts

of climate change, the rivers have dried up. This calamity is further evidenced in ward 19, where

there is only one borehole in the area, which provides water for domestic use and other

agricultural purposes in the ward. Moyo et al (2012) points out that women in ward 19 are the

most affected, as they travel long distances in search of water clearly putting to light that climate

change poses serious water scarcity problems in the District. Estimations show that annual

rainfall levels in Zimbabwe will decline by 60% by the 2080 and Argalwal (2010), points out

that river flow rates in Sub-Saharan Africa will decrease by 70% by the year 2050. This further

draws to the point that water scarcity will always be there and intensity will actually increase and

a possible high level in the girl child school drop outs will be witnessed thereby providing

testimony that Climate Change is indeed happening in Chirumanzu District.

Wetlands have also deteriorated in Chirumanzu District. Wetlands were present in areas such as

Driefontein, Highlands, Fairfields, Chaka and Muwani areas of Chirumanzu District. However

evidence shows that the wetlands are slowly drying up as a result of climate change. Ramsar

Convention (1971) defined wetlands as areas with marshes, fern, wet grasslands, swamps or

water whether natural or capital, permanent or temporary with water that is static or flowing.

Hove et al (2013) postulates that wetlands are an important feature in the ecosystem as they

28
recharge rivers and water sources and they also act as reservoirs for dry water supply. Mugadani

(2012) in a research carried out in the District found out that in villages four and five close to

Musena were once characterized by flourishing gardens that were planted close to the wetland in

Musena, but he noted with concern that the gardens were no longer flourishing well as a result of

the effects of climate change in the District. Reports from the study indicated that they could no

longer rely on water from the wetland as they had dried up thus disrupting a source of their

livelihood clearly establishing the fact that climate change in Chirumanzu District needs to be

addressed if the community is to survive the challenges and problems that result as a result of the

phenomenon.

Biodiversity loss has also characterized Chirumanzu District as a result of climate change.

Mugabe (2014) is of the view that there has been a general loss of vegetation cover coupled with

the extinction and migration of some animal species is evident enough that climate change is

occurring in Chirumanzu District. He noted that there is sound evidence that animals have

migrated to new areas in search of water sources and pastoral lands as most of the pasture in

Chirumanzu has become more of a desert. Flora has also disappeared as a result of climate

change and in most cases it has been noted that some animals have died or have been killed by

local people as source of food disregarding the existence of CAMPFIRE which promotes

wildlife conservation and rural development. Thus the manifestation of climate change has had

negative impacts on biodiversity in Chirumanzu District.

29
Chapter Summary

The chapter has highlighted the fact that indeed there is evidence of climate change in

Chirumanzu District. Climate change has affected water supply, vegetation cover, and rainfall

patterns and thus has disrupted agricultural activities which are a major source of livelihood for

households as they rely on rain fed agriculture in the district. The knock on effect of climate

change in Chirumanzu District is a major drop in food security levels, high rates of school

dropouts as water sources have been affected. The chapter also gave a brief overview of that

showed that there is climate change in Zimbabwe.

30
CHAPTER TWO

ADAPTATION STRATEGIES AND THEIR EFFECTIVENESS IN CHIRUMANZU

DISTRICT

Introduction

This chapter presents and discusses major findings of this study. The major sections of this

chapter include a description of the adaptation strategies in Chirumanzu District. The

researcher‟s findings will be guided by the sustainable livelihood approach, where the

effectiveness of the adaptation strategy will be measured by it being able to maintain the

communities‟ food security levels, water access, diversified economic activities, energy access

and availability of extra income. The findings will be presented in a past and present situational

analysis where the researcher looked at what used to happen before the adaptation strategies

were implemented and what is happening today. The researcher will also give a general

overview of adaptation strategies in Chirumanzu, before looking at them in detail.

Adaptation Strategies in Chirumanzu District

The researcher noted that the adaptation strategies being implemented in Chirumanzu District are

mainly Community Based Adaptation (CBA) Strategies. According to the UNFCC (2007)

adaptation is the process through which communities increase coping capabilities of an

indeterminate future which involves taking changes in the reduction of the negative impacts of

climate change which in turn promote resilience. Adaptation to climate change can be grouped

into two broad categories which are (autonomous) indigenous response and planned responses.

The researcher observed that the dominant adaptation strategy in Chirumanzu District is

31
Community Based Adaptation (CBA) which is enhancing sustainable livelihood options. The

strategies that have been implemented in Chirumanzu District include improvements in water

availability for agriculture through establishment of large scale irrigation schemes, rehabilitation

of existing irrigation schemes, centralized community gardens, green houses, adoption of small

seed grain and adoption of indigenous knowledge system just to mention but a few. The

researcher, through observation and interviews carried out noted that though communities are

adapting to the effects of climate change there seem to be lack of knowledge about the

phenomenon of climate change.

Drought Resistant Crops

Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) (2016), states that the long term

adaptation strategies for Zimbabwe‟s most vulnerable districts include introducing crop types

and varieties that are drought tolerant. The researcher found out that drought resistant crops are a

major climate adaptation strategy in Chirumanzu District. Drought resistant crops such as

sorghum, rapoko and millet have been introduced in Chirumanzu. Cowpeas and sesame have

also been introduced in the District in order to curb the effects of climate change and adaptation.

These type of crop varieties are resistant to dry climatic conditions and favorable for Chirumanzu

little rainfall capacity. Despite dwindling rainfall patterns of less than 250mm (Moyo 2012)

experienced in the district over the years, communities have still managed to maintain bumper

harvests of about 1000 to 1200 kilograms per hectare of cow peas and sesame as a result of the

shift to growing drought tolerant crops. Research carried out by health experts has found out that

drought resistant crops have high nutritional value. One respondent highlighted the fact that cow

peas and sesame have provided them with extra income for sustaining their livelihoods.

