Zimbabwean farmers are finding creative ways to cope with the challenges of climate change that have brought unpredictable rainfall, high temperature risings, and frequent extreme weather events. These changes threaten the food security of rural livelihoods, mainly among the smallholder farmers who rely on rain-fed agriculture and the overall economy. To enhance the variety of crops and crop production to build resilient crops, farmers are adopting climate-smart practices such as drought-resistant crops, practicing conservation agriculture, and implementing different methods of irrigation. Various techniques are being used, like integrated soil fertility management and agroforestry. These are helping to maintain soil health and improve water efficiency. 

Support from NGOs and community-based initiatives is playing a crucial role in providing the right resources, training, and knowledge to farmers. These adaptive and practical strategies not only boost productivity but also contribute to long-term sustainability and lower poverty in rural communities and the overall economy. The article discusses the challenges of climate change in Zimbabwe, steps taken by the farmers adapting to the changing climate in Zimbabwe, and success stories of notable people who pursued innovation and adapted to climate change.

1. Challenges of Climate Change in Zimbabwe

• Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events

• Population Growth and Resource Pressure 

• Food Insecurity and Agricultural Challenges

• Pests, Diseases, and Climate Change

• Land Degradation and Soil Management

• Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture

2. Steps taken by the farmers adapting to the Changing Climate in Zimbabwe

• Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices

• Diversification of Crop and Livestock Enterprises

• Adoption of Water Harvesting and Management Techniques

• Utilization of Climate Information Services

• Capacity Building and Training in Climate Adaptation

• Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction Initiatives

• Integration of Indigenous Knowledge Systems

• Engagement in Climate-Smart Value Chains

• Policy Advocacy and Participation

• Promotion of Sustainable Land Management Practices

3. Success Stories of Notable people who pursued innovation and adapted to climate change 

1. Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events

Zimbabwe is increasingly experiencing dangerous weather like droughts, floods, heatwaves, flash floods, etc. Rainfall patterns had been hard to detect with a 5% decline over the past centuries, with more frequent dry spells happening currently. 

Average temperatures have also risen by 0.6°C. In 1933, the temperature was just 0.3°, so the temperature has surely risen. This means that hot days will become more common. It is estimated that by the year 2070, temperatures can rise up to 2.5% while rainfall may decrease by 5.9%, mostly in the southwest and central regions of the country, affecting the agricultural economy a lot.

2. Population Growth and Resource Pressure 

Zimbabwe’s population is projected to more than double its current number. This means an increase from 13.1 million in 2012 to 29.6 million by 2050. It is also projected that by 2100, the country’s population will grow to 40.2 million. Since Zimbabwe’s annual growth rate is 1.8 percent, this growth will surely pressure the natural resources more, raise greenhouse gases, and mark the country’s vulnerability to climate disasters.

3. Food Insecurity and Agricultural Challenges

Food insecurity is a big and continuous issue in Zimbabwe. The country has struggled to maintain 500,000 tonnes of grain and resources. This situation rose higher because of extreme weather events like drought, floods, heatwaves, etc.

Primarily, droughts have a big and dangerous impact on the country. It affects both agriculture and the economy of Zimbabwe. Agricultural production fell to 5% in 2015 and then again to 3.6 % in 2016. Both these downfalls were caused by droughts. 

Out of all the droughts Zimbabwe has faced, most of these downfalls are caused by the severe drought Zimbabwe has faced, El Niño. The El Niño-induced drought of 2015/16 left 2.8 million people facing food shortages.

4. Pests, Diseases, and Climate Change

Climate change has also become a big reason for the spread of crop and livestock pests. Out of all pests, the Fall Armyworm poses to be one of the most dangerous. It appeared in Zimbabwe for the first time in 2015. If this pest is not controlled, it can destroy up to a whopping 70% of the maize crop. This massive percentage will surely worsen food insecurity in Zimbabwe.

5. Land Degradation and Soil Management

A major problem in Zimbabwe is its low-quality land. This is further made worse due to deforestation. Deforestation is a leading cause of soil erosion. Many lands are acidic and poor in nutrients. These features highlight the need for proper soil management techniques and strategies. To maintain and improve soil fertility, farmers can practice different types of techniques like integrated soil fertility management, erosion control, better livestock management, and efficient irrigation.

6. Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture

Regardless of climate change, Zimbabwe is expected to remain a net importer of certain food items, including groundnuts, potatoes, sorghum, and soybeans. Under the climate change scenario, net exports of sorghum could increase by 32.4 percentage points compared to a no-climate-change scenario. However, for potatoes, groundnuts, and soybeans, net exports are projected to decrease by 6.2, 35.7, and 2.1 percentage points, respectively.

1. Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices

Zimbabwean farmers are increasing their tactics to adapt to climate change and use climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices to boost resilience against a variety of climates. These practices include conservation agriculture, which focuses on minimal disturbance of soil, maintaining soil cover, and crop rotation to improve soil health and water retention. These methods have led to increased yields and better food security.

2. Diversification of Crop and Livestock Enterprises

To lower the risks that are related to climate-induced crop failures, farmers are trying different agricultural activities. These include the cultivation of drought-resistant crops like sorghum and millet. These crops require less water and are more durable to dry conditions. Moreover, joining livestock rearing, mainly small animals like goats, gives alternative income sources and food security. 

3. Adoption of Water Harvesting and Management Techniques

To address the changed rainfall patterns and water shortages, farmers are trying different water harvesting methods and management strategies. These include tactics like constructing small-scale dams, ponds, and rainwater harvesting systems to make water available during dry spells. Proper water management boosts crop survival and productivity even during harsh climate conditions.

4. Utilization of Climate Information Services

Access to accurate and correct, timely climate information is very important. This is mostly crucial for successful agriculture planning. Farmers are leveraging climate data services provided by meteorological departments and NGOs to make knowledgeable decisions regarding establishing dates, crop selection, and resource grants. This helps in aligning agricultural activities with successful and predictable climatic conditions.

5. Capacity Building and Training in Climate Adaptation

Steady education and training allowed farmers to be provided with knowledge and skills to utilize effective strategies for adapting to harsh climate changes. Various NGOs and government programs offer different high-quality training sessions on climate-resilient farming techniques, sustainable land management, and lower risk of disasters. These actions boost farmers’ adaptive capacity and knowledge to promote better agricultural practices.

6. Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction Initiatives

Various communities and groups are organizing and trying to find solutions to lower the risk of disasters. Committees are preparing to respond to climate-caused disasters such as floods and droughts. These committees develop early warning systems, conduct preparedness drills, and lay the foundation of emergency response plans to protect livelihoods and lower vulnerability to climate-related disasters.

7. Integration of Indigenous Knowledge Systems

The farmers of Zimbabwe are embracing indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) in their climate change adaptation strategies. Traditional yet practical practices such as intercropping, agroforestry, and native water management techniques are being fused with modern methods to boost resilience. This mix of knowledge systems raises sustainable agriculture and strengthens community bonds.

8. Engagement in Climate-Smart Value Chains

Farmers are taking part in various climate-smart value chains that encourage and promote sustainable, good production and marketing of agricultural products. These value chains primarily focus on lowering carbon footprint, impurity, greenhouse gases, etc, improving efficient use of resources and access to premium markets for good sustainable products. Taking part in such value chains increases income and encourages environmentally friendly practices.

9. Policy Advocacy and Participation

Active involvement in policy backing enables farmers to influence climate-related policies and allows them to secure support for adaptation initiatives. Different farmer organizations and cooperatives are engaged with government bodies and international organizations to support favorable policies. These engagements improve access to climate finance and inclusion in decision-making processes. This ensures that farmers’ needs and perspectives are considered and are met in any climate adaptation planning.

10. Promotion of Sustainable Land Management Practices

Farmers are taking a variety of sustainable land management practices. To fight land degradation and increase soil fertility, they are finding different ways to tackle the challenges and embrace the solutions. These include contour plowing, terracing, and agroforestry. These lower soil erosion, improve water infiltration, and increase carbon sequestration. Such practices contribute to long-term agricultural sustainability and climate resilience.      

Case Study 1 

Kerida’s journey from becoming a leader from a mere struggling farmer in her community is evidence of the power of knowledge, training, hard work, and the right tools. At 60 years old, she spent laboring over her 3-hectare field for years. She only relied on a hand-held hoe and only planted a single type of crop, known as sorghum. Her Harvests were poor, and her family served just 1 meal a day.            

But, everything changed after she received agricultural training that aimed to improve food and nutrition security by utilizing better farming techniques and practices. With the new knowledge she gained through the training, she implemented those farming techniques in her own farm. Kerida transformed her methods and got notable results. Even though her farm had to face the harsh drought, she managed to harvest 11 bags of maize, each weighing 50kg, in the last farming season. She uses a ripper now instead of planting crops by hand. This reduced the time of her working on the farm significantly. She also started to cultivate varieties of crops like bio-fortified maize, beans, sorghum, and groundnuts.

Her success not only impacted her farm but also her family’s well-being. Her family no longer has to face the struggles and hardships. They now enjoy 3 meals a day with delicious food. The family that ate once a day is now eating 3 times a day due to her hard work and success. But Kerida’s achievements are also spread amongst all other villagers and farmers. Hence, she has become a lead farmer.

