ZIMBABWE

Zimbabwe’s
National Climate Change
Response Strategy

GOVERNMENT OF ZIMBABWE
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, WATER AND CLIMATE
 ZIMBABWE

Zimbabwe’s
National Climate Change
Response Strategy

GOVERNMENT OF ZIMBABWE
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, WATER AND CLIMATE

Facilitated by Supported by
Foreword
The impacts of global climate change and variability are becoming more evident with increased incidences
of droughts, floods, hailstorms, more hot days and heat waves. Climate change is one of the biggest threats
facing global development with the developing countries being more vulnerable due to their low adaptive
capacity. Climate change has been widely recognized and accepted as a reality and that it poses serious
problems with far reaching social, political, economic and environmental consequences, particularly in
vulnerable countries.

The impacts of Climate Change in Zimbabwe are likely to stall the country's development, pose a serious
risk to food security and adaptive capacity. The National Climate Change Response Strategy was among
the processes that sought to establish specific provisions for dealing with climate change issues,
understanding the extent of the threat and putting in place specific actions to manage potential impacts.

Science has clearly demonstrated that there is extreme urgency in taking real action to avoid irreversible
damages to our planet. Reports of the Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) state that Africa
will suffer the most from the impacts of climate change. The serious under-development of the continent
signifies high vulnerability to climate change impacts. The global nature of climate change requires the widest
cooperation and participation in an effective and appropriate international response comprising mitigation
and adaptation measures based on the principles of the Climate Change Convention.

However, taking note that the impacts of climate change are felt at the Local level and most felt by the poor
communities due to their low adaptive capacity, the Government of Zimbabwe has developed a National
Climate Change Response Strategy to guide national response measures in addressing the impacts of
climate change.

The strategy further provides guidance on integration of climate change issues into national development
planning processes at national, provincial, district and local levels and ensures coordinated activities.

The Government's commitment to develop a climate-resilient Zimbabwe has also been demonstrated by the
elevation of the Climate Change Office into a fully fledged Climate Change Department. The country
envisages developing adaptation strategies that can mitigate the diverse and complex impacts of climate
change and improve community livelihoods.

The country's vulnerability to the adverse effects of climate change makes adaptation a national priority,
demanding policy direction at the highest level. Therefore the development of the National Climate Change
Response Strategy seeks to address the climate change issues and contribute to a climate-resilient
Zimbabwe. It is my hope that the strategy will create a solid foundation for mainstreaming climate change
thinking into all key socio-economic sectors in order to bring about an integrated response across all sectors.

Finally, I would like to thank UNDP, COMESA, UNICEF and Global Water Partnership for the financial and
technical support, Institute of Environmental Studies (IES) and all those who made it possible to have the
strategy in place.

Hon. Saviour Kasukuwere

Minister of Environment, Water and Climate

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy i

Executive Summary
INTRODUCTION
The Government of Zimbabwe regards climate change as one of the threats to the country and its people
and is also of the view that climate change has the potential to undermine many of the positive developments
made in its meeting the country’s development goals. Both climate change and policies to minimize its effects
have enormous socio-economic and environmental implications. The challenge for the country is how to
develop adaptation strategies that can reduce and mitigate the diverse and complex impacts of climate
change. The National Climate Change Response Strategy is a response to this challenge and also aims to
contribute towards achieving Zimbabwe’s Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation (Zim Asset)
2013-2018 and beyond. The Zim Asset recognises that the country is susceptible to perennial droughts and
floods caused by climate change emanating from global warming. It also notes that climate change affects
the country’s agro-based economy whose livelihoods largely depend on rain-fed agriculture, livestock
production and natural resources. Thus the government has created a Ministry of Environment, Water and
Climate in recognition of the importance of climate and climate change to the country’s development.

Zimbabwe has actively participated in international negotiations on climate change from as far back as 1992.
It was among the first countries to sign and ratify the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change (UNFCCC) in 1992 and also acceded to the Kyoto Protocol in 2009. Although Zimbabwe is
constrained by its limited ability to put in place appropriate measures in order to respond to climate change
because of lack of human, institutional and financial resources, it has continued through the years to support
the United Nations efforts to curb the escalation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Zimbabwe’s Climate Change Response Strategy mainstreams climate change through a sectorial approach
to ensure that each sector implements adaptation and mitigation actions. Each sector will therefore be able
to direct its project proposals to the appropriate funding mechanism. The Response Strategy is divided into
six sections. These include an introductory section which comprises a brief profile of Zimbabwe and the Vision,
Mission, Goal, Strategic Objectives, Pillars and Guiding Principles of the National Climate Change Response
Strategy (Section 1). This is followed by a synopsis of climate change across scales from global, regional,
national to local level (Section 2); sector specific challenges, risks and impacts as well as relevant adaptation
and mitigation measures (Section 3); strategy enablers such as capacity building; technology transfer; climate
change education, communication and awareness (Section 4); climate change governance (Section 5); and
finally a section on Action Plans, Implementation Framework and Resource Mobilization (Section 6).

The National Climate Change Response Strategy provides a framework for a comprehensive and strategic
approach on aspects of adaptation, mitigation, technology, financing, public education and awareness. It will
help to inform Government on how to strengthen the climate and disaster risk management policies.

The vision of Zimbabwe’s Climate Change Response Strategy is to create a climate change resilient
nation while its mission is to ensure sustainable development and a climate proofed economy
through engaging all stakeholders recognizing the vulnerable nature of Zimbabwe’s natural
resources and society.

The goal of the Response Strategy is to mainstream climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies
in economic and social development at national and sectoral levels through multi-stakeholder
engagement.

ii Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

 Executive Summary

The strategic objectives are to:

a) Mainstream climate change in all the key sectors of the economy.
b) Promote resource use efficiency and less carbon intense pathways in all economic activities and develop
a climate change resilient energy infrastructure that is not carbon intense.
c) Develop climate proofed and environmentally sustainable transport systems that are less carbon intense.
d) Promote sustainable development, management and utilization of water resources under changing climatic
conditions.
e) Promote sustainable land-use systems that enhance agricultural production, ensure food security and
maintain ecosystem integrity.
f) Develop Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs) as a step towards low carbon development
strategies.
g) Address climate change through evidence-based research, technology development and transfer.
h) Promote and protect health under a changing climate.
i) Develop an effective climate change communication information management and communication system
that facilitates access by all stakeholder groups.
j) Strengthen and mainstream climate change in all education curricula.
k) Mainstream gender, children and youth, people living with HIV and AIDS and other vulnerable groups into
all climate change interventions.
l) Develop and maintain an appropriate climate governance framework and institutional mechanisms aimed
at coordinating climate change responses.

The Climate Change Response Strategy has seven pillars which include:

Pillar 1: Adaptation and Disaster Risk Management.

Pillar 2: Mitigation and low carbon development strategies (LCDS).

Pillar 3: Capacity to effect:

l Adaptation and mitigation.
l Climate change communication.
l Education and raising awareness.
l Research and development.
l Appropriate institutions to address climate change issues.

Pillar 4: Governance framework:

l Institutions.
l Networks.
l Negotiations.
Pillar 5: Finance and Investment:
l Partnerships.
l International Financing.
Pillar 6: Technology development and transfer, including infrastructure.

Pillar 7: Communication and advocacy; information management and dissemination.

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy iii

Executive Summary

Zimbabwe’s Climate Change Response Strategy is guided by the following Guiding Principles:
a) Demand driven by national aspirations.
b) Country-driven and predicated on national development priorities.
c) Aligned with national laws, international obligations and commitments.
d) Mainstream climate change into policy and legal framework as well as development planning.
e) Mainstream sustainable development.
f) Participation and engagement of all stakeholders.
g) Response which is knowledge and evidence based that incorporates indigenous knowledge systems,
culture and science.
h) Access to information.
i) Precautionary principle.
j) Mainstream the rights based approach.

SECTOR SPECIFIC STRATEGIES

The following are the strategies that will be implemented under each theme or sector:

Natural Systems

Climate Change Issues Associated with Air Pollution

a) Carry out an assessment to determine the main sources and levels of short-lived climate pollutants in
Zimbabwe.
b) Introduce measures to control and capture short-lived climate pollutants.
c) Promote use of cleaner technologies.
d) Develop and implement policies and regulatory frameworks that restrict release of short-lived climate
pollutants.

Climate Change Issues for the Water Sector

Water Resources Availability Issues
a) Strengthen and intensify monitoring institutions for hydro-meteorological parameters.
b) Conduct more frequent yield assessments of surface and groundwater resources.
c) Promote water use efficiency in all sectors.

Water Development Issues

a) Develop, rehabilitate, maintain and protect surface and groundwater resources.

b) Invest in management of effects of extreme events.

iv Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

 Executive Summary

Water Management Issues

a) Strengthen stakeholder structures in water resources management.

b) Promote more efficient water use practices.

c) Promote catchment protection.

d) Adopt data analysis and prediction tools that incorporate climate change.

Land-use, Land-use-Change and Forestry (LULUCF)

Land-use and Land-use Change

a) Develop and enforce policies that regulate change from one land-use to another especially the clearance
of forests and woodlands to other land-uses.

Climate Change and the Forestry Sector

Adaptation in the Forestry Sector

a) Promote establishment of land-use plans at district, ward, village and farm management levels that clearly
identify forestry as a recognized land-use.

b) Strengthen research, planning and financial support to forestry and natural resources management, to
develop cost effective adaptation options.

c) Build capacity for forest management in a changing climate.

Mitigation Options in the Forestry Sector

a) Develop national capacity to design carbon projects for accessing different carbon financing mechanisms
and to implement and support the projects.

b) Maintain, account for, and expand carbon sinks.

Biodiversity and Ecosystems

a) Promote and strengthen biodiversity conservation management and the integrity of natural ecosystems
by using an ecosystem based approach to adapt to climate change.

b) Promote appropriate climate smart land-use options for the drier natural regions where cattle production
and wildlife ranching are the most suitable land-use options.

c) Strengthen the effectiveness of Trans-frontier Conservation Areas as a mechanism for sustainable

biodiversity conservation and climate adaptation.

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy v

Executive Summary

Economic Sectors
Agriculture and Food Security
Overarching Issues in Agriculture and Food Security
a) Develop frameworks for sustainable intensification and commercialization of agriculture at different scales
across agro-ecologies.
b) Strengthen capacity to generate new forms of empirical knowledge, technologies and agricultural support
services that meet emerging development challenges arising from increased climate change and
variability.
c) Strengthen early warning systems on cropping season quality, rangelands conditions, droughts, floods,
disease/pest outbreaks and wildlife movement in order to enhance farmer preparedness.

Thematic Issues and Proposed Strategies for the Agricultural Sector

Farming Systems

a) Develop frameworks for supporting agricultural specialization according to agro-ecological regions,

including mechanisms for commodity exchange, trade and marketing.

Crop Productivity

a) Strengthen the capacity of farmers, extension agencies, and private agro-service providers to take
advantage of current and emerging indigenous and scientific knowledge on stress tolerant crop types and
varieties, including landraces that are adaptable to arising climatic scenarios.

b) Develop frameworks for promoting science based crop production and post harvest technologies and
management practices.

Livestock Production
a) Strengthen the capacity to identify and promote adoption of indigenous and improved livestock breeds
that are tolerant to climate related stresses.
b) Establish monitoring systems for greenhouse gas emissions in agricultural systems and support
mechanisms for their reduction.

Agriculture and Water

a) Strengthen national research and extension capacity for development and integrated management of
agricultural water resources.

Industry and Commerce

a) Introduce policies that promote the use and adoption of clean and efficient energy in industry.
b) Create a policy and regulatory framework that promotes resource use efficiency and cleaner production
in industry and commerce.
c) Create an enabling policy and legal framework that encourages the setting up and operation of climate
resilient industries.

vi Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

 Executive Summary

Mining
a) Develop regulatory frameworks to encourage emissions reduction and invest in resource efficient
technologies.
b) Enforce and monitor the implementation of mandatory and voluntary environmental management systems.
c) Adopt practices that reduce energy consumption in the mining sector.
d) Develop a framework for enhancing the capacity of small scale miners to improve their environmental
performance.

Tourism
a) Mainstream climate change into policies and legislation that guide the tourism sector.
b) Promote and strengthen Zimbabwe’s tourism sector’s resilience to climate change.
c) Build and strengthen the capacity of the tourism and wildlife sectors to adapt to the challenges of climate
change.

d) Promote mitigatory measures to ensure a low carbon footprint/emission and sustainable growth and
development in Zimbabwe’s tourism sector.

Physical and Social Infra-structure

Energy
a) Introduce policies and regulatory frameworks for renewable energy, energy conservation and energy
efficiency.
b) Strengthen energy planning, research and development.
c) Promote low carbon energy provision and use.

Transport
a) Introduce a transport policy framework that encourages use of transport with low carbon emissions.
b) Integrate climate resilience into transport planning and infrastructural development.

Disaster Risk Management and Social Infrastructure (Human Settlements)

a) Develop an integrated and co-ordinated approach to reducing disaster risk and to address impacts of
climate change through a multi-stakeholder approach.
b) Enhance early warning systems and capacity of hydro-meteorological services to advise on weather
related impacts on new infrastructure as well as mitigation of potential damage to existing infrastructure.
c) Review and update policy and by-laws on building standards and codes to make them adaptive to climate
change.
d) Invest in climate resilient social infrastructure.
e) Enhance community resilience to climate change.

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy vii

Executive Summary

Waste Management
a) Capacitate local authorities to deliver proper, effective and efficient waste management services in order
to reduce GHG emissions from waste management.
b) Create an enabling policy environment which encourages investment into alternative energy production
using waste products.
c) Develop an enabling framework to promote waste minimization through education and behavioural change
of waste generators.

Health
a) Strengthen surveillance programmes for monitoring human health under a changing climate.
b) Build resilience against diseases that occur because of impacts of climate change.

Gender, People Living with HIV and AIDS and Other Vulnerable Groups
a) Mainstream climate change in policies for the vulnerable groups with their active participation at every
level.

b) Strengthen the adaptive capacity of the vulnerable groups.

c) Enhance provision of early warning systems on droughts, floods and disease outbreaks to vulnerable
groups and ensure a coordinated approach in providing them with emergency services.

Children and Youth

a) Understand the impacts of climate change on children and youth in Zimbabwe and create an enabling
environment that prevents harm to children and youth emanating from pressures of these impacts.
b) Ensure the inclusion of children and youth in the policy formulation process for climate change, and in
adaptation and mitigation activities.

STRATEGY ENABLERS

Capacity Building
Capacity Building for Climate Change
a) Build capacity to conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments and develop appropriate response
models.
b) Develop mechanisms to mainstream climate change adaptation and disaster risk management into
development programmes.

The Role of the Meteorological Services in Climate Change

a) Strengthen the capacity of the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services to carry out research
on climate change through improved data collection and management, and climate modelling.

viii Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

 Executive Summary

b) Strengthen the documentation of and tapping into indigenous knowledge systems to complement scientific
knowledge for climate change forecasting and early warning systems.

c) Establish an enabling framework for sharing and disseminating information on climate change (i.e. at
provincial, district and ward levels) in the country.

Technology Transfer

a) Create a policy framework that will improve access to and promote uptake of cleaner and more efficient
technologies across all economic sectors.

b) Support research and development of technologies in all relevant sectors to mitigate and adapt to climate
change.

Climate Change Education, Communication and Public Awareness

Climate Change Education and Training

a) Enhance the teaching and learning of climate change at all levels of education (formal and informal).

b) Provide relevant training on climate change issues to educators and practitioners working with
communities.