32
In light of the above, a farmer in ward 19 also noted that over the past years, they have been

facing challenges in harvesting maize as a result of the poor erratic and sporadic rainfall patterns

witnessed over the years. The farmer highlighted the fact that on average, they used to harvest

200 to 300 kilograms of maize per hectare which amount to four (4) to six (6) bags respectively.

According to the farmer, this could hardly sustain their food consumption levels at household

level to the next season. He highlighted the fact that on average a family requires one and a half

bags of maize per month for consumption which meant that with the 4 to 6 bags of maize

harvested per hectare, this could only sustain them for about 4 to 2 months leaving them food

insecure thereafter. In most cases, this often led to the communities over reliance on food

supplements from the government and non-governmental organizations working in the district.

However, the coming in of cowpeas and sesame has brought hope to the communities in

Chirumanzu District as they are now able to obtain higher yields as compared to growing maize.

The researcher found out that in ward 19 for example, farmers grew sesame and cowpeas. On

average, according to records obtained from SIDELLA trading company, which is providing

technical support and a ready market for their crops, for every hectare of sesame that the farmer

planted, they are able to harvest 1000 kilograms (1 tonne) at most 1200 kilograms of sesame and

cowpeas per hectare. This is quiet significant as compared to the 6 to 4 bags of maize harvested

per hectare in the area. The findings have shown that indeed drought resistant crops are an

effective adaptation strategy to climate change as they have increased yields. Cowpeas and

sesame have also been effective in ensuring households food access is increased and also has

promoted high nutritional value in their diets. According to Wood (1998), a cup of cowpea is

highly nutritious as it contains 11.1 g fiber, 13.22 g protein, 4.29 mg iron, 475 mg potassium,

33
0.91 g fat and 198 calorie. This is further supported by an interview carried out by the researcher

with a health expert in the District who highlighted that sesame and cowpeas are highly

nutritious and have been effective in promoting balance diets in the district among households.

Fig 2: showing stalks of sesame in ward 19 plot numbers 20

Furthermore, income levels have also increased as a result of high yields witnessed by the

growing of sesame and cowpeas in ward 19. The researcher found out that farmers in the area

have a market to sell their sesame and cowpeas. SIDELLA trading company is providing farmers

in the area with a market for their drought resistant crops. The findings show that a kilogram of

sesame was priced at 60 cents per kilogram and cowpeas at 40 cents per kilogram. For every

34
1000 kilogram of sesame, farmers would pocket $600 and for every 1000 kilogram of cowpeas,

farmers pocketed $400. The researcher made comparison with maize pricing from the Grain

Marketing Board, in the district and found out that the price offered per 1000 kilogram of maize

was $300. This ultimately shows that drought resistant crops fetch higher prices on the market

and are indeed income generating. A farmer in the ward, on plot number 19 was quoted by the

researcher saying,

I was able to harvest 1050 kilograms (21bags) of sesame as well

as 900 kilograms (18 bags) of cowpeas which I have managed

to sell to SIDELLA at $630 and $360 respectively, from the one

hectare of each crop that I grew which has been very profitable

for me as I pocketed $690 after deducting at a total cost of

production of about $300 for the two crops . I have been able

to support my family and send my children to school.

The researcher noted that indeed drought tolerant crops are an effective adaptation strategy.

Farmers in the ward continuously reiterated that they have been able to supplement their diets

with the cowpeas, which is highly nutritious and they have also been able to sell surplus yields

which has ultimately led to an increase in income levels for them.

However, a farmer who was interviewed in the area also revealed that they lacked support from

the government and non-governmental organizations. The farmer revealed that agricultural

35
extension officers only started to express their interests in their growing of sesame and cowpeas

later on when they had already planted the crops. Extension officers have a mandate to give

advice to farmers concerning agriculture, but the respondent revealed that they had not been

forthcoming in terms of deliberating issues on climate change and adaption.

Conservation Agriculture

Conservation agriculture is also another adaptation strategy that is being carried out in

Chirumanzu District in order to cope with the effects of climate change. Conservation

agriculture, according to Erenstein (2003) refers to a type of farming that seeks to achieve

maximum yields, taking advantage of the natural resources but while protecting the environment

and also making effective use of external inputs. All this is achieved by making sure that there is

minimum tillage of the soil, in order to reduce erosion, effective crop management and

conserving water.

In Chirumanzu District, the researcher observed and also noted through interviews that

communities have resorted to conservation farming as a panacea to curbing the effects of climate

change. Owing to the effects of climate change, communal farmers in the district were unable to

harvest well, their crops were often affected by high temperatures. Through interviews, the

researcher noted that the highest temperatures averaging 26*C, poor and sporadic rainfall of less

than 250mm per annum. With the coming in of conservation farming, farmers were able to

practice minimum tillage, conservation of water through digging holes where water for the crop

is planted and also saving inputs like fertilizer by placing the fertilizer directly on the crop. This

36
has enabled farmers to engage in environmentally friendly farming practices but producing high

yields at the same time.

In an interview carried out by the researcher with AGRITEX officers revealed that maize

production had increased tremendously by 30% as compared to the previous years where in most

cases householders were not food secure, they had limited access to food, though there have not

been able to eliminate food insecurity totally, there is significant evidence that if communities

are educated more on conservation farming, they can realize high yields as evidence shows that

conservation agriculture is indeed working.