Her story has inspired many in Mt Darwin, where average yields are about 600 kg per hectare. Thanks to the adoption of conservation agriculture and climate-smart techniques, Kerida now harvests up to two tons of maize per hectare. Agricultural Officer Fungisai Makuzwa attributes her success to her diligent application of new methods, while Agricultural Specialist Lilian Zheke highlights the importance of climate-smart tools like the ripper, which minimizes soil disturbance while preserving moisture and nutrients.

Kerida’s story is not only a simple personal story of victory; it is a ray of hope for other farmers in the country. By embracing the innovation of technology and utilizing knowledge, she has secured a bright future for her family and has become a pillar of leadership in her community. Her story proves that with the right knowledge, hard work, and passion, any kind of transformation is possible.

Case Study 2

In Mbereko Village, veteran farmer Musa Jume is presented as proof of the transformative power of sustainable agriculture. He has over 40 years of farming experience. June once focused only on tobacco cultivation. But, through the Ensuring Nutrition, Transforming and Empowering Rural Farmers and Promoting Resilience in Zimbabwe (ENTERPRIZE) project, his methods have become better and more practical. Now his land flourishes with bio-fortified maize, beans, and groundnuts, crops that not only nourish his family but also inspire an entire community. June’s farming land has now become a place of knowledge and education. Over 100 farmers visit the place to get informed about new techniques and practices on how they can improve their farmland and create resilient crops.

The ENTERPRIZE project is a project that is funded by the  United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID) through the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). It is designed to help farmers like Jume to evolve and become better. Executed in partnership with World Vision Zimbabwe, the Farmers’ Association of Community Self-Help Investment Groups, Mercy Corps, and the International Crop Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, this initiative targets 25,500 smallholder farmers across Mount Darwin and Guruve districts in Mashonaland Central Province. As part of the larger Livelihoods and Food Security Programme (LFSP), the project hopes to boost food security, enhance nutrition, and build a durable bond among rural communities.

Nowadays, Jume and his wife are enjoying the result of their dedication and hard work by celebrating the abundance that modern farming techniques have brought to their region and lives. Their story portrays resilience, knowledge, and transformation. They are an inspiration for farmers across Zimbabwe who are striving for a more sustainable and food-secure future.

Case Study 3 

Getrude Siduna is a 49 years old farmer from Chipinge. She stands as proof of resilience and adaptation in the face of climate change. She has struggled a lot for years, with declining corn yields due to consistent droughts. She watched her efforts for her yield lower and lower each season. She was determined to find a solution. Hence, she took a leap of faith and attended Climate-Smart Agriculture Training, a program that was supported by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

With new and profound knowledge in her skillset, Siduna made the brave decision to change her primary crop from corn to chili farming. She did not know that this daring move would be the reason that would change her life. The impact of this decision was immediate. In her first season of cultivating chillies, she earned approximately 400 dollars, a big increase compared to her past earnings from corn. Moreover, she did not just gain financially; this shift marked hope and the power of adaptation in a changing climate.

Siduna’s story is a bright example of how innovative agricultural practices, with the right support and passion, can empower farmers to not only survive but thrive as well. Her journey marks the importance of climate-smart solutions in securing the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and ensuring food security during harsh climates and weather patterns.

Farmers play a crucial role in ensuring food security and fighting unpredictable weather patterns and climate change, while climate change continuously reshapes Zimbabwe’s agricultural landscape. Going forward, climate-smart practices such as drought-resistant crops, conservation agriculture, and better irrigation techniques have allowed farmers to not only increase crop yields but also protect their livelihoods and families against sudden climate change shocks. Support from communities, NGOs, and government programs has been vital in helping farmers acquire the knowledge and resources needed to thrive. These adaptive plans show that with the right tools, practices, and passion, agriculture can remain a productive and rewarding sector even in the face of a hard climate upset. 

Moving on, increasing these successful approaches and promoting agricultural knowledge to everyone, and sharing different types of modern farming techniques and practices can make communities of Zimbabwe more tough and will create a strong bond among the communities. By continuing to innovate and adapt, Zimbabwean farmers can create a strong agricultural sector and contribute to bigger efforts in lowering poverty, improving food security, and sustainable development of the economy.

What climate-smart practices are Zimbabwean farmers adopting?

Ans: Farmers are using a variety of drought-resistant crops, conservation agriculture, integrated soil fertility management, efficient irrigation techniques, and agroforestry. These practices help maintain soil health, conserve water, and increase productivity.

What role do non-governmental organizations play in helping farmers adapt?

Ans: Non-governmental organizations give training, resources, and support to farmers. They help farmers access climate-resilient seeds, offer education on sustainable practices, and promote community-based initiatives for knowledge sharing.

Can smallholder farmers afford climate-smart techniques?

Ans: Many climate-smart practices are cost-effective in the long term. Additionally, support from NGOs, government programs, and community initiatives often provides financial assistance, training, and resources to help smallholder farmers adopt these practices.