Public Awareness-raising and Communication

a) Implement a communication strategy for raising awareness on climate change.

b) Promote and strengthen stakeholder awareness on adaptation to and mitigation of climate change.

c) Encourage sharing of information and networking on climate change issues at local, regional and
international levels.

d) Communicate climate change messages incorporating indigenous knowledge systems.

CLIMATE CHANGE GOVERNANCE

Climate Change Governance and Institutional Framework

Climate Change Governance

a) Mainstream climate change into urban and rural planning, infrastructure, investments and service delivery.

Climate Change Institutional Framework

a) Institutionalize a climate change response governance framework at national, provincial, district and ward
levels.

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy ix

Executive Summary

Climate Change Policy and Legal Framework

a) Enact an enabling policy environment for climate change response.

ACTION PLAN, IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORk AND

RESOURCE MOBILIzATION
Action Plans for these strategies that include: actions, indicative time frame, lead agency, cooperating
agencies, potential sources for resource mobilization and estimated costs are given in Annex 1. A summary
of the estimated costs is given in Table (i) and amounts to almost 10 billion United States dollars. The Actions
will be implemented over 10 years with a review after every 5 years.

Significant financial resources will need to be allocated by the Government treasury; the private sector, green
climate funds; bilateral donor and international agencies support; adaptation fund, mitigation financing
including Clean Development Mechanism; international, regional and local banks.

Table (i): Summary of estimated costs to implement the Action Plans for zimbabwe’s
Climate Change Response Strategy
No Sector Amount USD (million)
1. Air Pollution 134
2. Water Resources 3,158
3. Land Use and Land Use Change 91
4. Biodiversity 74
5. Agriculture 2,386
6. Industry and Commerce 528
7. Mining 312
8. Tourism 252
9. Energy 262
10. Transport 1,071
11. Disaster Risk Management and Human Settlements 519
12. Waste Management 231
13. Health 52
14. Gender; People Living With HIV and AIDS and other Vulnerable groups 25
15. Children and Youth 32
16. Capacity Building 45
17. Role of Meteorological Services 23
18. Technology Transfer 574
19. Climate Change Education 15
20. Public Awareness 15
21. Climate Change Governance 88
Overall Total 9,887

x Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

Table of Contents
FOREWORD............................................................................................................................................i

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................................................ii

LIST OF FIGURES...............................................................................................................................xiii

LIST OF TABLES.................................................................................................................................xiii

ABBREVIATIONS ................................................................................................................................xiv

GLOSSARY…......................................................................................................................................xix

SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION ...............................................................................................................1

1.1 A Brief Profile of Zimbabwe ...............................................................................................3
1.2. The Vision, Mission, Goal, Strategic Objectives, Pillars and Guiding
Principles of Zimbabwe’s Climate Change Response Strategy ......................................10

SECTION 2: CLIMATE AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...............................................................................12

2.1 Climate Change from a Global Perspective ....................................................................12
2.2 Climate Change from a Southern African Regional Perspective.....................................14
2.3. Evidence of Climate Change in Zimbabwe over the Years .............................................16

SECTION 3: SECTOR SPECIFIC CHALLENGES, RISkS AND IMPACTS; ADAPTATION,

MITIGATION AND OPPORTUNITIES ............................................................................18
3.1 Natural Systems ..............................................................................................................18
3.1.1 Climate Change Issues Associated with Air Pollution .........................................18
3.1.2 Climate Change Issues for the Water Sector ......................................................20
3.1.3 Land-use, Land-use-Change and Forestry (LULUCF) ........................................22
3.1.4 Biodiversity and Ecosystems...............................................................................28
3.2 Economic Sectors ...........................................................................................................31
3.2.1 Agriculture and Food Security .............................................................................31
3.2.2 Industry and Commerce ......................................................................................38
3.2.3. Mining..................................................................................................................39
3.2.4 Tourism................................................................................................................40

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy xi

Table of Contents

3.3 Physical and Social Infra-structure ..................................................................................42

3.3.1. Energy .................................................................................................................42
3.3.2. Transport .............................................................................................................46
3.3.3. Disaster Risk Management and Social Infrastructure (Human Settlements) ......48
3.3.4. Waste Management ............................................................................................50
3.3.5. Health ..................................................................................................................52
3.3.6. Gender, People Living with HIV and AIDS and Other Vulnerable Groups...........53
3.3.7 Children and Youth ..............................................................................................54

SECTION 4: STRATEGY ENABLERS.................................................................................................56

4.1 Capacity Building.............................................................................................................56
4.1.1 Capacity Building for Climate Change.................................................................56
4.1.2. The Role of the Meteorological Services in Climate Change ..............................56
4.1.3. Technology transfer .............................................................................................57
4.2. Climate Change Education, Communication and Public Awareness ..............................58
4.2.1. Climate Change Education and Training.............................................................59
4.2.2 Public Awareness-raising and Communication ...................................................60

SECTION 5: CLIMATE CHANGE GOVERNANCE ..........................................................................…62

5.1 Climate Change Governance and Institutional Framework .............................................62
5.1.1 Climate Change Governance ..............................................................................62
5.1.2 Climate Change Institutional Framework ............................................................63
5.2 Climate Change Policy and Legal Framework ................................................................64
5.3 Framework for Climate Governance ...............................................................................64

SECTION 6: ACTION PLAN, IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORk AND RESOURCE

MOBILIzATION...........................................................................................................................66
6.1 Action Plan ......................................................................................................................66
6.2 Resource Mobilization .....................................................................................................66
6.3 Monitoring and Evaluation ...............................................................................................69

ANNEX 1 ACTION PLANS FOR THE CLIMATE CHANGE RESPONSE STRATEGIES..............70

xii Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

 Table of Contents

LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Zimbabwe and its neighbours. ..............................................................................................3
Figure 2: Zimbabwe’s agro-ecological regions. .....................................................................................7
Figure 3: Trends in temperature change and atmospheric CO2
concentrations 1850-2010....................................................................................................12
Figure 4: Global near-surface temperatures from 1880 to 2000. ........................................................13
Figure 5: 30-year running means of area averaged 2m-temperature .................................................15
Figure 6: Number of days with a minimum temperature of 120C and a maximum of 320C
during 1950-1990 and national rainfall deviation during 1910-2000. ...................................16
Figure 7: Time series of the national average rainfall for Zimbabwe 1901-2009.................................17
Figure 8: A comparison of plant diversity under the current (2012) and worst case
scenario of the year 2080.....................................................................................................29
Figure 9: A comparison of net primary productivity under the current and worst case
scenario of the year 2080.....................................................................................................29
Figure 10: A comparison of the maize production zones under the current and worst case
scenario for the year 2080 ...................................................................................................35
Figure 11: Key economic trends for Zimbabwe 1980 - 2005 ................................................................38
Figure 12: The long term energy supply and demand projection. .........................................................43
Figure 13: Trends in sectoral electricity consumption ...........................................................................43
Figure 14: Number of new vehicle registrations per annum between 2000 and 2009 ..........................47
Figure 15: Proposed Climate Change Governance Framework ...........................................................65

LIST OF TABLES
Table 2.1: A summary of past and future climate trends in Zimbabwe...........................................17
Table 3.1: National area affected by veldt fire 2001-2013 ..............................................................30
Table 3.2: Production of electricity in Zimbabwe in GWh. ..............................................................42
Table 6.1: Summary of estimated costs to implement the Action Plans for
Zimbabwe’s Climate Change Response Strategy. ........................................................67

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy xiii

Abbreviations
AfDB African Development Bank

AGRITEX Agricultural Extension Services

AIDS Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

APINA Air Pollution Information Network for Africa

ARC Agricultural Research Council

AvGas Aviation Gasoline

AWOS Automated Weather Observing System

AU African Union

BCSDZ Business Council for Sustainable Development Zimbabwe

BIOCLAM Bioclimatic

CAMPFIRE Communal Areas Management Programme for Indigenous Resources

CBD Convention on Biological Diversity

CBOs Community Based Organisations

CC Climate Change

0C Degrees Celcius

CCAC Climate and Clean Air Coalition

CDM Clean Development Mechanism

CDs Compact Disks

CH4 Methane

CIFOR Centre for International Forestry Research

CIMMYT International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center

CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora

CMIP3 Coupled Model Inter-comparison Project Phase 3

CO Carbon monoxide

CO2 Carbon dioxide

COMESA Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa

CSAG Climate Systems Analysis Group

CSC Cold Storage Commission

xiv Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

 Abbreviations

CSOs Civil Society Organizations

CZI Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries

DDF District Development Fund

DFID Department for International Development

DNA Designated National Authority

DR & SS Department of Research and Specialist Services

DRR Disaster Risk Reduction

ECZ Engineering Council of Zimbabwe

EMA Environmental Management Agency

EU European Union

FAO Food and Agriculture Organization

FC Forestry Commission

G Wh Gigawatt Hour

GCMs General Circulation Models

GCOS Global Climate Observing Systems

GDP Gross Domestic Product

GEF Global Environment Facility

GHG Greenhouse Gas

GIS Geographic Information Systems

GIZ Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit

GSO Global Surface Observations

GTS Global Telecommunication System

GUAO Global Upper Air Observations

GWP Global Water Partnership

HAZ Hotel Association of Zimbabwe

HFCs Hydrofluorocarbons

HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus

ICRAF World Agroforestry Centre

ICRISAT International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics

ICT Information Communication Technology

IDRC International Development Research Centre

IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy xv

Abbreviations

IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

ISO International Organization for Standardization

Km Kilometres

Kw Kilowatts

LAPs Local Area Prediction System

LCDS Low Carbon Development Strategies

LPG Liquified Petroleum Gas

LULUCF Land-use, Land-use Change and Forestry

MAMID Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development

MD Ministry of Defence

MDGs Millennium Development Goals

MEPD Ministry of Energy and Power Development

MEWC Ministry of Environment, Water and Climate

MFED Ministry of Finance and Economic Development

MFA Ministry of Foreign Affairs

MHA Ministry of Home Affairs

MHCC Ministry of Health and Child Care

MHTESTD Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development

MIC Ministry of Industry and Commerce

MICTPCS Ministry of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services

MJLPA Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs

MLGPWNH Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing

MLRR Ministry of Lands and Rural Resettlement

MMIBS Ministry of Media, Information and Broadcasting Services

MMMD Ministry of Mines and Mining Development

MPSE Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education

MPSLSW Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare

MRV Measurement Reporting and Verification

MSAC Ministry of Sports, Arts and Culture

MSMECD Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises and Cooperative Development

MTHI Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry

MTID Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development

MTP Medium Term Plan

xvi Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

 Abbreviations

MW Megawatts

MWAGCD Ministry of Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development

MYIEE Ministry of Youth, Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment

N 2O Nitrous Oxide

NAMAs Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions

NF3 Nitrogen trifluoride

NGOs Non-governmental Organizations

NMMZ National Museums and Monument of Zimbabwe

NMVOCS Non-methane Volatile Organic Compounds

NOx Nitrogen Oxides

NSSA National Social Security Authority

NTT National Task Team

O3 Ozone

OPC Office of the President and Cabinet

OTC Over-the-Counter

PFCs Perfluorocarbons

PJ Petajoule

PPCPs Public–Private-Community Partnerships

ppm parts per million

PPPs Public-Private Partnerships

PSC Public Service Commission

RCZ Research Council of Zimbabwe

RDCs Rural District Councils

REDD Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation

SADC Southern African Development Community

SAZ Standard Association of Zimbabwe

SF6 Sulphur Hexfluoride

SIRDC Scientific and Industrial Research and Development Centre

SLCPs Short-lived Climate Pollutants

SNV Stichting Nederlandse Vrijwilligers (Netherlands Development Organization)

SWOT Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats

TFCA Trans-frontier Conservation Area

UK United Kingdom

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy xvii

Abbreviations

UN United Nations

UNCBD United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity

UNCCD United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification

UNDP United Nations Development Programme

UNEP United Nations Environment Programme

UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

UNICEF United Nations Children’s Fund

UNIDO United Nations Industrial Development Organization

UNWTO United Nations World Tourism Organization

USD United States Dollar

VOCs Volatile Organic Compounds

WACDEP Water, Climate and Development Programme

WASH Water Sanitation and Hygiene

WFP World Food Programme

WHO World Health Organisation

WMO World Meteorological Organization

WWF World Wide Fund

ZCT Zimbabwe Council for Tourism

ZCTU Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Union

ZDF Zimbabwe Defence Forces

ZERA Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority

ZESA Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority

ZIE Zimbabwe Institute of Engineers

ZIM ASSET Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation

ZIMPARKS Parks and Wildlife Management Authority

ZIMSTAT Zimbabwe National Statistical Agency

ZIMSEC Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council

ZINWA Zimbabwe National Water Authority

ZNCC Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce

ZRP Zimbabwe Republic Police

ZTA Zimbabwe Tourism Authority

xviii Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

Glossary
Acced means assent or agree to a demand, request or treaty.

Adaptation is defined by the UNFCCC as “an adjustment in natural or human systems in response to
actual or expected climatic stimuli or their effects, which moderates harm or exploits beneficial
opportunities”. There are several kinds of adaptation: anticipatory, reactive, private, public, autonomous
and planned. Adaptation measures include prevention, tolerance, sharing of losses, changes in activities
or of location and restoration.

Adaptive capacity according to the IPCC is “the ability or potential of a system to respond successfully
to climate variability and change, and includes adjustments in both behavior and in resources and
technologies”. The presence of adaptive capacity is a necessary condition for the design and
implementation of effective adaptation strategies and enables sectors and institutions to take advantage
of opportunities or benefits from climate change.

Anthropogenic is an effect caused or resulting from human activity.

Biofuel is a mixture of volatile, flammable hydro-carbons derived from plant material, animal waste,
treated municipal and industrial waste used as fuel.

Carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere by activities of
an individual, company, country, etc; usually expressed in equivalent tonnes of carbon dioxide.

Carbon sequestration is the process of capture and long-term storage of carbon dioxide or other forms
of carbon to either mitigate or defer global warming and avoid dangerous climate change.

Carbon sink is any process, activity or mechanism whether natural or artificial, that removes carbon-
containing chemical compounds such as greenhouse gases, aerosols or precursors of greenhouse
gases from the atmosphere and stores them for an indefinite period.

Clean Development Mechanism is a mechanism funded by developed countries to undertake emission

reduction projects in developing countries. It is defined in Article 12 of the Kyoto Protocol and allows a
country with emission-reduction or emission-limitation commitment under Annex B Party to implement
an emission – reduction project in developing countries. Such projects can earn saleable certified
emission reduction credits, each equivalent to one tonne of carbon dioxide, which can be counted
towards meeting Kyoto targets.

Climate change according to the UNFCCC means “a change of climate which is attributed directly or
indirectly to human activity that alters the composition of the global atmosphere and which is in addition
to natural climate variability observed over comparable time periods”. This differs from the IPCC usage

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy xix

Glossary

where climate change refers to “a change in the state of the climate that can be identified (e.g. using
statistical tests) by changes in the mean and/or variability of its properties and that persists for an
extended period, typically decades or longer. It refers to any change in climate over time, whether due
to natural variability or a result of human activity”.

Climate change mitigation according to IPCC is “an anthropogenic (human) intervention to reduce
sources or enhance the sinks of greenhouse gases”.

Climate is a composite measure of the average pattern of variation in temperature, humidity,

precipitation, wind, atmospheric pressure, sunshine, atmospheric particle count and other meteorological
variables in a region over a long period of time (usually 30 years).