Furthermore, farmers in the district, who were interviewed by the researcher continuously,

reiterated that conservation tillage produced high grade maize as compared to those practicing

conventional farming methods. There was strong evidence that this was true as the researcher

was able to see stocks of maize in the wards where conservation agriculture is being carried out.

For example, where farmers used to harvest five bags of maize, there has been a slight increase

of seven to eight bags as compared to previous years. This clearly putting to light the fact that

conservation farming is an effective adaptation strategy in dealing with the effects of climate

change in the district. Moreover, the researcher‟s findings were similar to those observed by

Nzabi (2002), who noted that in Kenya, conservation farming produced higher yields of 2.6

t/hectare as compared to 1.8 t/hectare produced with conventional farming methods. More so,

respondents from the district revealed that it was a cheap agricultural practice, which conserves

the environment, hence making it an effective tool in promoting food security in the area.

37
Irrigation

The World Bank report quoted in Brazier (2015) states that there will be a decline in small

streams in Chirumanzu district where average rainfall could decrease by between 12% and 16%

by 2050. Irrigation systems in Chirumanzu District have also become a major avenue for coping

with the effects of climate change. Irrigation schemes have been established in Hamamavhaire,

Musena and Mbende. Irrigation has made it possible for communities in the area to carry out

their agricultural activities which in turn would result in improvements in their diets.

Chirumanzu mainly relies on rain fed water for agricultural purposes, with the drop of 5%

rainfall per annum and excessive temperatures increases of 0.1 per decade (Brazier 2015), most

crops were subject to these unfavorable conditions over the past years as a result of climate

change, this in turn would affect yields as most crops would be affected by temperatures and

rainfall conditions. UNFCCC quoted in the NCCRS (2015), indicates that areas for maize will

decrease from the current 75% to 50% by 2080 under the worst case scenario. Only 3.5% of

arable land in SADC is under irrigation, and in Zimbabwe this accounts to less than 200 000

hectares (NCCRS`, 2015)

In light of the above crisis, the community responded by engaging in a number of strategies that

deal with the problems of water scarcity as a result of poor rains and excessive temperatures. The

researcher through observations and interviews with AGRITEX officers in the district noted that

the strategies that were employed to deal with this include improvements in water availability for

agriculture through establishment of large scale irrigation schemes, rehabilitation of existing

irrigation schemes and more centralized community gardens. The Musena irrigation scheme is

one of the schemes that have been rehabilitated in the district. The interventions played a pivotal

38
role in increasing dry season agriculture productivity and availing water for domestic. The

researcher through AGRITEX office records realized that the production of maize has increased

from 3 tons per hectare to 5 tons per hectare which is a 40% increase; this has been attributed to

water availability in the established schemes. These also reduce water scarcity for both

agriculture and domestic use as people can access the precious resource at the irrigation schemes,

rather than walking long distances.

Interviews conducted by the researcher showed that women and children would walk longer

distances to access water for both agricultural activities and domestic use. With the sinking of at

least 1 borehole per ward for every district, the burden on women has been lessened. The

researcher found out that women can now concentrate on their horticulture activities without

wasting more time on fetching water from unbearably long distances. UNICEF quoted in

SustainZim (Issue 02/16) states that 65% of children from rural areas assist their families in

fetching water. Children also spend more time studying as they don‟t have to be burdened by

fetching water from long distances. The researcher also interviewed the Headmaster at

Siyahokwe Primary school in Ward 16 and he alluded that attendance during dry season

dwindles and an average drop of 30% from school can be noted as most pupils will be helping in

fetching water for agriculture and domestic use. The headmaster also added that the rate of

absenteeism and pupils being late for school has dropped since the sinking of boreholes in the

ward and the one at the school notably a 95% attendance per week

39
Furthermore, horticultural activities in Chirumanzu district have enabled the community to

supplement their diet and have surplus for sale. Irrigation schemes in Chirumanzu District

supplies vegetables, tomatoes, butternuts, sweet potatoes, paprika, sugar beans, watermelons just

to mention a few to nearby markets in Mvuma, Gweru and Masvingo. Watermelons have

become an income generating project for communities in the district. The district is well known

for its production of watermelons. This in turn has led to the generation of income and the

creation of jobs especially among the youth. Through interviews with a number of farmers in the

region, the researcher found out that watermelons are produced in the area and are sold for a

dollar to $2. Mostly youth are engaged in selling these, this in turn creates employment and a

steady income from selling watermelons. Interviews with youths involved in the watermelon

project showed that on average, one can pocket home approximately $70 per month depending

on the yield. This in turn has increased their food access and income levels, thereby contributing

to sustainable livelihood.

An interview carried out in ward 14 revealed that irrigation has improved the lives of people in

Chirumanzu District. The farmers interviewed in the area reiterated that they have been able to

grow crops like peas, sugar beans and watermelons. This in turn has increased food availability

at household level, communities are able to supplement their diets with surplus food from the

harvests that they make from the irrigation canals. In terms of health, communities in

Chirumanzu have been able to maintain their healthy diets, as improvements in irrigation entails

that they can plant more and have surplus for consumption. The researchers finding were

supported by FAO (1999), who revealed that there is a strong relation between irrigation and

40
health, as irrigation promotes the planting of various crops which in turn improves people‟s diets

and their general wellbeing.

Furthermore, through interviews, the researcher also noted that irrigation in the area has also

played a pivotal role in promoting youth participation. Participation by all groups of society is

key in effectiveness of any adaptation strategy as strongly supported by Manyeruke (2012), who

called for the active participation of all groups of society for effective adaptation to occur. The

researcher also found this to be true, as participation by the youth in irrigation schemes has

enabled them to increase crop production hence, they have also helped their families in

maintaining sustainable livelihoods. The Munyati Irrigation scheme in Musena is Council

owned, but the council has made it possible for all groups of people, especially the youth, to have

access to the irrigation scheme. Youths interviewed in the area shared the same sentiments that

the irrigation scheme has created an avenue for the creation of jobs for them. Through the selling

of vegetables, they share the proceeds among group members and it was revealed that on average

they get close to $30 per month which is significant. They noted that had it not been for their

economic emancipation as a result of the scheme, they would not have been able to support their

families.

The establishment of irrigation schemes in the area has also promoted intensive community

gardening as an adaptation strategy. Over the past years, communities in Chirumanzu District

were unable to establish gardens owing to the unavailability of water sources in the area. This in

turn would often affect their agricultural activities as in most cases their crops would be affected

41
by the harsh climatic conditions witnessed in the area. The researcher observed that the strategy

has been effective in promoting the participation of women in Climate Adaptation in the area.

Research has shown that women are the most affected by the impacts of climate change

(Chikova et al 2013), hence community gardens have enabled women farmers to come together

and form community gardens where they grow vegetables and other income generating crops

which they sell on markets. This has ultimately led to the promotion of food access at household

level, thereby contributing greatly to food security.

Organic Farming

Organic farming is also another strategy that has been implemented in Chirumanzu District in

order to deal with the effects of climate change. Organic farming is a type of farming that avoids

the use of pesticides, fertilizers and genetically modified seeds (Hicknel 2013). Organic farming

seeks to use natural methods like manure, compost just to mention but a few for agricultural

purposes. It is a type of farming that is environmentally friendly and reduces harm to the

environment.

Through observation, the researcher noted that farmers in Chirumanzu have opted for organic

farming as a means of increasing their maize productivity. Organic farming has enabled the

farmers to maximize their yields and minimize costs at the same time. Through interviews with

farmers in the district, the researcher noted that organic farming was more preferable as

compared to conventional farming as it is cheap and maximizes profits. One farmer highlighted

the fact that conventional farming practices require 300kgs of Ammonium Nitrate and 300kgs of

42
Compound D fertilizer per hectare. The researcher also found out that a bag of Ammonium

Nitrate and Compound D fertilizer costs $31 and $28 respectively. In light of this, for a farmer to

plant their maize with fertilizer, they require a total of $354 for every hectare, whereas if they are

to practice organic farming they incur no costs at all, as they use manure from cattle dung in the

area and other organic material. Agricultural extension officers in the area, continued to reiterate

that there has been a 20% increase in maize production as a result of farmers practicing organic

farming. Thus organic farming has been an effective adaptation strategy as it has made sure that

farmers do not incur costs of purchasing fertilizers but still maintain high yields.

Mixed Cropping

Interviews conducted in the region revealed that mixed cropping is also an adaptation

mechanism that has been implemented in Chirumanzu. The district has been relying on rain fed

agriculture for the production of maize, groundnuts and roundnuts which are the traditional crops

in the area. However the harvest per tonnes has dropped to less than 30% in the past twenty years

(Grain Marketing Board (GMB) report of 2015). This has been caused by reduced, sporadic

rainfall of less than 250 mm as argued by Moyo (2012) which have ultimately led to serious food

insecurity in the district. As an adaptation strategy employed to enhance food security as

indicated by food shortages, improvement in mixed farming is an adaptation strategy employed

in Chirumanzu where different crops are grown in one field, for instance maize and nitrogen

fixing groundnuts to increase maize production. This has enabled communities to enhance their

climate change resilience. It was also noted through interviews that before farmers adopted this

mechanism, they would produce an average of six bags of maize which is insignificant in terms

of promoting food security, as their plants were more susceptible to climate change. Mixed

43
farming has enabled them to spread risk in the event that one crop fails, they can harvest another.

Thus mixed farming has emerged as an effective adaptation strategy.

Furthermore, apart from drought resistant crops, maize crop varieties like SEEDCO SC 403

which are fast maturing have also been introduced so as to counter the shorter rainfall periods.

This has remarkably increased the maize production to 30% in Chirumanzu District and has

reduced vulnerability at household level. The District Administration Officer interviewed said

that, the maize yields in Chirumanzu has improved by 30% from 5 tons to 6.5 tons per hectare in

the district and projected to grow if more drought resistant seed varieties are adopted. Through

observation, the researcher noted that they are able to produce surplus, the little that they harvest

is sustainable for consumption and little for sale. Thus from the findings, one can establish the

fact that adaptation strategies in Chirumanzu are enhancing livelihoods thereby promoting a

sustainable livelihood.

Small Livestock Rearing

Livestock has also been affected as a result of climate change in Chirumanzu District. An

interview carried out with an AGRITEX Officer in the area revealed that more than 60% of the

districts herd has been affected. Livestock provides draught power, meat and milk to supplement

the diet of people in Chirumanzu District. The government through the ministry of agriculture

and livestock production has embarked on improved livestock production. Cattle rearing in

Chirumanzu has been the most dominant livestock activity but has also been on a decrease due to

poor climatic conditions which have resulted in the recurrence of drought more particularly the

44
1992 and 2002 drought which killed notably more than 60% of the district herd cattle in the area

as reported by the veterinary department. Veterinary report 2008 indicates that diseases like red

water killed more than 60% of the cattle in the drought of 1992 and the district has not increased

to reach its height since then.

In response to the above, the district embarked on a small livestock production as climate change

adaptation strategy in a bid to cope with the effects of climate change on the environment.