Climate risk means a risk resulting from climate change and affecting natural and human systems and
regions. It is a combination of the probability of an event and its negative consequences. A societal
element is said to be at risk when it is exposed to hazards and is likely to be adversely affected by the
impact of those hazards when they occur.

Climate variability is the way climatic parameters fluctuate during a few years to a few decades above
or below a long term average-value. Variability may be due to natural internal processes within the
climate system or to variations in natural or anthropogenic external forcing.

Climatic hazard is any event or change in climate, such as a single extreme event that exceeds a
critical temperature threshold or a complex combination of changes involving variables and/or resulting
in multiple impacts. It is an extreme climatic/weather event causing harm and damage to people,
property, infrastructure and land-uses. It includes not only the direct impacts of the climate/weather event
itself by also other indirect hazards triggered by that event. A climatic hazard may be slow (like sea level
rise) instead of sudden and severe or may be benign in today’s world and become hazardous in a new,
different climate regime.

Coping strategies are generally short-term actions to ward off immediate risk, rather than to adjust to
continuous or permanent threats or changes. In some cases they deplete assets, leading to higher risk
for recurring hazards. Coping strategies can thereby undermine the possibility of long-term sustainable
adaptation and so it is important to distinguish coping and adapting.

Decadal refers to the number ten, a group of ten things or a period of ten consecutive years.

Disaster risk management according to the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction is the
systematic process of using administrative directives, organizations and operational skills and capacities
to implement strategies, policies and improved coping capacities in order to lessen the adverse impacts
of hazards and the possibility of disasters. It aims to avoid and lessen or transfer the adverse effects of
hazards through activities and measures for prevention, mitigation and preparedness.

Early warming systems are according to the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction the set
of capacities needed to generate and disseminate timely and meaningful warning information to enable
individuals, communities and organizations threatened by a hazard to prepare and to act appropriately
and in sufficient time to reduce the possibility of harm or loss.

xx Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

 Glossary

Energy demand management also known as demand side management, is the modification of
consumer demand for energy through various methods such as financial incentives and education. It is
usually used to encourage the consumer to use less energy during peak hours, or to move the time of
energy use to off-peak times such as nighttime and weekends.

Global warming is the gradual observed century-scale rise in the earth’s average atmospheric
temperature generally attributed to the effect of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide which trap
heat that would otherwise escape from the earth.

Greenhouse effect is a process whereby the presence in the atmosphere of gases such as carbon
dioxide and methane (greenhouse gases) allow the incoming sunlight to pass through to the earth’s
surface but trap and absorb heat radiated back by the surface resulting in the elevation of the average
surface temperature above what it would be in the absence of these gases. This effect makes the planet
warmer, in the same way a greenhouse keeps its inside temperature warmer.

Greenhouse gases are according to the UNFCCC “those gaseous constituents of the atmosphere,
both natural and anthropogenic that absorb and re-emit infrared radiation”. The Kyoto Protocol addresses
six anthropogenic greenhouse gases, namely, carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide
(N2O), sulphur hexfluoride (SF6) hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs) Nitrogen
trifluoride (NF3) was added in the second compliance period which began in 2012 and ends in 2017 or
2020.

Renewable energy is energy that comes from any naturally occurring and replenishable source such
as biomass, solar, wind, tidal, wave, flowing water (hydropower) and geothermal heat.

Resilience according to IPCC is “the ability of a social or ecological system to absorb disturbances
while retaining the same basic structure and ways of functioning, the capacity for self-organization and
the capacity to adapt to stress and change”. Simply, it is the ability to survive, recover from and even
thrive in changing climatic conditions. It includes the ability to understand the potential impacts and to
take appropriate action before, during and after a particular event, such as major flooding or prolonged
drought, to minimize negative effects and maintain the ability to respond to changing conditions including
unpredictable conditions.

Scenario is a sequence of events, course of events, chain of events especially when imagined. It is an
account or synopsis of a possible course of action or events, a description of what could possibly happen.

Vulnerability according to IPCC is “the degree to which a system is susceptible to and unable to cope
with, adverse effects of climate change including climate variability and extremes”. Vulnerability is a
function of the character, magnitude and rate of climate change and variation to which a system is
exposed, its sensitivity and adaptive capacity.

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy xxi

Section
Introduction
1
Climate change is a global issue that should Such a scenario has impacts on Zimbabwe’s
concern every individual, group, organization economy which is primarily agro-based with over
and nation. Mitigation measures and adaptation 70 per cent of the population living in rural areas
strategies are needed for people to and dependant on climate-sensitive livelihoods
accommodate the anticipated changes. The such as arable farming and livestock rearing
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change among others. Thus the Government of
(IPCC) projects that under a business-as-usual Zimbabwe regards climate change as one of the
scenario, carbon dioxide (CO2) levels, around threats to the country and its people and is also
380 ppm in 2007, will increase to 450 ppm. of the view that climate change has the potential
Stabilization at this level will cause an increase to undermine many of the positive developments
in temperature of 2°C and any increase in made in meeting the country’s development
temperature beyond this point will not sustain life goals. Both climate change and policies to
on the planet. Thus climate change presents the minimize its effects have enormous socio-
biggest threat facing mankind today. Major economic and environmental implications. The
adverse impacts of climate change include challenge for the country is how to develop
declining water resources; reduced agricultural adaptation and mitigation strategies that can
productivity; spread of vector-borne diseases to reduce the diverse and complex impacts of
new areas; changes in populations and climate change.
distribution of biodiversity; and turbulent weather
Zimbabwe has actively participated in
and climatic disasters.
international negotiations on climate change
Zimbabwe is experiencing more hot and fewer from as far back as 1992. It was among the first
cold days than before as a result of climate countries to sign and ratify the United Nations
change and variability. The country’s annual Framework Convention on Climate Change
mean surface temperature has warmed by about (UNFCCC) in 1992 and also acceded to the
0.40C from 1900 to 2000. The period from 1980 Kyoto Protocol in 2009. Although Zimbabwe is
to date has been the warmest since Zimbabwe constrained by its limited ability to put in place
started recording its temperature. The timing and appropriate measures in order to respond to
amount of rainfall received are becoming climate change requirements because of lack of
increasingly uncertain. The last 30 years have human, institutional and financial resources, it
shown a trend towards reduced rainfall or heavy has continued through the years to support the
rainfall and drought occurring back to back in the United Nations efforts to curb the escalation of
same season. The frequency and length of dry greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Climate
spells during the rainy season have increased change issues are broadly included in
while the frequency of rain days has declined. Zimbabwe’s National Environmental Policy and

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy 1

SECTION 1: Introduction

Strategies. This has been done to demonstrate The Government of Zimbabwe started
the country’s willingness to contribute to the addressing these policy targets of the MTP
preservation of the global climate for the good of through the Climate Change Office in the then
present and future generations. Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources
Management in 2012 when it initiated a process
Zimbabwe has no official long term development aimed at formulating a comprehensive National
plan but had a Medium Term Plan (MTP) 2012- Climate Change Response Strategy.
2015 which was operational between 2011 and
mid-2013. The MTP recognized that climate The MTP has been superseded by the
change poses a significant and complex Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-
challenge to social and economic development. Economic Transformation (Zim Asset) 2013 -
It acknowledged that increased frequency and 2018 after the 31 July 2013 harmonized
intensity of extreme weather events such as elections. The Zim Asset recognizes that the
droughts; reduced precipitation and gradual country is susceptible to perennial drought and
increases in temperatures would adversely affect floods caused by climatic changes emanating
from global warming. It also notes that the
key natural resource based climate sensitive
climatic changes affect the country’s agro-based
sectors of the economy, particularly, agriculture,
economy whose livelihoods largely depend on
energy, forestry, water and tourism which
rain-fed agriculture, livestock production and
contribute significantly to the country’s Gross
natural resources.
Domestic Product (GDP). It also highlighted that
the development choices that the country would The new government has created the Ministry of
make under the MTP, particularly in the energy Environment, Water and Climate in recognition
sector, might contribute to increased emission of of the importance of climate and climate change.
GHGs thereby contributing to climate change. It The Ministry of Environment, Water and Climate
therefore called for climate-smart policies that falls under the Food Security and Nutrition
placed climate change concerns at the centre of Cluster in the Zim Asset and some of the cluster
development strategies, plans and programmes outputs include strengthening and implementing
in all sectors of the economy. This would ensure the climate and disaster management policy;
the sustainability of strategies for social and promoting conservation agriculture; rehabilitating
economic development as well as their irrigation; promoting drought, high yielding and
compatibility with international best practices on heat tolerant varieties; promoting biofuels and
climate change adaptation and mitigation. renewable energy; all of which address climate
change.
The MTP’s policy objective was to promote
Zimbabwe’s Climate Change Response Strategy
climate change mitigation and adaptation
mainstreams climate change through a sectorial
strategies in social and economic development approach to ensure that each sector implements
at national and sectoral level. Its three policy mitigation and adaptation actions. Each sector
targets were the development of a National will therefore be able to direct its project
Climate Change Strategy; a Climate Change proposals to the appropriate funding mechanism.
Policy and a National Action Plan for Adaptation The Response Strategy is divided into six
and Mitigation. It also aimed to increase the sections. These include an introductory section
integration of adaptation and mitigation which comprises a brief profile of Zimbabwe and
strategies in economic and development the Vision, Mission, Goal, Strategic Objectives,
Pillars and Guiding Principles of the National
activities and policies at national and sectoral
Climate Change Response Strategy (Section 1).
level.

2 Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

 SECTION 1: Introduction

This is followed by a synopsis of climate change 1.1 A Brief Profile of zimbabwe

across scales from global, regional, national to
local level (Section 2); sector specific challenges,
risks, opportunities and impacts as well as Geographical Location and
relevant adaptation and mitigation measures Characteristics
(Section 3); strategy enablers such as capacity
building; technology transfer; climate change Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in southern
education, communication and awareness Africa, lying between latitudes 15° and 23° South
(Section 4); climate change governance (Section of the Equator and longitudes 25° and 34° East
5); and finally a section on Action Plans, of the Greenwich Meridian (See Figure 1). Its
Implementation Framework and Resource area is 390,757 square kilometres. The country
Mobilization (Section 6). is bordered by Mozambique to the East, South
Africa to the South, Botswana to the West and
The National Climate Change Response Zambia to the North and North-west. The
Strategy provides a framework for a compre- Zambezi River to the north and the Limpopo
hensive and strategic approach on aspects of River to the south, form Zimbabwe’s borders with
adaptation, mitigation, technology, financing, Zambia and South Africa, respectively.
public education and awareness. It will help to
inform Government on how to strengthen the Most of the country is elevated in the central
climate and disaster management policies. plateau (Highveldt) stretching from the southwest

Figure 1: zimbabwe and its neighbours.

Source: [Link] (accessed 12-10-2012_12:12hrs)

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy 3

SECTION 1: Introduction

to the northwest at altitudes between 1,200 and minerals, and surface and ground water. Its
1,600 m. The watershed is 650 kilometres long forestry resources cover approximately 66 per
and 80 kilometres wide. The country's east is cent of the total land area.
mountainous with Mount Nyangani as the
highest point in the country at 2,592 m. About 20 Almost 15 per cent of Zimbabwe is under some
per cent of the country consists of the Lowveldt form of statutory protection within the Parks and
below 900 m, with the Zambezi and Limpopo Wild Life Estate or State Land. Indigenous
river valleys found in the north and south, forests and woodlands include the Miombo
respectively, having the lowest altitude of around floristic element comprising the following
500 m above sea level. Figure 1 shows woodland types: Miombo, teak, mopane, Acacia,
Zimbabwe and its current administrative Terminalia and Combretum. The Afromontane
divisions, major towns including the capital city element is localized in the Eastern Highlands
Harare, infrastructural development as well as its mainly on the windward side of the mountains
neighbours.
with the Cape Floristic element occurring on the
Nyanga Mountains.
Zimbabwe has a sub-tropical climate with four
seasons: cool dry season from mid-May to Zimbabwe has 20 million mega litres of total
August; hot dry season from September to mid- annual renewable available freshwater. The
November; the main rainy season running from water is largely replenished through rainfall and
mid-November to mid-March; and the post rainy then runoff into rivers, streams, lakes and
season from mid-March to mid-May. The mean reservoirs, aquifers and freshwater aquatic
monthly temperature varies from 150C in July to systems such as wetlands. The country relies on
240C in November whereas the mean annual surface water resources for 90 per cent of its
temperature varies from 180C on the Highveldt requirements while groundwater supplies the
to 230C in the Lowveldt. The lowest minimum remaining 10 per cent. The estimated
temperatures (70C) are recorded in June or July groundwater resources available for exploitation
and the highest maximum temperatures (290C) in Zimbabwe are 8 million mega litres. There are
in October, or if the rains are delayed, in seven river catchments in the country, namely
November. The climate is moderated by the Manyame, Mazowe, Gwayi, Runde, Sanyati,
altitude with the Eastern Highlands enjoying Save and Mzingwane.
cooler temperature compared to the low lying
Zimbabwe has the second largest number of
areas of the Lowveldt.
dams in the Southern African Development
Zimbabwe is generally a semi-arid country with Community (SADC) region after South Africa.
low annual rainfall reliability. The average annual The country has almost 40 medium to large
rainfall is 650 mm but geographically it ranges dams and lakes including Lake Kariba as well as
from around 350 to 450 mm per year in the about 10,200 small dams. Zimbabwe is a dry
Southern Lowveldt to above 1,000 mm per year country with limited wetlands.
in the Eastern Highlands. The rainfall pattern of Agriculture uses most of Zimbabwe’s water, 81
Zimbabwe is variable with years below and per cent for irrigation, fish farming and livestock
above normal rainfall. watering. The urban, industrial and institutional
sector uses 15 per cent of available water, while
Environment and Natural Resources
mining accounts for 2 per cent of the water. In
Zimbabwe has abundant natural resources that 2001, about 152,000 hectares of land were
include wilderness, arable land, forests, wildlife under formal irrigation with a total of 5,000 to

4 Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

 SECTION 1: Introduction

20,000 under informal irrigation. There is a 13,061,239 people as of August 2012. Of these,
further 600,000 hectares of land nationwide that 41 per cent were children below the age of 15
can be made available for irrigation development. years while four per cent were the elderly above
the age of 65 years. This means that Zimbabwe’s
Zimbabwe faces various natural hazards. These population still has the potential to grow even
include frequent and recurrent droughts on one though its annual growth rate has declined in
extreme and some flooding especially in the
recent years, with a 2002-2012 inter-censal
lower Zambezi Valley on the other extreme.
population growth rate of 1.1 per cent. With such
Severe storms, though rare, also affect the
a growth rate, the population will double in about
country with devastating impacts on the
70 years.
population.
The life expectancy at birth for Zimbabweans is
Current environmental problems include 58 years. The total fertility rate is 3.8 children per
deforestation; soil erosion; land degradation as woman which is one of the lowest in Sub-
well as air and water pollution. Poor mining Saharan Africa. The average household size is
practices have led to toxic waste and heavy 4.2 persons with 65 per cent of these households
metal pollution especially in the more arid parts being male headed. Thirty three (33) per cent of
of the country. The growth of the urban the population live in urban areas and the inter-
populations has also led to pollution of water censal urbanization rate was about 2 per cent
sources. per annum.
Zimbabwe, through the Ministry responsible for Poverty remains high in Zimbabwe, and is
Environment launched the National estimated to be around 63 per cent for Total
Environmental Policy and Strategies in 2009 Consumption Poverty and 16 per cent for Food
that compliments the Environmental Poverty for households according to the Poverty
Management Act [Chapter 20:27], and other Income Consumption and Expenditure Survey
legislation pertaining to environmental protection, 2011/12 Report. It is more widespread in the
monitoring and sustainable management. rural areas at about 76 per cent, although small
Zimbabwe is a signatory to the following pockets (about 6 per cent) of deep poverty also
multilateral environmental agreements, among occur for households in urban areas. Poverty in
others: the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Zimbabwe has many causes, including weak
Deplete the Ozone Layer; United Nations macro-economic performance and high and
Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD); rising levels of unemployment, which leave most
the United Nations Convention on Biological people dependent on subsistence agriculture in
Diversity (UNCBD) and its Cartagena Protocol climatically marginal areas.
on Biosafety; Convention on International Trade
in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora The major health issues in Zimbabwe relate to
(CITES) and the United Nations Convention on child mortality, maternal health and the top four
the Law of the Sea, in addition to the UNFCCC killer diseases, the human immunodeficiency
and its Kyoto Protocol. virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency
syndrome (AIDS) epidemic, malaria, tuberculosis
Demographics and Human Well-being
and diarrheal diseases. Though the adult
According to the Zimbabwe National Statistical prevalence rates for HIV and AIDS fell during the
Agency (ZIMSTAT) Census Report published in period 2000-2012 (from an estimated 34 per cent
2013, Zimbabwe had a total population of in 2000 to13.7 per cent in 2009; according to the

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy 5

SECTION 1: Introduction

Demographic and Health Survey 2010-2011); 1.2 Since the introduction of multi-currencies in
million people live with HIV. In addition, the 2009, the GDP per capita grew from US$520 per
number of orphans is estimated at about one person in 2009 to US$693 per person in 2011.
million and vulnerable children have also The introduction of the multi-currencies also
increased as parents were lost. brought the rate of inflation to a halt in January
2009 after it had reached an all-time high of 231
Zimbabwe achieved near universal primary
education for all in the 1980s which laid a million per cent in July 2008. Inflation in
foundation towards the fulfillment of the Zimbabwe has been hovering between 3 and 4
Millennium Development Goal 2. This was per cent from January 2010 to December 2012.
achieved through massive expansion of primary The year on year rate of inflation as at December
and secondary education facilities throughout the 2012 stood at 2.9 per cent.
country. The Zimbabwe Demographic Health Zimbabwe has an estimated potential labour
Survey 2010-2011 found that the overall literacy
force of 7,661,295 million adults aged 15 years
rate for women was 94 per cent whereas that of
and above. However, the economically active
men was 96 per cent. By 2011 Zimbabwe had
population was estimated as 5,120,540 million
the highest literacy rate in Africa. The national
by the national census of 2012. Of this number,
census of 2012 put the national literacy rate at
66 per cent are employed in agriculture, 24 per
96 per cent.
cent in services and about 10 per cent in
Economic Sectors industry. The unemployment rate increased from
6 per cent in 1999 to 9 per cent in 2002 and was
Economy and labour force: Zimbabwe has a
57 per cent for women and 31 per cent for men
fairly diversified economy based on agriculture,
by 2010-2011 when the ZIMSTAT carried out the
mining, manufacturing, commerce, forestry, and
last Demographic and Health Survey. The
tourism, among others. Over the period 1980-
percentage varies with the definition of
1999 the GDP measured in real terms, grew at
employment and whether those in the informal
an average rate of 3.8 per cent per year.
sector are defined as being employed. The 2012
However, the economy faced severe challenges
national census using the broad definition of
during the period 2000-2008 with the annual real
GDP growth suffering declines averaging 5.3 per employment put the unemployment rate at 11.1
cent between 2003 and 2008. The country per cent of the economically active labour force.
witnessed an unprecedented decline in GDP per Agriculture: Zimbabwe has an agricultural
capita to levels as low as USD300. According to based economy with the sector contributing
the Zim-Asset, Zimbabwe’s economy has been about 15 per cent each year to the GDP.
on a recovery path since 2009, registering Agriculture provides about 60 per cent of the total
growth, with a real GDP growth rate of 5.4 per
employment and also supplies raw materials to
cent in 2009, 11.4 per cent in 2010 and reaching
industry. Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector is
a peak of 11.9 per cent in 2011. However, the
divided into four major sub-sectors namely; large
recovery remained fragile as the growth declined
scale commercial farms, small scale commercial
from 11.9 per cent in 2011 to 10.6 per cent in
farms, communal and resettlement areas. The
2012 and 3.4 per cent in 2013.
agrarian structure has changed with the recent
The Nominal GDP was estimated at USD8.9 land reform in Zimbabwe with 99 per cent of the
billion in 2011 and at USD7.4 billion in real terms. farmers now being smallholder farmers. Of these

6 Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

 SECTION 1: Introduction

81 per cent are communal farmers, 18.7 per cent Industry: Industry comprising the construction,
resettled farmers and 0.1 per cent large scale manufacturing, processing and secondary
farmers. production sectors, is a key contributor to
economic development in Zimbabwe. It
The country is divided into five natural regions on contributes 14 per cent of GDP. The industry
the basis of soil type, rainfall, temperature and sector used to be mainly formal; however, the
other climatic factors (Figure 2). These regions introduction of the Economic Structural
also represent the agricultural potential for the Adjustment Programme in the 1990s and the
production of crops and livestock. The country resulting opening up of the economy and
produces a variety of crops in its different agro- retrenchment of employees, induced growth of
ecological zones which include staple crops such the informal sector. Indeed, according to the
as maize, sorghum, mhunga (pearl millet), 2012 national census the formal sector now has
rapoko (finger millet), oilseeds (sunflower, about 1.5 million employees compared to 2.5
million in the informal sector.
groundnuts and soya beans) and industrial crops
which include tobacco, cotton, edible dry beans The manufacturing sector is diversified and well
and paprika. The country rears a variety of integrated with the rest of the Zimbabwean
livestock that include cattle, sheep, pigs and economy and has strong linkages with
goats. There is also a thriving wild life industry agriculture, mining, construction and commerce.
represented by national parks and Zimbabwe’s manufacturing sector is well known
conservancies. for the diversity of its products. The industries

Figure 2: zimbabwe’s agro-ecological regions.

Source: United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (accessed 07-11-2012)

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy 7

SECTION 1: Introduction

include food processing, metals, leather and compared to the 1990s. A negative balance of
leather products, wood and furniture, clothing trade has been experienced since 2002;
and textiles, chemicals, paper and plastics, however, export earnings were projected to grow
among others. Most of these manufacturing by at least 10 per cent from around US$4.3
industries make use of the agricultural and billion in 2011 to US$4.7 billion in 2012 as a
mining outputs as their raw materials. result of the gradual economic recovery since
2009. This is underpinned by favourable
The manufacturing sector at its peak, contributed
international commodity prices and improved
23 per cent to GDP. However, since 2006 the
output of export commodities from the
sector recorded declines in output and is
agriculture, mining and manufacturing sectors.
estimated to have declined by 73.3 per cent in
2008. According to the Zim Asset the average The import bill was projected to marginally
capacity utilization was 57 per cent in 2011 and increase from around US$5.6 billion in 2011 to
44 per cent in 2012. The Industrial Development US$5.7 billion in 2012 with food imports
Policy (2012-2016) aims to institute measures to expected to decline while non-food imports were
raise capacity utilization to above 90 per cent by projected to increase.
2016. The services industry is also a very
important sector that has contributed to the South Africa remains Zimbabwe’s single largest
country’s GDP. trading partner accounting for at least 40 per cent
of total exports and 60 per cent of total imports.
Mining: The mining sector accounts for about 44 Traditionally, the European Union (EU) used to
per cent of Zimbabwe’s GDP, at least 30 per cent be the major export destination for Zimbabwe
of foreign exchange earnings and 5 per cent
accounting for two-thirds of total exports. China
formal employment. Zimbabwe has more than
is the third most important market for Zimbabwe
1,000 mines producing about 35 minerals the
after South Africa and the EU, with around 7 per
main ones being gold, platinum, gold, nickel,
chrome, iron ore, copper, coal, cobalt, tin, cent share of Zimbabwe’s total exports.
granite, chrysotile asbestos, lithium and more
Zimbabwe launched its National Trade Policy
recently diamonds. The country is among the
(2012-2016) in 2012 whose main objectives are
low-cost producers of minerals because of
abundant shallow deposits. to increase exports and promote the
diversification of the country’s export basket with
Similar to other sectors, mining suffered declines an ultimate target of increasing the export
during 2000-2008, but there has been earnings by at least 10 per cent annually from
resurgence in the sector with increasing US$4.3 billion in 2011 to US$7 billion in 2016;
production in gold, coal and platinum and the promote enhanced value-addition of primary
discovery of new minerals such as diamonds.
commodities in all sectors; consolidate and
Whereas the agricultural and manufacturing
expand existing markets and explore new
sectors have been the main contributors to
markets, with the main focus being to expand
export earnings, these have been overtaken
into regional markets; enhance trade facilitation
lately by the mining sector, which now accounts
for about 50 per cent of the country’s total in order to expedite trade flows by reducing
exports. and/or eliminating barriers to trade; give
guidance to trade policy instruments such as
Trade: Zimbabwe’s trade performance declined tariffs, non-tariff measures and trade defense
both in volume and value during 2008-2010 mechanisms with the aim of promoting trade,

8 Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

 SECTION 1: Introduction

protecting local industry from unfair trade over the last 10 years. Other forms of transport
practices, as well as improving access by are air, and boats which are used in the man-
consumers to a wide range of goods and made dams of the country. The transport sector
services. contributes about 7 per cent to GDP.

Energy: The main sources of energy used in Zimbabwe has several radio stations as well as
Zimbabwe are electricity (from coal-fired stations, fixed and mobile telephones services. The latter
hydro-electricity and solar energy), petroleum is the fastest growing sector in the
products (including kerosene/paraffin), propane communication industry with more than 9 million
gas and fuel wood. Zimbabwe has coal reserves subscribers in 2011.
to meet ten times its electricity and petroleum
Tourism: Tourism is the fourth leading foreign
needs for the next 100 years; hydro-power which
if fully developed can meet the country’s needs; exchange earner in Zimbabwe contributing about
abundant coal-bed methane gas deposits as well 10 per cent to the country’s GDP which rises to
as uranium deposits. Most of the electricity is 16.3 per cent when other key supply chain
used in urban areas. activities are considered. Real growth, in terms
of services has occurred in the tourism industry
Fuel wood is the most commonly used fuel for since 2009, with the number of arrivals rising
over 90 per cent households in rural areas. from year to year.
Charcoal is not widely used in the country. The
national fuel wood consumption is estimated at The country is richly endowed with a variety of
around 9.4 million tonnes per year. The African tourist attractions. It has one of the Seven
Development Bank estimated a sustainable yield Wonders of the World, the Victoria Falls, which
of 13 million tonnes per year in 2004. is a World Heritage Site. The scenic eastern
highlands are dominated by mountains,
Energy demand is growing gradually, by over 2 waterfalls and forests. The country has a variety
per cent annually. Local supply does not meet of national parks and trans-frontier parks with
demand. The shortfall is made up with imports of
over 100 large mammal species which include
electricity from Zambia, Mozambique and South
the big five; elephant, rhinoceros, leopard, lion
Africa. However, with the rising demand of
and buffalo. The country is proud of both its
electricity regionally, Zimbabwe has been
tangible and intangible heritage; the former
working on expansion projects of the existing
consisting of historic structures such as the Great
plants and also initiating new hydro-power
Zimbabwe and Khami Ruins both of which are
generation projects particularly on the major
World Heritage Sites.
rivers that border the country. Further
development of solar power and bioenergy are Political and Decision Making Structures:
also being pursued.
Zimbabwe is a Sovereign State with a
Transport and Communication: Zimbabwe’s democratically elected Executive President who
transport sector is dominated by road transport is both head of State and Government. The
with 88,133 kilometres of road overall, of which Zimbabwe legal system is based on Roman
17,420 kilometres are paved. There are 2,400 Dutch Law. A new constitution was adopted in
km of rail track. There has been a steady May 2013 to replace the Lancaster House
increase in the registered vehicle population in Constitution of 1979. Harmonized elections are
the country with the number of vehicles doubling held every five years.

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy 9

SECTION 1: Introduction

1.2 The Vision, Mission, Goal, f) Develop Nationally Appropriate Mitigation

Strategic Objectives, Pillars Actions (NAMAs) as a step towards low
and Guiding Principles of carbon development strategies for Zimbabwe.
zimbabwe’s Climate Change g) Address climate change through evidence-
Response Strategy based research, technology development and
transfer.
1.2.1 Vision h) Promote and protect health under a changing
To create a climate change resilient nation. climate.
ii) Develop an effective climate change
communication information management and
1.2.2 Mission communication system that facilitates access
To ensure sustainable development and a by all stakeholder groups.
climate proofed economy through engaging all j) Strengthen and mainstream climate change in
stakeholders recognizing the vulnerable nature all education curricula.
of Zimbabwe’s natural resources and society.
k) Mainstream gender, children and youth,
people living with HIV and AIDS and other
vulnerable groups into all climate change
1.2.3 Goal interventions.
To mainstream climate change adaptation and l) Develop and maintain an appropriate climate
mitigation strategies in economic and social governance framework and institutional
development at national and sectoral levels mechanisms aimed at coordinating climate
through multi-stakeholder engagement. change responses.

1.2.4 Strategic Objectives 1.2.5 Pillars

a) Mainstream climate change in all the key Pillar 1:
sectors of the economy.
Adaptation and Disaster Risk Management.
b) Promote resource use efficiency and less
carbon intense pathways in all economic
Pillar 2:
activities and develop a climate change
resilient energy infrastructure that is not Mitigation and low carbon development
carbon intense. strategies (LCDS)

c) Develop climate proofed and environmentally

sustainable transport systems that are less Pillar 3:
carbon intense. Capacity to effect:
d) Promote sustainable development, l Adaptation and mitigation.
management and utilization of water resources l Climate change communication.
under changing climatic conditions. l Education and raising awareness.
e) Promote sustainable land-use systems that l Research and development.
enhance agricultural production, ensure food l Appropriate institutions to address climate
security and maintain ecosystem integrity. change issues.

10 Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

 SECTION 1: Introduction

Pillar 4: 1.2.6 Guiding Principles

Governance framework: a) Demand driven by national aspirations.
l Institutions.
b) Country-driven and predicated on national
l Networks. development priorities.
l Negotiations.
c) Aligned with national laws, international
obligations and commitments.
Pillar 5: d) Mainstream climate change into policy and
Finance and Investment. legal framework as well as development
l Partnerships. planning.

l International Financing. e) Mainstream sustainable development.

f) Participation and engagement of all

stakeholders.
Pillar 6:
Technology development and transfer, including g) Response which is knowledge and evidence
infrastructure. based that incorporates indigenous knowledge
systems, culture and science.

Pillar 7: h) Access to information.

Communication and advocacy: i) Precautionary principle.

Information management and dissemination. j) Mainstream the rights based approach.