Households in Chirumanzu District are now rearing goats and sheep in the area in response to the

effects of climate change. In an interview with an AGRITEX officer revealed that they had been

encouraging farmers to shift to rearing small livestock as a coping strategy to climate change.

The AGRITEX Officer also noted that the pastures that a single cow feeds on, 6 goats can feed

on the same area. Henceforth, communities in Chirumanzu District have been encouraged to opt

for small livestock, as they do not require as much grazing land as compared to cattle.

The researcher also observed that farmers in the District have embraced this adaptation strategy.

At household level, the researcher noted that communities had more herds of goats than cattle as

a response to climate change. The herds have provided communities with an avenue that

promotes sustainable livelihoods. Thus the researcher was able to conclude that production of

small livestock is an effective climate change adaptation mechanism.

Optimizing Breed Mix

Another adaptation strategy that has been implemented in Chirumanzu District is optimizing

breed mix. This strategy is the process of cross breeding animals in order to have more resilient

45
and more productive livestock varieties. The strategy improves the breed of the animals and

makes them resistant to diseases and parasites. Goat and sheep production have also been

introduced in Chirumanzu District to increase meat production. In rural areas people are more

hesitant to kill or sell cattle as it symbolizes wealth and bear family respect as compared to goats

where people can kill and improve their dietary needs henceforth improving their sustainable

livelihoods options. Goat mixed breeds have been introduced for drought and disease resistance

in Chirumanzu area. In an interview with an AGRITEX officer in ward 19 revealed that a farmer

in the ward on plot number 19 is cross breeding 1 Boer goat Ram with goats in the area. This in

turn has improved the local breed of goats in the area. Goats are sold and money is used to

supplement their diet and sending children to school. Thus optimizing breed mix has been an

effective adaptation strategy in dealing with the effects of climate change in Chirumanzu

District.

Greenhouses

The researcher, through interviews with farmers in the district noted that the farmers have

adopted Green houses in order to deal with the impacts of climate change in Chirumanzu

District. A farmer in ward 15 which is known as Mavise and ward 19 which is known as

Musena, indicated that they have resorted to greenhouses as an adaptation mechanism for climate

change. The farmers shared the same sentiments that green houses have helped the farmers to

have diversified agricultural activities, which have enabled them to shift from traditional crops

like maize, which are more susceptible to the impacts of climate change. Greenhouses have also

enabled the farmers to grow crops all year round at a time when they cannot be grown outside.

46
In addition, the farmers also noted that before the construction of these in their areas, they used

to face devastating challenges in maintaining their livelihoods as they could not harvest much

when they planted maize in their fields owing to the erratic and sporadic rainfall witnessed as a

result of climate change. The shift to the construction of greenhouses enables yield to increase as

evidenced through an interview carried out between the researcher and a farmer in ward 19 who

highlighted the fact that he has shifted to planting tomatoes in green house in order to increase

yield. The farmer highlighted the fact that planting tomatoes in the open has often led to yields of

less than 10kgs for each plant and also cost of production becomes higher. He went further to say

that by planting tomatoes in green houses, for every 500 square meters of land, 1 500 plants are

produced, each plant weighing 20kgs which adds to 30 000 and of that, in most cases they

manage a yield of 80% selling at 40cents. The farmer reiterated that greenhouses indeed

produced more yields as shown by the statistics that the farmer gave to the researcher. Another

important factor that the farmer highlighted was the issue of saving water which characterizes the

use of green houses. Green houses use drip irrigation which saves so much water as compared to

planting tomatoes in the open.

Moreover, green houses have also provided jobs for youths in the area. From the interviews that

were carried out in the two wards, the researcher noted that villagers welcomed and appreciated

the move that was made by the farmers who implemented green houses as they have provided

them with jobs and a diversified economic activities which have enabled them to earn extra cash

for to take their children to school. Youths are involved in the planting and harvesting of

47
tomatoes in the greenhouses and have indeed benefited as they are paid for their services. Thus

the researcher noted that green houses have been an effective adaptation strategy to the

devastating effects of climate change in Chirumanzu District.

Indigenous knowledge system

Owing to the districts over dependence on rain fed agriculture, indigenous knowledge systems

have emerged as an adaptation mechanism for rainfall prediction (weather forecasting). The

researcher, through interviews, noted that farmers in the district continued to reiterate that

indigenous knowledge systems provided a basis in predicting the coming season rainfall pattern.

Mugabe et al (2010) defines Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) as the traditional methods

that have been developed by communities over years in dealing with the natural environment.

Farmers in Chirumanzu have managed to increase their harvests by simply predicting rainfall

patterns in the area. One farmer interviewed highlighted the fact that they use trees, bird

movements, and animal species in the area to forecast how weather patterns will be for the

coming season. The respondent in ward 19 went on to give an example of the “Mutsambatsi”

tree where he said that if the trees flowers bloom and they do not fall off, it would mean that they

would have a bumper harvest for the coming season and if they do not bloom at all this would

mean that there would not be rains in the coming season.

Furthermore, farmers in Chirumanzu have highlighted that Indigenous Knowledge system as a

coping strategy has enabled them to make effective crop management decisions. Through

interviews with farmers the researcher noted that farmers in the district are very much able to

48
manage their crops effectively as through (IKS), they have been able to know when to plant their

crops, the type of crops to use, and type of tillage this has resulted in high yields as the

combination of Indigenous Knowledge Systems and rainfall predictions from the metrology

department has enabled them to harvest and manage their crops. One farmer in ward 19

highlighted the fact that they are able to predict late rains with the help of IKS coupled with

metrology department weather forecasts, and have in most cases opted to plant stagger their

plants which resulted in a harvest of 12 tonnes of maize this last season.