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy 11

Section
Climate and Climate Change
2
2.1 Climate Change from a atmospheric concentration of these gases.
Global Perspective Global atmospheric concentrations of the GHGs
have increased since 1750, rising by 70 per cent
between 1970 and 2004. The annual emissions
The earth’s climate system has demonstrably of carbon dioxide grew by about 80 per cent over
changed at both global and regional scales since the same period (Figure 3). Continued GHG
the pre-industrial era, with some of these emissions at or above current rates would cause
changes attributable to human activities which further warming and induce many changes in the
have increased the atmospheric concentrations global climate system during the 21st century that
of greenhouse gases and aerosols. The would very likely be larger than those observed
atmospheric concentrations of key anthro- during the 20th century.
pogenic greenhouse gases [i.e., carbon dioxide
Global increase in CO2 concentrations is
(CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and
primarily a result of fossil fuel use, with land use-
tropospheric ozone (O3)] reached their highest
change providing another significant but smaller
recorded levels in the 1990s, primarily due to the
contribution. The observed increase in CH4
combustion of fossil fuels, agriculture, and land-
concentration is predominantly caused by
use changes.
agriculture and fossil fuel use; whereas the
The increase in GHGs is a process that increase in N2O concentration comes primarily
continues today, leading to an ever increasing from agriculture and transport.

Figure 3: Trends in temperature change and atmospheric CO2 concentrations 1850-2010.

Adopted from Global Environment Outlook, 2012.

12 Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

 SECTION 2: Climate and Climate Change

The IPCC has published four assessment systems are enormous, it becomes important to
reports that progressively identify human estimate the possible range of future climates we
activities as the driving force behind present and may experience over the next one hundred
future global climate change. Its conclusion is years. This is determined using computer models
that: “warming of the climate system is and scenarios. General circulation models are
unequivocal, as it is now evident from dynamic computer models of the atmosphere
observations of increases in global average air and oceans that have been used to estimate
and ocean temperatures, widespread melting of climate change attributed to a doubling of CO 2
snow and ice, and rising global mean sea level.” and to transient increases in GHGs
There is new and stronger evidence that most of concentrations. Currently these models are the
the warming observed over the last 50 years is only methods that permit prediction of future
attributable to human activities. climate change. Generally, these models agree
on the importance of GHGs, especially CO2, in
According to the IPCC Fourth Assessment
Report (2007), the period 1995-2006 ranks driving global warming and climate change.
among the warmest years in the instrumental Global warming is inducing instabilities in the
record of global surface temperature since 1850 Earth’s climate, which are already known to have
(Figure 4), with the final decade of the twentieth many harmful effects. What is not yet known is
century being regarded as the warmest in the how serious the situation could become. The
past millennium. possibilities range from bad and costly to fix
(such as saving many valuable coastal areas
Figure 4: Global near-surface temperatures from from flooding and fighting new and more
1880 to 2000. Source: IPCC 2007. pervasive diseases) to the much less probable
but potentially catastrophic effects of a sudden,
significant climate shift that would be difficult to
reverse.

Altered frequencies and intensities of extreme

weather, together with sea level rise, are
expected to have most adverse effects on
natural and human systems. Anthropogenic
warming and sea level rise would continue for
centuries because of the time scales associated
with climate processes and feedbacks, even if
GHG concentrations were to be stabilized.
Anthropogenic warming could lead to some
Modelling results from research centres in
impacts that are abrupt or irreversible, depending
Europe, America and Japan agree that the
upon the rate and magnitude of the climate
period 1997 to 2011 were the warmest years on
change. Although the exact extent of harm from
record with 1998 and 2010 being the hottest.
global warming may be difficult to predict now, it
These findings add weight to the common
can be said with confidence that the harmful
conclusion that in spite of short-term spatial and
effects of global warming on climate will
temporal variability, the clear long-term trend is
one of global warming. significantly outweigh the possible benefits. An
important consequence of climate change is that
Given that the potential consequences of a the future climate will be less familiar, more
rapidly warming climate for natural and human uncertain and, possibly, more extreme.

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy 13

SECTION 2: Climate and Climate Change

In order to deal with this phenomenon, the Decadal climate predictions will be highly
international community adopted the UNFCCC experimental until a much better understanding
in 1992 that aims to stabilize concentrations of of the physical mechanisms of decadal climate
GHGs at a level that would prevent any variability has been developed. Model
dangerous interference with the climate system development and improvement efforts and the
and to bring down GHGs emissions in 2000 to study of the climate system with expanded
the 1990 emission level. The international ocean, land, atmosphere and ice observational
community also adopted the Kyoto Protocol; to networks are needed to achieve these
define legally binding targets in emission objectives.
reduction for UNFCCC for developed countries
The warming trend observed in southern Africa
listed in Annex 1 in order to halt and reverse the
over the last few decades is consistent with the
upward trends in GHG emissions.
global trend of temperature rise in the 1970s,
The international committee recently met to 1980s and 1990s and the timing of periods of
review progress at the Rio+20 conference and most rapid warming has also been similar. The
had a declaration that emphasized adaptation to six warmest years have occurred since 1980,
climate change as an urgent global priority that with the period 1986-1995 being the warmest
and driest. The temperatures in the southern
must feature high on any agenda and that the
African region have risen by 0.50C over the past
global nature of climate change requires all
100 years and are further expected to increase
countries to cooperate and participate in the
at a rate of 0.050C per decade.
international action to fast-track reduction in
GHG emissions. According to the 4th IPCC Assessment Report,
there is already evidence that Africa is warming
faster than the global average, and this is likely
to continue. The warming occurs all year-round.
2.2 Climate Change from a
By 2100, temperature changes will fall into
Southern African Regional
ranges of about 1.4 to almost 5.8°C increase in
Perspective
mean surface temperature compared to 1990.
This warming will be greatest over the interior of
Significant progress has been made in the IPCC semi-arid margins of the Sahara and central
Fourth Assessment Report (2007) in many southern Africa.
aspects of the knowledge required to understand
climate change. However, there remain There is strong evidence, based on analysis of
minimum and maximum temperature trends that
important areas where further work is required,
the region is getting warmer. The trends are
in particular, the understanding and prediction of
displayed as departures (or anomalies) from the
regional changes in climate and climate
1961-1990 average. After the mid-1970s, these
extremes; and the quantification of climate
anomalies are almost all positive; approximately
change impacts at the regional and local levels.
0.8 °C above the 1961-1990 average over the
Modellers in the region, particularly in South last two decades. These anomalies are also
Africa, are trying to address the prediction for larger in more recent years, suggesting that the
time scales between that for weather forecasts rates of increase in minimum and maximum
(typically seven days ahead) and seasonal temperatures are increasing. This is consistent
forecasts, and between seasonal forecasts and with detected increases in global annual surface
multi-decadal climate change projections. air temperatures.

14 Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

 SECTION 2: Climate and Climate Change

Regional scenarios for future climate change climate for many years. These alternating
over southern Africa based on general circulation patterns of above-normal/below-normal rainfall
models project temperature increases of periods clearly illustrate the rainfall cycles
between 1 and 3° over most land areas by prevalent in southern Africa.
approximately 2060 (Figure 5).
Many impacts of climate change will be
Predicted increases are greatest towards the arid experienced through the changes in extreme
regions in the southwest of the African landmass, events such as droughts, floods and storms.
which are also the regions which are suggested Already extreme wet and dry years have been
to receive the largest decreases in average recorded, which resulted in floods and droughts.
rainfall in the future. Temperatures are also In 1999-2000, for example, tropical cyclone Eline
expected to rise more during the dry season of caused widespread flooding in southern and
June to November than during the wetter central Mozambique, south-eastern Zimbabwe
December to May season. and parts of South Africa and Botswana. In 1982-
Changes in rainfall are harder to detect because 1983, 1986-87 and 1991-92 serious droughts
rainfall varies so much from place to place and were experienced that caused a decrease in
from year to year across southern Africa. Existing crop and livestock production in many parts of
evidence for rainfall trends suggests moderate the region.
decreases in annual rainfall over parts of
Unfortunately, assessments of climate change
southern Africa. There is also evidence which
are often limited to mean temperature and
shows that inter-annual rainfall variability over
precipitation. Knowledge of changes in extremes
southern Africa has increased since the late
is sparse, particularly for southern Africa. Results
1960s and that droughts have become more
of analysis of extreme events using the best
intense and widespread in the region. The
climate models from the IPCC Fourth
pattern of anomalies demonstrates that year-to-
year rainfall variability is high across the region, Assessment Report show that different models
and has been a persistent feature of the region’s project different trends in wet and dry extremes

Figure 5: 30-year running means of area averaged 2m-temperature in Scenario 1. Shown are the
anomalies from the 1961-1990 mean. Full (dashed) lines denote 30-year Unit: 0C periods that
are (not) significantly different from the control period. Source: Katarina et al., 2006.

DIF DIF
MAM MAM
JJA JJA
SCN SCN

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy 15

SECTION 2: Climate and Climate Change

in some regions. Generally the results show an mean temperature increasing by about 0.40C
increasing intensity of both floods and droughts. since 1900. The 1990s decade has been the
warmest during the last century. This warming
Area averaged rainfall series for north-east
has been greatest during the dry season. Day-
South Africa, Zimbabwe, western Mozambique
time temperatures have warmed more than
and southern Malawi and Zambia show that
night-time temperatures during the wet season.
multi-decadal rainfall oscillations have occurred
There has been an increase in both the minimum
during the 20th century. The models generally
and maximum temperatures over Zimbabwe
show a drying trend for much of the 21st century,
represented by a decrease in the number of days
although decade-to-decade rainfall fluctuations
with a minimum temperature of 120C and a
in the simulations are evident early in the century.
maximum of 300C (Figure 6).
The simulated annual cycles in a warmer climate
show a one month delay of the rainfall onset and
Figure 6: Number of days with a minimum
no shift in rainfall cessation months, thus
temperature of 120C and a maximum of
implying shorter rainy seasons. This delayed 300C during 1950-1990 and national
seasonal rainfall onset is predicted even in the rainfall deviation during 1910-2000.
northern parts of southern Africa.

Extremely low rainfall (defined as the intensity of

events occurring once every ten years) is
predicted to become less extreme over central
South Africa and Lesotho, increasing by about
50 per cent around 2100. Most models simulate
an increase of the extreme dry events over the
Kalahari by up to 30 per cent. Such conditions
are favourable for a further eastward
encroachment of the Kalahari Desert. The
models are unable to simulate tropical
cyclones/storms, which are one of the main
sources of torrential rains and flooding
([Link]/africa_scenarios).

Global climate for much of the year 2011 was

heavily influenced by one of the strongest La
Nina events in history and was closely
associated with many notable extreme regional
events including drought in east Africa and
flooding in southern Africa. Future scenarios have predicted increases in
global-mean temperature of between 1.30 and
4.60C by 2100, representing global warming
rates of between 0.10 and 0.40C per decade.
2.3 Evidence of Climate Change in
zimbabwe Over the Years Zimbabwe's continental interior location means
that it is predicted to warm more rapidly in the
future than the global average.
Zimbabwe has experienced a warming trend
towards the end of the twentieth century There has been an overall decline of nearly 5 per
compared to the beginning, with the annual- cent in rainfall across Zimbabwe during the 20th

16 Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

 SECTION 2: Climate and Climate Change

century with the early 1990s witnessing probably This decrease is predicted to occur in all
the driest period in the past century (Figures 6, seasons, but is more conclusive for the early and
7). There have also been substantial periods, for late rains than for the main rainy season months
example, the 1920s, 1950s, 1970s that have of December to February. By the 2080s, annual
been much wetter than average. rainfall averages are projected to be between 5
per cent and 18 per cent less than the 1961-1990
Model experiments suggest that annual rainfall average. Table 1 summarizes the past and future
will decrease across Zimbabwe in the future. climate trends in Zimbabwe.

Figure 7: Time series of the national average rainfall for zimbabwe 1901-2009.
Courtesy of the Zimbabwe Meteorological Services.

Table 2.1. A summary of past and future climate trends in zimbabwe

Climate feature key messages Source

Past climate variability High variability, frequent drought years Historical rainfall records
and occasional flood events

Past climate trends Increasing temperatures Historical temperature and rainfall

(~0.1°C/decade) records

No conclusive changes in precipitation

Future climate trends Increasing temperatures of around World Climate Research Programme’s
2.5°C by 2050 Coupled Model Inter-comparison
Project Phase 3 (CMIP3) Global
Possible decrease in rainfall particularly Climate Model Multi-model Projections
during the rainy season onset (Sep- and Climate Systems Analysis Group
Nov) (CSAG), University of Cape Town finer
scale projections

Adapted from the Department for International Development, UK, Support to the Strategic Programme Review for
Climate Change, Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy 17

Section 3
Sector Specific Challenges, Risks and Impacts;
Adaptation, Mitigation and Opportunities

Climate change adaptation is of great importance energy, especially for domestic cooking and
to Zimbabwe and other countries that are heating; and open burning including vegetation
experiencing the effects of this phenomenon. fires and waste burning. These are drivers of
Zimbabwe’s contribution to GHG emissions is emissions of substances into the atmosphere.
very insignificant, yet the country has suffered
the brunt of climate change in recent years Among these emissions are short-lived climate
especially through the increased frequency of pollutants (SLCPs), the major ones being
droughts, floods and epidemics. These make methane, black carbon and tropospheric ozone
climate change adaptation a necessity for that are responsible for a substantial fraction of
Zimbabweans. climate change and have detrimental health and
environmental impacts. Black carbon exists as
However, while the country’s focus is mainly on particles in the atmosphere and is a major
adaptation to climate change, this does not make component of soot. It has significant human
mitigation irrelevant. Various activities are being health and climate impacts. Black carbon is not
implemented to reduce the amounts of GHGs a GHG but it warms the atmosphere by
emitted, and to promote a green economy. intercepting sunlight and absorbing it. It absorbs
Whereas the definition of ‘green economy’ is visible light and this absorption leads to a
widely contested, it generally implies an disturbance of the planetary radiation balance
economy that results in “improved human well- and eventually to warming. Black carbon can
being and social equity, while significantly also influence cloud formation and precipitation
reducing environmental risks and ecological patterns. It results from the incomplete
scarcities”. The following issues are identified as combustion of fossil fuels, wood and other
pertinent for the development of Zimbabwe’s biomass. Black carbon is emitted from many
Climate Change Response Strategy. common sources found in Zimbabwe, such as
cars and trucks; biomass stoves, forest fires and
some industrial facilities.
3.1 Natural Systems
Ozone is a reactive gas that exists in two layers
of the atmosphere with the stratospheric (upper
3.1.1 Climate Change Issues layer) being considered beneficial as it protects
Associated with Air Pollution life on Earth from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet
The main causes of change in atmospheric radiation. By contrast the tropospheric ozone
composition in Zimbabwe are urbanization; (ground level to about 15 km) is an air pollutant
motorization; economic activity and power harmful to human health and ecosystems, and is
generation using fossil fuels; use of biomass for a major component of urban smog. In Zimbabwe