Fig 3: showing 12 tonnes of maize harvested by a farmer in ward 19

Moreover, most respondents revealed that IKS has been effective in helping them maintain food

security in the area and is the most preferred as it is not expensive, allows community

participation and is sustainable as compared to other mechanisms. The findings that the

researcher made concur with Robinson and Herbert (2001), who argue that IKS leads to effective

49
adaptation and is cost effective and participatory, thus making it more effective as an adaptation

strategy to climate change adaptation in the area.

Natural resource management

Natural resource management is another adaptation strategy that is being carried out in

Chirumanzu District. Through observation, the researcher noted that, the management of

wetlands in the area has played a pivotal role in reducing climate vulnerability in Chirumanzu

area. Protection of natural resources such as wetlands and mountain ecosystems has resulted in

improvements in life styles for the people in Chirumanzu. Ecosystems provide fresh water for

domestic use and animals while mountains are good grazing lands and provide wood for energy.

Thus the adaptation strategy has been effective in ensuring that the communities maintain their

livelihoods though the researcher noted that the communities lack knowledge on the importance

of wetlands and natural resources as there is over deforestation of trees in the area.

Off Farm Activities

„Fushai‟ is an off farm activity that is also being implemented in Chirumanzu District as a

climate change coping strategy. „Fushai‟ is an off farming activity which women are engaging in

as a means to diversify their economic activity and earn extra income which is needed to

supplement their diets, send their children to school and for sustaining their livelihood.

50
The FGD carried out by the researcher revealed that women are able to save money and in case

they experience droughts as a result of climate change they have somewhere to fall back on.

„Fushai‟ is a project that enables women to save money, they join the project by paying a joining

fee of $5 USD, each month a member is entitled to borrow money and when they return the

money it attracts a certain percentage of interest. This in turn has encouraged saving and has also

enabled the participation of women in climate change issues. It was also noted that before the

implementation of this project in the area, women used to suffer the disastrous effects of climate

change as they would not have anywhere else to fall back on when droughts occur. Women are

now able to supplement their household‟s diets and maintain their livelihoods as a result of the

project.

However, communities also had mixed feelings concerning „Fushai‟ as an effective Climate

Change Adaptation Strategy. The research revealed that, from the FDG conducted in ward 12,

women highlighted the fact that in most cases they are unable to join the group, as cash still

remains a major setback for communal dwellers. Respondents continuously reiterated that the

project is creating classes in the communities where only the rich can participate effectively in

Climate change issues. Thus Fushai has its major drawbacks, which further raises questions

concerning its effectiveness as an adaptation strategy.

Nature conservation as an alternative source of livelihood

Chirumanzu community has engaged in nature conservation activities as a way to reduce climate

change vulnerability. This has been successful through projects such as bee keeping. The

51
climatic conditions of dry winters promote bee activity therefore high honey production. In ward

9 for example, communities have actively participated in bee keeping as an alternative source of

livelihood. Natural honey with its medical characteristics has high market share locally in

Chirumanzu and in nearby urban centers. This has resulted in additional income to the rural

populace of Chirumanzu. Thus this contributes to a sustainable livelihood, thereby making the

adaptation strategy effective.

„Mushandirapamwe‟

The researcher also observed that in Ward 12, communities have adopted the

„Mushandirapamwe‟ strategy as adaptation to climate change in the area. „Mushandirapamwe‟

involves women actively working together in agricultural activities. In this strategy, women

grow vegetables, maize, sugar beans just to mention but a few as a team. When the harvest their

crops, they sell them and share the proceeds among themselves. This alone has empowered

women as they have a source of income. The dominant crop grown is vegetables, which they

produce and sell for a dollar per bundle. The researcher observed that this has in turn improved

food access.

Chapter Summary

The chapter mainly focused on the researchers findings concerning adaptation strategies in

Chirumanzu District. The researcher found out that the main adaptation strategies being

implemented in Chirumanzu District are communal based adaptation which include growing

drought resistant crops, irrigation conservation farming just to mention but a few, all these

52
contribute greatly in supporting the livelihoods of people living in Chirumanzu District. The

researcher also found out that adaptation strategies have been participatory in nature, as all

groups of people in the district are actively involved responding to climate change through the

adaptation mechanisms and have been effective too. Hither to this, the researcher found out that

though in some cases there have been drawbacks in implementation of strategies like „Fushai‟

and even growing of drought tolerant crops, where farmers have shown lack of technical

knowledge and support from the government, the adaptation strategies in Chirumanzu are indeed

viable.

53
CHAPTER THREE

TOWARDS EFFECTIVE CLIMATE CHANGE PROGRAMMING IN CHIRUMANZU

DISTRICT

Introduction

The chapter will look at recommendations that can be made in order to deal with the effects of

climate change in Zimbabwe. Climate change as a phenomenon cannot be tackled by

Chirumanzu District alone, but it requires various actors in order to deal with the effects of

climate change in the District. The government, private sector and Chirumanzu District need to

work together and actively participate in reducing climate vulnerability in the district and

promote resilience and adaptability in tackling with this impending disaster. Climate Change is

real, and needs serious attention if the country is to achieve any meaningful development. Thus

this chapter is set to give suggestions for effective climate change programming in Chirumanzu

District.

The researcher noted that it is almost a year now since the climate change response strategy has

been in launched but it still remains a document. Implementation of the strategy at grass root

level is still nonexistent. Communities in Chirumanzu are not aware of this document hence

making any meaningful sustainable climate change programming very difficult in the area.

Climate change experts have continuously reiterated that for any meaningful and effective

climate change programming to take place, there is great need to incorporate communities at

grassroots levels. The fact that the strategy has failed to reach grassroots, simply entails that

implementing resilience and adaptation in the area will be very difficult. Thus, it becomes

54
important for the government to disseminate information concerning the adaptation strategy, so

that communities become aware of their roles in dealing with climate change. This in turn would

ultimately lead to effective climate change programming in the area.

Furthermore, the researcher noted that there is lack of extension services in the area that is

educating people about climate change. A respondent interviewed noted that there has not been

support from the government in terms of climate change adaption in the area and general

information concerning climate change and agriculture. It was revealed that extension officers

working in the area only expressed interest later in what farmers were doing to curb the effects of

climate change. The lack of support from the government makes it impossible for the adaptation

strategies to be effective in the area. The researcher would suggest that the government engages

extension officers in Chirumanzu to help farmers in dealing with the effects of climate change as

this has been a major drawback towards effective climate change programming in the district.

Moreover, there is also need for the government to create synergies with the private sector, non-

governmental organizations and the private sector in order to deal with climate change. The

researcher is fully aware that the government cannot work alone in dealing with climate change

hence it needs to create links with nongovernmental organizations, who can penetrate at

grassroots level. During the research, a respondent highlighted the fact that there is not much

work being done by the NGOs in climate change in the area. Hence if the government creates

synergies, this will enable effective climate change programming in the area.

55
The researcher also noted that nongovernmental organizations in the area are not doing much in

terms of promoting resilience, adaptation and mitigation of the effects of climate change. Non-

Governmental organizations in Chirumanzu District are promoting dependency. The researcher

noted that they haven‟t been doing much to empower communities in Chirumanzu District. One

respondent highlighted the fact that they only see these NGOs in food distributions and not in

capacitating them with ways in dealing with climate change. The researcher is suggesting that

NGOs move away from creating a dependency syndrome and emancipate communities on

adaptation measures that they have to take in dealing with climate change.

Climate change programming requires funding, transparency and accountability. The researcher

would suggest that funds be availed and a revolving fund for climate change be established in the

country. This will ensure that funds are availed in areas where they are needed, especially in

Chirumanzu District as funding is the major drawback in climate change programming. Farmers

in the district are unable to actively participate in climate change mitigation, resilience and

adaptation owing to the fact that large sums of money are required. For example, the area has not

been able to actively participate in rain water harvesting which is an adaptation strategy that is

could not be effectively pursued owing to lack of funding.

Furthermore, the researcher also recommends that climate change be taken up by people and

policies that matter the most. In Zimbabwe for example, climate change is being taken up by the

Ministry of Environment Water and Climate Change, the Ministries are relatively weak and do

not receive as much funds as compared to other ministries, this in turn affects implementation of

56
policies and strategies at grassroots level as witnessed in Chirumanzu District. In Rwanda, for

example, the strong support by President Paul Kagame‟s for national action on climate change,

alongside involvement from relevant ministries, led to climate change being at the heart of the

country‟s development planning processes. In light of this, if the government of Zimbabwe is to

adopt this, this in turn could make climate change programming effective in the country,

including communal areas like Chirumanzu District.

The researcher also recommends that the government factors in climate change future investment

planning if considerable programming is to be achieved in Chirumanzu. Projections made by the

International Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) (2014), predicts that by the end of the century the

average global temperature is very likely to have risen by 2°C. Rainfall is likely to decrease in

Southern Europe, Asia and Sub Saharan Africa. This entails that Zimbabwe, which is housed in

the Southern Africa will be affected and also Chirumanzu. The government needs to plan

effectively in investing in scientific materials for monitoring weather patterns and infrastructure

that promotes resilience, adaptation and general response to climate change. This in turn will

promote effective climate change programing in Chirumanzu District.

The researcher also suggests that non-governmental organizations play an active role in

promoting climate change response action in communal areas. Non-governmental organizations

should shift from short funding of climate change programs and donor driven projects and move

to long term planning that promote climate change adaptation and resilience in communal areas.

This in turn will contribute to effective climate change in Chirumanzu District. Communities are

57
also recommended to actively participate in climate change issues as they are the ones that are

most affected by climate change since they mainly rely on the natural environment for survival.

Chapter Summary

The chapter looked at the measures that have to be taken into consideration in order to

effectively promote climate action in Chirumanzu District. The chapter also revealed that for any

meaningful climate programming to take place in Chirumanzu District, there is need for various

actors to work together for the sustainability of adaptation strategies in Chirumanzu District.

58
CONCLUSION TO THE STUDY

The research concludes that adaptation strategies are effective in dealing with the effects of

climate change in Chirumanzu District. The researcher also managed to highlight the major draw

backs in climate change adaptation in the area, the major drawbacks being funding, lack of

government support and lack of knowledge and information dissemination in the area. The

research also noted that adaptation strategies in Chirumanzu are mainly as a result of

communities finding ways in responding to an impending disaster as the research has shown that

they are lacking full government and non-governmental support. Communal farmers are just

devising ways in dealing with a potential crisis as information about adaptation has not really

been disseminated to them by the relevant authorities. The research was mainly focused on

understanding the effectiveness of climate change adaptation strategies in Chirumanzu District in

relation to the sustainable livelihood approach. The researcher found out that indeed the

adaptation strategies were promoting sustainable livelihoods as communities in Chirumanzu are

able to have access to food, though they are not being able to produce surplus at times, the

researcher found the fact that they could sustain their livelihoods sustainable.