18 Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

 SECTION 3: Sector Specific Challenges, Risks and Impacts; Adaptation, Mitigation and Opportunities

there is increasing evidence of deteriorating air Short-lived climate pollutants have a relatively
quality in the main cities, particularly over the dry short atmospheric lifetime; their concentrations
winter months when thermal inversions prevail, decline fairly quickly in the atmosphere if their
trapping particulate pollutant gases, and causing precursor emissions are drawn down. Hence
smog. Tropospheric ozone is a significant GHG reducing methane and black carbon emissions
and is the third most important contributor to the can be an effective way to slow global warming
anthropogenic enhancement of global warming over the next two to four decades. With the CO2
after CO2 and CH4. measures alone it is likely that global warming
will exceed 20C before 2050. Fast action to
Tropospheric ozone is formed by the action of
reduce short-lived climate pollutants especially
sunlight on ozone precursors that have natural
methane and black carbon, has the potential to
and anthropogenic sources. These are CH4,
slow down the warming expected by 2050 by as
nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic
much as 0.5 0C. The combination of CO2, CH4,
compounds (VOCs) and carbon monoxide (CO).
Studies by the Air Pollution Information Network and black carbon measures can be projected to
for Africa (APINA) showed that CO constituted hold the temperature increase below 20C until
74 per cent of Zimbabwe’s total emissions using 2070 if the measures to reduce emissions of the
2000 as the base year and was mostly from SLCPs are fully implemented. Because they
savannah burning and vegetation and forest have a short atmospheric lifetime, the removal of
fires. The other pollutants such as NOx short-lived climate pollutants also has a relatively
contributed about five per cent. Methane small effect on long term global warming. Hence
emissions were not included in the emissions while reducing short-lived climate pollutants
inventory but were reported under Zimbabwe’s helps to slow global warming and avoiding
First and Second National Communications to exceeding the 20C target; immediate reductions
the UNFCCC. Reductions in both CH4 and CO of CO2 and other long-lived GHGs are needed
emissions have the potential to substantially to meet the target over the long term.
reduce ozone concentrations and reduce global
warming. In contrast, reducing VOCs has a small A small number of emission reduction measures
impact on the global scale while reducing NOx targeting black carbon and ozone precursors
has minimal net impact on climate but reducing could begin to immediately protect the climate,
both substances can have a beneficial effect on protect human health and crop yields. These
peak ozone concentrations in cities and include the recovery of methane from coal, oil
associated rural areas. and gas extraction and transport; methane
capture in waste management; use of clean-
The Air Pollution Information Network for Africa
burning stoves for cooking; diesel particulate
has also modelled tropospheric ozone
filters for vehicles and the banning of field
concentrations over southern Africa and showed
burning of agricultural waste and veldt fires.
a band of high surface ozone values extending
over Botswana and Zimbabwe down into north- Immediate action on priority mitigation measures
east of South Africa. However further modelling to reduce short-lived climate pollutants can be
and ground-truthing is needed to more implemented through existing government
accurately define the geographical extent and programmes, new national initiatives and
risks of these high levels of surface ozone and international action programmes. Many of the
to explore their possible contribution to global measures are cost-neutral and lead to efficiency
warming and climate change. gains as well as other socio-economic benefits

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy 19

SECTION 3: Sector Specific Challenges, Risks and Impacts; Adaptation, Mitigation and Opportunities

and are good options for integrating with wider rain formation is a direct function of atmospheric
development goals; for example measures in the conditions. Global warming will result in sea level
waste management sector and domestic cooking rises as water held as snow and ice melts. As
and heating. noted earlier, global climatic models predict that
extreme events (droughts and floods) will
Recognizing that mitigation of the impacts of increase as a result of climate change with sub-
these short-lived climate pollutants is critical in Saharan Africa, for instance, receiving less
the near term, a number of countries have come rainfall and experiencing higher temperature
together to address the issue in a coordinated rises. This means that Zimbabwe has to prepare
manner and formed a Climate and Clean Air itself for less rainfall and, hence, less natural
Coalition to Reduce Short-Lived Climate average runoff in rivers as a result of climate
Pollutants (CCAC) whose secretariat is UNEP change.
Paris.

Strategies [Link] Water Resources Availability Issues

a) Carry out an assessment to determine the Zimbabwe’s long term average annual surface
main sources and levels of short-lived climate
run-off is estimated to be 23.7 x 106 megalitres.
pollutants in Zimbabwe.
The distribution of average runoff varies from 21
b) Introduce measures to control and capture millimetres per year in the Gwayi Catchment to
short-lived climate pollutants. 126 millimetres per year in the Mazowe and parts
c) Promote use of cleaner technologies. of the Save Catchment. Water can be accessed
d) Develop and implement policies and
from direct river abstractions or through storage
works. The country also boasts of groundwater
regulatory frameworks that restrict release
reserves which have been grouped into 10
of short-lived climate pollutants.
hydro-geological units which yield approximately
1.8 x 106 megalitres from registered and
monitored uses.
3.1.2 Climate Change Issues for the
Water Sector Additional water can be obtained through
recycling. Most recycling takes place in urban
The hydrological cycle comprises of 1.3 x 10
9

cubic kilometres of water of which 2.8 percent is centres where, potentially, wastewater can be
available as freshwater to satisfy all the treated to sufficient standards for discharge into
competing uses (environment, agriculture, urban public river systems. Assuming pre-treatment to
and industrial, sanitation, energy generation, acceptable water quality levels, recycling adds
etc.). Thus, water management faces challenges more water into the supply system.
in trying to satisfy increasing competing uses
Climate change will affect the water sector in
from this little finite resource against a
Zimbabwe in a number of areas (e.g. domestic
background of degrading water quality. This also
supplies, agriculture, industry, energy, etc.). This
creates potential for conflict among the different
is because the IPCC (2007) predicts a 3.10C
sectors and water users.
temperature increase in the 21st century
Climate change is generally viewed from the together with a reduction in precipitation in
perspective of global warming associated with southern Africa of about 15 per cent. It is
disturbances in global energy balances. These predicted that, in general, seasons will change
imbalances also affect the hydrological cycle as with hotter dry seasons and colder winters

20 Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

 SECTION 3: Sector Specific Challenges, Risks and Impacts; Adaptation, Mitigation and Opportunities

anticipated. The traditional onset and cessation any negative climatic impacts on water resources
of rainfall seasons will shift with fears of shorter will have serious consequences across the
and more erratic rainfall seasons. board, as water issues are cross-cutting and
multi-sectoral.
The reduction in precipitation means that the
region will receive less water for runoff, infiltration Zimbabwe, like many countries in the sub-
and evaporation. In addition, projected Saharan region faces challenges of data
temperature rises will cause an increase in generation as the rainfall and runoff gauging
evaporation which will result in reduced network is inadequate with the existing stations
quantities of available water. The projected facing reliability problems. A sound monitoring
reduction in rainfall has amplified impacts on network is central to understanding the extent of
channel flow as natural runoff will reduce by large climate change in the country.
proportions.

Reduced river flows will result in less inflow into Strategies

reservoirs and, hence, reduced storages. In the
a) Strengthen and intensify monitoring networks
long term, this means that yields from reservoirs
for hydro-meteorological parameters.
will be reduced and there will be less quantities
of water available for allocation across all b) Conduct more frequent yield assessments of
sectors. This will have impacts on food security, surface and groundwater resources.
urban water supplies, industrial production and
c) Promote water use efficiency in all sectors.
the environment. There will be less water
available for self-purification processes for both
surface and ground water which will negatively
impact on the quality of water. This, in [Link] Water Development Issues
combination with increased threats of siltation About a quarter of the potential storage of water
from uncoordinated land-use practices, will has so far been developed country-wide in
severely deplete the quantity and quality of river Zimbabwe. Although this estimation is based on
flow and storage capacities.
mean annual flows which are projected to
Groundwater will be affected by reduced decline as a result of climate change, there is still
recharge resulting in the general lowering of room to develop more storage within the country
aquifer levels. This implies larger pumping heads to supply current and future requirements.
and increased costs for abstracting groundwater.
Hydraulic infrastructure (dams, culverts, canals,
In addition, reduced water levels affect base
etc.) will need to incorporate the anticipated
flows as less water becomes available to increase in the occurrence of extreme events.
contribute towards river flows in dry seasons. This means that future hydraulic infrastructure
The impacts of reduced available water will designs will need to factor in the anticipated
include lower carry-over storage capacities in occurrence and magnitude of extreme events,
dams from year to year thus reducing reservoir particularly floods. Already increased floods have
yields; reduced river flow and groundwater been observed in some areas such as Lower
recharge; longer walking distances to more Save, Lower Manyame, Tsholotsho and
reliable water sources; diminished water security Muzarabani.
for livestock and gardening; and increased Water development will need to be broadened in
exposure to diseases such as malaria, typhoid scope to include ground water exploitation,
and cholera. This emphasizes the importance of construction of multi-purpose storage works and
water as a key driver to national efficiency, as promotion of rain water harvesting. Currently

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy 21

SECTION 3: Sector Specific Challenges, Risks and Impacts; Adaptation, Mitigation and Opportunities

inter-catchment water transfers are being mostly Strategies

practiced in the south-eastern Lowveldt, other
a) Strengthen stakeholder institutions in water
parts of the country may need to consider such
transfers to move excess water from some resources management.
regions to areas of scarcity. b) Promote more efficient water use practices.

c) Promote catchment protection.

Strategies
d) Adopt data analysis and prediction tools that
a) Develop, rehabilitate, maintain and protect incorporate climate change.
surface and groundwater resources.

b) Invest in management of effects of extreme

events.
3.1.3 Land-use, Land-use-Change and
Forestry (LULUCF)
[Link] Land-use and Land-use Change
[Link] Water Management Issues
Land-use and land-cover change have a direct
Water management will face the biggest bearing on climate change and weather patterns
challenge because of variations in water in diverse and complex ways. These links
availability and quality. This will be exacerbated include the exchange of GHGs (such as water
by increased demand from competing and often vapour, carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous
conflicting uses. More efficiency in water oxide) between the land surface and the
allocation and effective monitoring processes will atmosphere; the radiation balance of the land
need to be applied. surface; the exchange of heat between the land
surface and the atmosphere, and the roughness
Challenges in water supply and sanitation are
of the land surface and its uptake of momentum
also anticipated as a result of climate change.
from the atmosphere.
Reduction of yields against rising water demands
in urban communities will compromise the The main land-use categories in Zimbabwe are
quantity and quality of drinking water and the agricultural land, rangelands, protected areas
disposal of wastewater. Communities may resort (mainly national parks, safari areas, sanctuaries
to unsafe sources of water supply which might and reserved forests), conservancies and
expose them to water-borne diseases. Similarly, settlements (including rural, mining and urban
during extreme events (floods and droughts) areas). Protected areas cover about 15 per cent
water quality and sanitation facilities may be of the country’s total land area, however, a
highly compromised thus causing both rural and significant proportion of these areas has been
urban communities to resort to unsafe water encroached into and converted to other land-
sources and inadequate disposal facilities. uses especially agriculture and rural settlements.

Traditionally, rivers have been polluted by many Land-use change is a driver of environmental
activities which discharge effluent into the water and climate change in Zimbabwe especially
bodies. Where flows are substantial and through the expansion of agriculture; and
relatively unpolluted, rivers act as natural economic and technological development.
purification agents against such pollution. Increasing population pressure in the communal
However, with the anticipated reduced river areas has led to the fragmentation and
flows, this self-purification mechanism may degradation of forests as a result of their
diminish resulting in more polluted water bodies. clearance for agriculture and harvesting for

22 Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

 SECTION 3: Sector Specific Challenges, Risks and Impacts; Adaptation, Mitigation and Opportunities

firewood, poles and other forest products. An functions. These changes expose such areas to
estimated 300,000 hectares are converted new and different effects of climate change.
annually to arable land and other land-uses. Government is however drafting a new National
Land Policy which should ensure that climate
Land reform has converted the formerly large-
scale commercial farms and ranches into change concerns are captured.
smallholder plots and farms, which has resulted Zimbabwe’s various land categories fall under
in increased clearance of land for agriculture. It different land administration authorities. For
is estimated that part of the 8 million hectares of example resettlement land is administered by the
land distributed in the post-2000 period, has Ministry responsible for Lands and Rural
been cleared for cropping and other forms of Resettlement while communal and urban land is
land-use. This has led to the reduction of forests under the Ministry responsible for Local
and woodlands that act as carbon sinks. Government and the land under protected areas
such as parks and that managed as
The land reform exercise has also seen changes
conservancies is under the Ministry responsible
in tenure arrangements that govern ownership
for Environment, Water and Climate. This
and hence management of rural land. Ownership
scenario naturally causes a discord in the
of all rural land is now vested in the State, with
general administration and management of land
beneficiaries being issued with instruments that
resources.
range from “offer letters”, permits, to 99-year
leases. Lack of tenure was thought to be one of The continued expansion of mining especially
the major reasons why the resettled farmers did following the discovery of diamonds and other
not have stewardship of their land resulting in minerals and the expanded exploitation of
high levels of deforestation and land degradation. granite have also resulted in major land-use
However, Government has made strides in changes mostly from forests and woodlands to
issuance of 99 year leases and launched the mining areas. Even more significant land-use
issuance of A1 settlement permits in 2014 to changes have occurred in peri-urban areas as a
accord A1 farmers security of tenure. Farmers result of growing urban populations.
have to satisfy the Ministry responsible for Land
and Resettlement on proper farm stewardship Strategies
including setting up of woodlots for fuelwood
a) Develop and enforce policies that regulate
energy and other uses as well as fireguards.
change from one land-use to another
With regards to land-use policies, the current especially the clearance of forests and
land-use policy in Zimbabwe does not woodlands to other land-uses.
incorporate climate change. Thus, although there
is designation of land into land-use categories
such as forests and woodlands, rangelands and [Link] Climate Change and the
agricultural land in the resettled and communal Forestry Sector
areas, there is limited implementation of the Zimbabwe is endowed with natural vegetation
policy. This results in reduction in vegetation that ranges from forests, woodlands, bushlands,
cover, increased emission of GHGs because of to wooded grasslands, which all lend themselves
deforestation, increased land degradation as well to various degrees of exploitation. About 40 per
as changes in biodiversity and ecosystem cent (15.6 million ha) of Zimbabwe is covered by

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy 23

SECTION 3: Sector Specific Challenges, Risks and Impacts; Adaptation, Mitigation and Opportunities

woodlands and forests made up of indigenous woodland in both the commercial and
moist forest and plantations of exotic commercial resettlement areas has increased markedly
species. The status of these resources varies following the changes in land tenure associated
with land tenure category. Gazetted forest areas with the Land Reform Programme. The national
cover 2.0 per cent of Zimbabwe, and serve to annual rate of deforestation has accelerated from
protect some of the woodland and forest cover, 100,000 hectares per year in the 1990s to
though some of these areas are subject to 327,000 hectares or -1.9 per cent per annum
periodic harvesting for timber. Just under one- (the highest in southern Africa) between 2000
quarter (24 per cent) of the area under woodland and 2010. These figures suggest that the rate
and forest is situated in National Parks, Safari of deforestation is now three times the estimated
Areas, Sanctuaries and Botanical Reserves, 43 average over the period 1985-1992.
per cent is found in communal areas while the Factors contributing to the high rate of
remainder occurs in commercial farming and deforestation and degradation across the country
resettlement areas. include clearance for agriculture; over-
Forests are at the centre of socio-economic exploitation for fuel wood; expansion of urban
development and environmental protection in and rural settlements; infrastructure
Zimbabwe. Forests, trees and woodlands development; inadequate land-use planning;
provide the bulk of energy needs for rural elephant damage in some national parks and
communities and the urban poor; support crop safari areas and frequent late dry-season fires.
and livestock agriculture, wildlife and tourism; The environmental impacts associated with
water resources and livelihoods. Thus deforestation include loss of habitats and
livelihoods, especially in rural areas, are shaped biodiversity; less watershed protection (leading
by the availability and quality of forest resources to increased soil erosion, siltation of rivers, and
in many parts of the country. the disruption of hydrological systems); reduced
availability of important forest products and
The forestry industry is an important component services; and reduction in carbon sinks.
of the country’s economy and was estimated to
contribute 3 per cent to the GDP in the 1990s. Fuel wood accounts for over 60 per cent of the
It is dominated by the exotic plantation based total energy supply in Zimbabwe whilst nearly 96
timber industry. According to the Timber per cent of the rural poor rely on fuel wood for
Producers Federation exotic plantations cover cooking and heating. The annual fuel wood
about 82,000 hectares and are dominated by consumption of the country is estimated at 8.54
various pine species, followed by eucalyptus. million cubic metres.
The indigenous hardwood timber industry is The major environmental impacts from forest
smaller and is based primarily on the extraction management and utilization arise mainly from the
of the Zambezi teak and mukwa which are use of inappropriate harvesting techniques and
mainly found on Kalahari sands in north western poor post-harvest management of slush and
Zimbabwe. Other species used include pod branch wood that causes hot fires. Fire is one of
mahogany, large false mopane and mountain the major causes of forest degradation in the
mahogany. country. Each year millions of hectares of forests
The productivity of the sector has declined experience hot dry-season fires that are
significantly in recent years because of past destructive to woody vegetation and contribute
over-exploitation and degradation of the to high black carbon levels in the atmosphere (a
indigenous forests. The rate of clearance of short-lived climate pollutant, See Section 3.1.1).

24 Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

 SECTION 3: Sector Specific Challenges, Risks and Impacts; Adaptation, Mitigation and Opportunities

The relationship between forests and climate opportunities in the forestry sector include limited
change is intricate and complex because climate economic resources and infrastructure; low
affects forests whilst forests also affect climate. levels of technology; inadequate funding and
The potential impacts of climate change on support for research and development into
forests include changes in species composition alternative technologies; limited climate data and
of forest ecosystems; shifts in forest ecosystems monitoring; inefficient institutions; limited
boundaries and species ranges; changes in empowerment of communities to access
species density; changes in growth rates; resources; lack of cost-benefit analyses of
increased flora and fauna migration; loss of adaptation options and for institutional, financial
vegetation cover; loss of biodiversity; increased and policy environments that support adaptation
frequency and intensity of forest fires and and manage the transition to new systems; non-
increased reliance on trees and forests for availability of information relating to climate
survival leading to over-exploitation. On the other change impacts and the benefits of adaptation;
hand forests influence the climate through lack of potentially large upfront investment and
carbon sequestration, emission of water vapour
for supporting communities in adaptation as well
and control of wind speed.
as the difficulty faced by relatively small
Least developed countries, especially in Africa enterprises in dealing with uncertainty and
are considered to be the most vulnerable to the management of risk.
impacts of climate change and bear the highest
The knowledge base and capacity to respond to
risk to their socio-economic development.
climate change through the forestry sector in
Southern Africa is expected to experience
Zimbabwe is currently limited. Furthermore, little
heightened water stress from frequent droughts
is known about the potential of trees and forests
and reduced and erratic rainfall. This is expected
to adapt to climate change especially in the dry
to exacerbate existing vulnerabilities caused by
forest zone. Understanding of the responses of
floods and droughts and will require Zimbabwe
individual species, especially the dominant
to make changes to its production systems and
species, is critical for the development of
to protect its forest and woodland resources,
appropriate forest-based climate change
especially in its rural areas.
response strategies and measures.

Both climate change response and mitigation by

a) Adaptation in the Forestry Sector trees and forests need to be carefully assessed
Adaptation is “adjustment in natural or human so that informed strategies that take into account
systems in response to actual or expected socio-economic and ecological concerns are put
climatic changes or their effects, which in place. Emphasis should be placed on
moderates harm or exploits beneficial promoting the role of trees and forests in climate
opportunities.” Uptake of adaptation measures change, given their unique ability to contribute to
can considerably reduce the projected socio- both climate change adaptation and mitigation.
economic impacts of climate change. However, Research and development need to be
these measures are not costless as most involve undertaken with stakeholders in a participatory
an initial investment with benefits being realized way, recognising their key concerns and drawing
over a longer period of time. on their expertise. Successful adaptation to
Some of the barriers which have been identified climate change will require an active, strategic
as affecting the uptake of adaptation approach operating at all levels of society.

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy 25

SECTION 3: Sector Specific Challenges, Risks and Impacts; Adaptation, Mitigation and Opportunities

Strategies a) The production and supply of biomass for

a) Promote establishment of land-use plans at electricity generation or bio-fuel production.
district, ward, village and farm management b) The creation of tradable offsets through
levels that clearly identify forestry as a emissions reduction or carbon sinks especially
recognized land-use. through avoided deforestation or reduced
b) Strengthen research, planning and financial emissions from deforestation and forest
support to forestry and natural resources degradation (REDD+).
management to develop cost effective
Three mechanisms were created under the
adaptation options.
Kyoto Protocol, namely the Clean Development
c) Build capacity for forest management in a Mechanism (CDM), joint implementation and
changing climate. emission trading. Carbon markets comprise the
mandatory or compliance markets under the
Kyoto Protocol and voluntary markets. The two
b) Mitigation Options in the Forestry Sector major mandatory markets for carbon offsets are
Forests have attracted attention in the global the Kyoto Protocol’s CDM and the European
climate change debates because of their role in Union Emission Trading Scheme.
the carbon cycle as sinks of carbon and as
sources of carbon when they are cut down. The The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)
forestry sector is a significant emitter of GHG
contributing about 17 per cent of global yearly The CDM allows developed countries to fulfil
GHG emissions. Reducing emissions from their commitment to reduce emissions through
deforestation and forest degradation (REDD) emission reduction or carbon fixation projects in
through sustainable forest management, forest developing countries. The main aim of CDM
conservation and enhancement of carbon stocks forest projects (restricted to afforestation/
reforestation projects) is the capture of CO2 from
is seen as a major strategy for mitigating climate
the atmosphere by establishing forest plantations
change.
or regenerating natural vegetation. However,
natural forests are not yet included in this
mechanism. The CDM regulations require a very
Mitigation through International Carbon
high performance level, the application of
Finance
sophisticated systems to measure and monitor
Payment for carbon sequestration to mitigate the carbon captured in plantations, the
climate change is one of the fastest growing demonstration of additionality and control of
environmental services markets. A range of possible leaks. These are complicated
market and non-market measures have been requirements and procedures that are an
identified at international level, to encourage obstacle particularly for small producers.
mitigation in the forestry sector, including direct
The level of accessing resources through the
liability or involvement in international emissions
CDM is going to remain low, if the application
trading schemes. International mitigation policies
procedures are not simplified and if the capacity
such as emissions trading provide opportunities
of African countries in how to make use of the
for the forestry sector which could contribute to
mechanism is not strengthened. For instance,
offsetting increased costs of energy and other out of the 13 afforestation and reforestation CDM
key inputs. These include: projects that have either been registered or are

26 Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

 SECTION 3: Sector Specific Challenges, Risks and Impacts; Adaptation, Mitigation and Opportunities

in the pipeline, only two are based in Africa while Africa than in the other developing regions of the
all others are located in Asia or Latin America. world. Even within Africa, the distribution of
Zimbabwe has not accessed carbon financing carbon sequestration projects is skewed, with
under the CDM to date. east Africa receiving the most carbon
investments.
Voluntary Carbon Markets Community development-oriented carbon
sequestration projects can provide significant
Parallel to the CDM, there is an open or voluntary
economic benefits to local communities in the
carbon market, which also responds to
form of cash incomes as well as through access
international agreements and markets, but is not
to non-timber forest products. There are very few
governed by the Kyoto Protocol and its
forestry based carbon projects in Zimbabwe.
regulations. In the voluntary market, forest
Thus the country has not benefited from the
projects are introduced that focus on carbon
voluntary carbon markets largely because of
capture and storage by establishing planted
poor access to information and lack of capacity
forests; enriching and/or managing natural especially within government to develop carbon
forests and promoting conservation of natural projects.
forests to avoid the CO2 emissions caused by
deforestation (avoided deforestation).

The voluntary over-the-counter (OTC) markets REDD+

are currently the main source of carbon finance In the last five years international discussions
for avoided deforestation, and they have a higher under the UNFCCC have focussed on the
proportion of forestry-based credits out of total development of a climate change mitigation
market transactions than the CDM. However, the regime that will succeed the Kyoto Protocol
high cost of evaluation by certifying bodies and which expired at the end of 2012. One of the
the relatively low price of captured carbon on proposed financial mechanisms to
international markets mean that the possible simultaneously address forest conservation and
benefit of these projects remains very low. mitigation, within the framework of sustainable
development, that has emerged is the Reduced
Various carbon fixation projects, especially forest
Emissions from Deforestation and Forest
plantations, are now being implemented in the
Degradation (REDD) Initiative.
voluntary market. By using periodic direct
payments, these arrangements work very similar REDD+ is an incentive based mechanism for
to traditional incentives that subsidize the promoting and rewarding forest ecosystem
establishment of plantations. One difference conservation. Prospects for the economic
from subsidies lies in the requirement that the viability of sustainable forest management in
plantations be permanent and in the huge body natural tropical forests are expected to
of rules concerning project formulation and substantially improve through carbon revenue
monitoring. from this mechanism. Zimbabwe has to
determine the policy, institutional and legal
The payment of carbon fixation certificates is frameworks required to take advantage of the
made after the fifth year, and every five years financial incentives from REDD+ while
from then on, on the accumulated “stock” or the maintaining adequate safeguards such as rights
equivalent of metric tonnes of CO2. In general of communities to have livelihood activities that
there are fewer forestry based carbon projects in are dependent on forests and maintenance of

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy 27

SECTION 3: Sector Specific Challenges, Risks and Impacts; Adaptation, Mitigation and Opportunities

ecosystem services especially biodiversity. aesthetic services. The biodiversity also

These issues will need to be addressed even regulates climate; soil fertility; outbreaks of pests
though the final architecture of the REDD+ and diseases; and maintains functional
mechanism is still evolving as negotiations ecosystems. Vegetation is mainly savannah
continue under the UNFCCC. woodland interspersed with open grassed
drainage lines or dambos (wetlands).

Mitigation through Local Programmes Zimbabwe has abundant and diverse tropical
animals including bird species, mammals,
The average tree biomass in miombo
reptiles, amphibians and fish species. The
woodlands, which are the dominant vegetation
biodiversity is found in gazetted forests areas,
type in Zimbabwe, is estimated at 32 tC/ha with
national parks, safari areas, sanctuaries,
an additional 76 tC/ha of soil carbon.
botanical reserves, recreational parks and non-
Deforestation and forest degradation are protected areas such as conservancies and
therefore, important sources of GHG emissions farming lands. The main problem affecting
in the country. biodiversity conservation and management
Enhancing the contribution of forest resources in relates to loss of biodiversity particularly in non-
protected areas, such as communal and
mitigating climate change can be achieved
resettlement areas. The recurrent droughts
through such activities as afforestation and
affecting Zimbabwe have also resulted in loss of
reforestation, agroforestry, and sustainable
a number of plant and animal species.
management of natural forests to improve
natural regeneration. In addition, reducing Vulnerability assessments carried out for
deforestation could bring other environmental Zimbabwe’s Second Communication to the
benefits, for example the conservation of UNFCCC (Figure 8) show that by 2080 under
biodiversity and maintenance of soils and water the worst case scenario, plant diversity is
quality, as well as significant benefits for the projected to decline throughout the country and
millions of people who depend on forests for their the areas that currently harbour high diversity will
livelihoods. shrink. The pressure on plant diversity will be
highest in the western regions, lowest in the
Strategies eastern regions and moderate for the central
parts of the country. The pressure pattern for the
a) Develop national capacity to design carbon
best scenario is similar except that pressure on
projects for accessing different carbon
plant diversity is expected to be lower.
financing mechanisms and to implement and
support the projects. The assessments also suggested that the
projected decreases in precipitation coupled with
b) Maintain, account for, and expand carbon
increases in temperature will cause a
sinks.
corresponding decrease in Net Primary
Productivity in most parts of the country and that
the western and southern parts of the country will
3.1.4 Biodiversity and Ecosystems be worst affected by climate change (Figure 9).
The eastern highlands and the central parts of
Zimbabwe has a rich biological diversity, which the country appear to have the greatest adaptive
provides ecosystem services such as food, capacity to climate change as the vegetation in
medicine, energy sources, building and craft these regions is less sensitive to climate
materials as well as spiritual, cultural and variability because of high rainfall. Net Primary

28 Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

 SECTION 3: Sector Specific Challenges, Risks and Impacts; Adaptation, Mitigation and Opportunities

Figure 8: A comparison of plant diversity under the current (2012) and worst case scenario
of the year 2080.
Source: Zimbabwe’s Second Communication to the UNFCCC.

Areas with high plant diversity are expected to shrink by 2080

Figure 9: A comparison of net primary Productivity provides an estimate of how much

productivity under the current (2012) biomass and therefore forage is available in a
and worst case scenario of the
year 2080.
rangeland. Therefore the projected reduction in
Source: Zimbabwe’s Second Communication Net Primary Productivity will likely reduce the
to the UNFCCC. carrying capacity of rangelands resulting in fewer
NPP is expected to decrease by 2080 animals being sustained within rangelands.

Zimbabwe is geographically divided into five

agro-ecological regions on the basis of climatic
conditions, farming potential and, to a certain
extent, water resources (See Section [Link]
2). Over 80 per cent of Zimbabwe falls in Agro-
ecological Regions 3, 4 and 5 which are suitable
for livestock production, game ranching and
wildlife, rather than rain-fed cropping.
Rangelands, therefore, occupy a significant land
area in Zimbabwe and are characterized by a
number of habitat structures ranging from tree
savannah, bush and grassland.

Rangelands provide livelihoods for a large

proportion of the population, mainly livestock
farmers and those individuals and communities
engaged in enterprises based on wildlife. Wildlife
is also at the centre of Zimbabwe’s tourism
industry. Rangelands are already experiencing
the negative impacts of climate variability, and
are vulnerable to adverse impacts of climate

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy 29

SECTION 3: Sector Specific Challenges, Risks and Impacts; Adaptation, Mitigation and Opportunities

change such as decreased rainfall, higher Reduced rainfall, river flows and storages will
temperatures, less water availability and present challenges to environmental
desertification. Desertification is land management. Ecosystems will be affected by
degradation caused by overgrazing and soil increased frequencies of dry spells and extreme
erosion, resulting in bush encroachment and events. The Zimbabwe Water Act acknowledges
deterioration of rangelands which will threaten the environment as a legitimate user which is
livestock and wildlife. Climate change will change entitled to water allocations. However, with
pasture productivity, for example, the growth of reduced water availability, the “silent” user may
grass is inhibited by erratic rainfall, and invasive experience the biggest cuts with less water being
species may proliferate under extreme climatic allocated to environmental flows from existing
dams.
conditions.
Water bodies are likely to be affected by
Loss of biodiversity and degraded landscapes
recurrent droughts, rising temperatures
will adversely affect the tourism industry.
buttressed by high evaporation rates, and
Furthermore, degraded rangelands will
conditions that starve the water bodies of
negatively impact on the livelihoods of farmers,
inflowing water (See Section 3.1.2). This will
particularly small-scale, resource-poor farmers
have consequences on fish stocks and reduce
living in marginal areas and is likely to increase
opportunities for fishing. The hydrological
their poverty.
regimes of wetlands, some of which form nursery
Climate change can result in disruption of natural grounds for fishery resources and which are
ecosystems and subsequent changes in species’ used for arable agricultural activities during the
ecological range; altering predator-prey dry season, will also be adversely affected by
interactions; decoupling animals from food climate change.
sources and reducing habitat span. It is likely that
One of the most serious environmental
livestock and wildlife will experience pressure
challenges affecting rangelands is that of veldt
from increased pests and diseases.
fires resulting in massive losses of grasslands
Livestock and wildlife have been previously lost and the lowering of the ability of ecosystems to
in Zimbabwe, because of lack of water during provide goods and services to society and the
major droughts. Increased occurrence of environment. Table 2 shows the trends of area
droughts will cause massive livestock and wildlife affected by fires over the period 2001 to 2013.
deaths and an increase in human-human and With the predicted drier climate under climate
wildlife–human conflicts. There will be change, fires are expected to increase in
intensification of use of limited grazing and water intensity. Therefore adaptation strategies should
points, as well as increased incidents of wildlife include reduction of non-climatic stresses such
damage to livestock and crops. as over-exploitation of biodiversity and fires.