The researcher used the case study research design, which sought to assess climate change

adaptation in Chirumanzu District where the researcher saw this befitting as she realized a gap in

literature, where there is not much research on adaptation in Chirumanzu. The researcher was

also cognizant of the fact that climate change does not require a one size fits all approach.

Focusing on Chirumanzu District would in turn limit the one size fits all approach in dealing

with climate change as it is not viable owing to the fact that communities experience climate

issues differently hence the researcher sought to establish this in the study. The qualitative

59
research approach was the most appropriate to the researcher, as qualitative research provides

clear understanding of issues under study. The data collecting tools that the researcher used were

interviews, focus group discussions, observation and secondary sources. These data collecting

tools gave the researcher a clear picture of climate change in Chirumanzu District. The data was

analyzed using the Sustainable Livelihood Approach, where the success of each strategy was

measured by the framework.

The researcher employed the crisis decision theory as a basis for their study. In so doing, the

researcher sought to support the theory which seeks to explain how people respond to a crisis.

The theory provided a basis for proving that the research carried out by the researcher is

grounded under the crisis decision theory. The theory best explained how communities in

Chirumanzu have responded to climate change. The research was further conceptualized through

the sustainable livelihood approach. The sustainable livelihood approach provided the researcher

with the best framework in measuring the adaptation strategies being implemented in

Chirumanzu District. The researcher sought to find out whether strategies being implemented in

Chirumanzu support sustainable livelihoods, that is, the promotion of food security, energy

access, and water availability as was highlighted in the study. The researcher concluded that

indeed adaptation strategies being implemented in Chirumanzu have indeed supported

sustainable livelihoods.

Furthermore, the research also looked at what climate change experts say about climate change

adaptation. The literature review, revealed that adaptation is indeed possible and is sustainable if

communities involved are encompassed in the decision making process of issues of climate

60
change affecting them. The literature review also looked at the importance of Indigenous

Knowledge Systems in adapting to climate change. The study also sought to look at the

challenges affecting adaptation, which included poor information dissemination and scientific

knowledge in Sub Saharan Africa.

The study also sought to look at the evidence of climate change in Chirumanzu District. The

study first gave an overall outlook on climate change in Zimbabwe as a whole. In which the

researcher proved beyond reasonable doubt that indeed climate change is being experienced in

Zimbabwe owing to the changing rainfall patterns, unbearable temperature changes and sporadic

rainfall. Chirumanzu is not spared at all from these weather patterns, as the study also showed

that Chirumanzu is also experiencing climate change.

The study also sought to look at adaptation strategies in Chirumanzu District. The study showed

that conservation agriculture, mixed farming, growing drought resistant crops, Indigenous

Knowledge systems and diversified economic activities are the major strategies being

implemented in Chirumanzu District. The study clearly showed that adaptation strategies in

Chirumanzu District were indeed effective in dealing with climate change in the area and also in

the promotion of sustainable livelihoods. The researcher also looked at the level of participation

of each and every group in Chirumanzu District, in which the researcher found out that

adaptation strategies were incorporating the vulnerable groups in the community like women

who now have diversified their economic base by taking active roles in projects like „Fushai‟

which have been highlighted in the study. The youth have also been incorporated as they run

their irrigation projects too.

61
Lastly, the study also sought to give suggestions towards effective climate change programming

in Chirumanzu District. The researcher noted that policies and strategies in relation to climate

change were not known in Chirumanzu District, for example the climate change response

strategy was launched for almost a year now, but the strategy has not penetrated grassroots levels

like Chirumanzu District hence making any meaningful sustainable programming difficult. The

study also sought to highlight the importance of each and every actor in Climate change

programming and the study clearly showed that role of the government, nongovernmental

organizations and Chirumanzu District.

The study depicts the fact that indeed climate change adaptation strategy are effective in solving

food security issues that have been bedeviling the country. The study clearly established the fact

that adaptation strategies in Chirumanzu District promote sustainable livelihoods. Though there

have been drawbacks here and there in terms of issues like funding and support from the

government, Climate Change Adaptation Strategies have been effective in Chirumanzu District.

62
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APPENDIX

INTERVIEW GUIDE FOR ASSESSMENT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION

STRATEGIES FOR CHIRUMANZU DISTRICT

My name is Cynthia Rutendo Gota and I am a student at the Midlands State University. I am

carrying out a research entitled: An assessment of climate change adaptation strategies for

Chirumanzu District. The research that I am carrying out is strictly academic and is intended to

meet the requirements of the partial fulfilment of the Bachelor of Arts in Development Studies

Honours Degree. I am kindly asking your assistance and cooperation in answering the following

interview questions.

Interview and Focus Group Discussion Guide Questions

1. What have been the major impacts of climate change in your area?

2. How has climate change affected your livelihoods

3. What adaptation strategies are being carried out in your wards?

4. Have the adaptation strategies improved your living standards i.e. access to water, food

security, fuel and incomes.

5. What major challenges have you faced in implementing adaptation strategies in your

area?

6. What form of support has been rendered to you by government, agricultural authorities

and in adapting to climate change

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 7. How best can the government, non-governmental organizations, private sector and

agricultural authorities help in promoting adaptation in your district.

8. What recommendations would you give towards effective climate change adaptation in

your district?

Interview Questions for Key Informants

1. Designation of the respondent?

2. How has climate change affected Chirumanzu District as a whole?

3. What is the current statistics in terms of rainfall patterns, temperatures, livestock

production and crop production in your area?

4. What measures have you put in place in helping communities adapt to climate change?

5. What recommendations would you give to the government to actively promote adaptation

strategies in Chirumanzu District?

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