Table 3.1. National area affected by veldt fire 2001-2013

Source: Environmental Management Agency (2010, 2013)

Year 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

(ha) 407,950 444,037 500,312 921193 471,893 906,802 238,945

Year 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

(ha) 443,809 950,905 1,152,413 713,770 1,132,325 1,179,274

30 Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

 SECTION 3: Sector Specific Challenges, Risks and Impacts; Adaptation, Mitigation and Opportunities

Currently, Zimbabwe is pursuing six Trans- Over 70 per cent of Zimbabwe’s employment is
frontier Conversation Area (TFCA) initiatives with directly or indirectly accounted for by agriculture.
its neighbours. Trans-boundary natural resource However, the national agricultural production
management is a process of cooperation across largely relies on rain-fed agriculture, which is one
national boundaries that aims to enhance the of the most vulnerable sectors to climate change
management of shared or adjacent natural and variability. The pending negative impacts of
resources for the benefit of all parties in the area. climate change and variability call for
These initiatives are important for opening up transformational changes in the country’s
wildlife corridors, an important climate change agricultural systems. Zimbabwe has not
adaptation mechanism. sufficiently harnessed available scientific and
indigenous knowledge and technologies to
Strategies increase productivity; stimulate industrial growth
and participate in regional and global markets
a) Promote and strengthen biodiversity
and to support diversified livelihood options for
conservation management and the integrity of
the different categories of its people.
natural ecosystems by using an ecosystem
based approach to adapt to climate change. The anticipated increase in erratic rainfall
seasons, characterized by unpredictable lengths
b) Promote appropriate climate smart land-use
of seasons; high temperatures; alternating floods
options for the drier natural regions where
and dry spells; and variable rainfall amounts, will
cattle production and wildlife ranching are the
present new challenges to the majority of
most suitable land-use options.
farmers in the absence of appropriate response
c) Strengthen the effectiveness of Trans-frontier measures. Integrated response strategies are
Conservation Areas as a mechanism for therefore required across the different
sustainable biodiversity conservation and development sectors if the current and future
climate adaptation. climate threats are to be addressed. Overall, the
emphasis for response to climate change in
agriculture should be on adaptation but clearly
3.2 Economic Sectors embracing mitigation, recognising that sound
options for adaptation will translate to better
3.2.1 Agriculture and Food Security
mitigation measures.

[Link]. Overarching Issues in Agriculture

Emerging Evidence on Challenges and
and Food Security
Opportunities for Adaptation

Critical Role of Agriculture in Sustainable Research in Zimbabwe has revealed that the
Development majority of rural Zimbabweans live in semi-arid
zones, and will suffer disproportionately from the
Sustainable development for Zimbabwe will
emerging impacts of climate change and
hinge on a robust agricultural sector that
variability including disasters associated with
supports household and national food self-
extreme weather events such as droughts,
sufficiency, providing inputs for industry, and
periodic flooding, disease outbreaks for both
reducing negative pressure on the environment.

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy 31

SECTION 3: Sector Specific Challenges, Risks and Impacts; Adaptation, Mitigation and Opportunities

human and livestock and loss of crop lands. In markets. This should be complemented by
their efforts to cope with negative climatic building capacity of the national extension
impacts, farming communities have moved system to rise to new challenges associated with
deeper into marginal lands, unsustainably climate change and variability. However, the
extracting natural resources and using current state and nature of vulnerabilities for the
unsuitable agricultural practices. The studies different socio-economic sectors and sections of
have thus revealed evidence of a degrading communities are still poorly understood to inform
natural resource base and a narrowing of options decision-making.
for communities to adapt to future climate
There is therefore need, to support research on
change.
how indigenous knowledge can be integrated
There are also currently strong links between a into evidence-based planning frameworks,
declining natural resource base and the informed by good science, in order to enhance
weakening of local institutions that have been decision making by communities, local
traditionally the pillars for protection of natural authorities and higher level policy makers.
resources and vulnerable social groups within Flexible and highly responsive adaptation
communities. Unless appropriate interventions measures will be necessary for the agricultural
are made, the negative impacts of climate sector as climatic effects will vary significantly
change and variability on agricultural productivity with the ecological and socio-economic
will heavily stress current institutional structures, circumstances of communities. No single
particularly at the grassroots levels. adaptation approach will fit all current and future
scenarios.
Formal institutional mechanisms are failing to
build on known traditional social safety nets in
ways that ensure increased agricultural Food Security
productivity, management of strategic food
Zimbabwe faces a dilemma on how to balance
reserves, and the efficient use and conservation
the short-term food needs and long term
of natural resources. Efforts to revitalize the
production goals of the different farmer
Zunde raMambo1 concept to enhance food
communities because of climate-induced crop
security under changing climatic conditions have
failures. Food insecurity is a major source of
revealed opportunities to build the adaptive
capacity of communities by focusing on vulnerability for individual households and
improving their timely access to climate communities in the country. Food shortages have
information, sufficient quantities and diversity of become a perennial feature resulting in a high
agricultural inputs, production technologies and prevalence of undernourishment estimated at 30
technical know-how; strengthening of local to 54 per cent between 2006 and 2012. As a
institutions; and empowering farmers to co-learn result there is an exceptionally high dependence
and self-organize for effective participation in on food handouts/aid particularly for the rural

FOOTNOTE
1
Zunde raMambo is a Zimbabwean traditional concept where the chief designates common land for growing food crops as protection against
food insecurity; members of the community take turns to participate in the entire production process; and the harvest is stored in the chief’s
granary as food reserves for distribution to the chief’s subjects in the event of critical food shortages.

32 Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

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population, often undermining efforts to build However, there is currently lack of infrastructural
internal mechanisms towards food self- and logistical mechanisms for ready
sufficiency and better livelihoods by communities procurement and transportation/transfer of
in the medium to long-term. agricultural input supplies and food to needy
areas within and across major agro-ecological
These trends imply that communities have very
zones.
limited choices to satisfy their food preferences,
neither do they have a say about the quality of The country therefore needs to initiate a
food they eat, raising critical concerns about food livelihoods debate beyond aid/handouts and
safety. During periods of climate-induced subsistence. There is need to focus more on
disasters (e.g. droughts and floods), the basic community empowerment processes that enable
systems that ensure access, proper handling, farmers to self-mobilize and self-organize for
preparation and storage of food are often collective action towards increased production,
severely compromised, leading to frequent risk management and enhanced market
outbreaks of food borne illnesses. participation to improve their adaptation to
climate change. There is also need to re-design
Increasing climate pressures will also inevitably
the national social safety net systems at different
lead to rising food prices weighing heavily on
levels in relation to agricultural production,
household and national budgets. Disadvantaged
development of markets and management of
social groups will therefore be condemned
food security to enhance adaptation and reduce
deeper into hunger and malnutrition. Currently, it
risks associated with poor rainfall distribution.
is estimated that food costs account for
One of the adaptation options is to enhance the
approximately 60 per cent of household income
capacity of the farming communities to maximize
expenditures in Zimbabwe.
production during favourable cropping seasons
Zimbabwe’s recently concluded land reform in order to fall back on such harvests during poor
programme has produced a new, and inevitably years. Advances in post-harvest processing and
heterogeneous generation of farmers who ought storage technologies are also required so that
to understand their production circumstances in harvests from good years can be stored for
terms of agro-ecological zones, technical know- longer periods to cater for the drought years.
how and markets. This opens new opportunities
Finally, Zimbabwe will need to take full
for farmers to employ new technologies to
advantage of its locally generated knowledge
increase productivity and effectively participate
products and technologies to adapt to climate
in market-oriented production systems. However,
change. For example, there are opportunities to
their sensitivity to risk and capacity to adapt is
promote use of knowledge on integrated soil
likely to be tested under the increasing climate
fertility management technologies, conservation
variability and change.
agriculture approaches, as well as employ
With adequate support for sustainable access to available technological capabilities for
production resources, there is scope to maximize conventional crop/livestock breeding,
production in the country’s high potential agro- biotechnology and mechanization, to increase
ecological zones while creating appropriate productivity without compromising diverse
market links with farmers in low potential zones. ecosystems services that support livelihoods.

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy 33

SECTION 3: Sector Specific Challenges, Risks and Impacts; Adaptation, Mitigation and Opportunities

This will help to generate locally relevant and impacts of climate change and variability will
contextualised ‘climate smart agricultural inevitably result in differential access patterns to
solutions’. agricultural services and bio-resources by
households across different social gradients and
Overarching Strategies in Agriculture and Food agro-ecological zones.
Security There is increasing evidence that the boundaries
a) Develop frameworks for sustainable of these agro-ecological zones are now changing
intensification and commercialization of and will require re-characterization and re-
agriculture at different scales across agro- demarcation. There are currently no monitoring
frameworks in Zimbabwe to benchmark these
ecologies.
changes in agro-ecological zones with specific
b) Strengthen capacity to generate new forms of reference to existing and potential changes in
empirical knowledge, technologies and farming systems, including shifts in prioritization
agricultural support services that meet of crop and livestock types.
emerging development challenges arising from
There are also no readily available forms of
increased climate change and variability.
national statistics about the most vulnerable
c) Strengthen early warning systems on cropping social groups within communities and across
season quality, rangelands conditions, different farming sectors. It is therefore difficult to
droughts, floods, disease/pest outbreaks and project the desired population structure and
wildlife movement in order to enhance farmer dynamics that can be potentially supported on
preparedness. the nation’s resource base, and how these will
be affected by the changing circumstances as a
result of climate change.
[Link] Thematic Issues and Proposed Further, with soil fertility declining and yields
Strategies for the Agricultural Sector falling, farmers are reverting to extensive
production practices, especially in the
Climate change is a global phenomenon, but
smallholder sector. This is resulting in mutually
adaptation is a local phenomenon. This calls for
self-reinforcing mechanisms of increasing land
strengthening of information and knowledge
degradation and, in turn, accelerating poverty
systems to enhance the capacity of communities
and food insecurity. Climate variability, poor soil
to make timely decisions about appropriate
fertility and market volatility are major sources of
action(s) to take, and what tools and approaches
vulnerability under these circumstances.
to employ. Successful agricultural countries are
Mechanisms are required to halt and/or reverse
characterized by the presence of vibrant and
these trends and support transformative
dynamic agricultural and environmental research
processes into more competitiveness and
systems.
diversified farming systems.
Farming Systems

Zimbabwe is currently divided into five Agro- Strategies

ecological Regions, based primarily on rainfall
and type of soils (See Section 1.1). These two a) Develop frameworks for supporting agricultural
factors also largely dictate the observed specialization according to agro-ecological
geographical distribution of major vegetation regions, including mechanisms for commodity
types. The uneven distribution of the projected exchange, trade and marketing.

34 Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

 SECTION 3: Sector Specific Challenges, Risks and Impacts; Adaptation, Mitigation and Opportunities

Crop Productivity Zimbabwe has over the years done very little to
diversify its cropping systems beyond maize
Projections indicate increasing agricultural water grown under rain-fed systems. Farmers have
scarcity and declining productivity of crops failed to diversify into alternative crops, even
because of climate change and variability. when they experience recurrent failure of maize.
Reports of the IPCC forecast a 20-50 per cent A major challenge is therefore to get most
reduction in yields of staple cereals for southern communities out of this ‘maize-poverty trap’.
Africa which include maize, the staple crop for Drought tolerant crop types such as millets and
the majority of Zimbabweans. Most sorghum (small gains) and high protein
Zimbabwean farmers, particularly in the leguminous crops that include cowpea,
smallholder sector, practice maize mono- groundnut and Bambara nut have over the years
cropping. However, despite achievements in been largely ignored. Processing and marketing
crop breeding of high yielding varieties (e.g. opportunities for these crops have not been
given due attention at the research level, and the
greater than 10 tonnes per hectare for maize) in
wealth of related indigenous knowledge within
the country, average yields have remained at
communities has not been harnessed. Even the
less than 0.8 tonnes per hectare on smallholder
international research and development
farms and approximately 1.5 tonnes per hectare initiatives have, in recent years, come under
on commercial farms. scrutiny for failing to support a systematic
development of these and other indigenous
Vulnerability assessments carried out for
crops. Zimbabwe will therefore need to put in
Zimbabwe’s Second Communication to the place frameworks for developing such known
UNFCCC (Figure 10) show that areas regarded stress tolerant and under-utilised crops. Farmers
‘excellent’ for maize will decrease from the also need to timely access climate information in
current 75 per cent to 55 per cent by 2080 under order to make decisions about crop types,
the worst case scenario. varieties to plant and timing of operations.

Figure 10: A comparison of the maize production zones under the current and worst case scenario
for the year 2080.
Source: Zimbabwe’s Second Communication to the UNFCCC.

Maize and climate change

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy 35

SECTION 3: Sector Specific Challenges, Risks and Impacts; Adaptation, Mitigation and Opportunities

The emerging changes in climate will force Livestock Production

farmers to adopt new crop types and varieties
Livestock have traditionally provided a major
and forms of agricultural production technologies
source of insurance against seasonal crop
that can respond to the new and changing stress
failures for farmers as they can be sold to
factors. For example, there could be changes in
purchase food and other requirements during
crop pests and diseases; however, there is
drought years. However, with increasing
currently insufficient knowledge about the
intensities of droughts this traditional coping
expected changes in their distribution and
potential ecological responses to emerging strategy may no longer suffice in future without
temperatures and weather scenarios, as well as major interventions.
their impacts. Without such knowledge, the One of the major threats to livestock production
country has limited scope to develop appropriate is the continued expansion of cropping activities
response measures. There is also overwhelming into areas previously set aside for livestock
evidence that alternative (off-farm) livelihood
grazing. Lack of livestock feed resources during
opportunities will remain limited and
the dry season has been a traditional and
unsustainable in the absence of a robust
perennial challenge for farmers in Zimbabwe.
agricultural base in the country.
Recent studies in farming systems have also
Globally, agriculture has been identified as a demonstrated increasing conflicts among
significant source of GHGs particularly carbon livestock, wildlife and cropping systems, and that
dioxide, nitrous oxide and methane. However, overally livestock are increasingly being
amounts measured from African farming squeezed out of the farming systems.
systems are insignificantly low, and this has been
Informed actions are required to re-define the
attributed to low use of both organic and mineral
fertilizer inputs. There is, however, need to put futuristic role of livestock in supporting the
monitoring mechanisms in place in response to livelihoods of rural people as well as revitalizing
the inevitable increase in fertilizer usage as and maintaining the commercial beef and dairy
farming systems are intensified. Use of mineral industries. There are challenges associated with
fertilizer in Africa has been considered as ‘a diminishing annual yields in surface water and
must’ if current levels of production have to take increased periodic outbreaks of diseases. This
the much needed quantum leap. This has will most likely give rise to demands for
implications on the emission trends. alternative stress tolerant breeds or types,
alternative feeding regimes and new disease
Strategies control approaches.

a) Strengthen the capacity of farmers, extension Zimbabwe’s Second Communication to the

agencies, and private agro-service providers UNFCCC carried out vulnerability studies in the
to take advantage of current and emerging livestock sector. The assessments suggested
indigenous and scientific knowledge on stress that the projected decreases in precipitation
tolerant crop types and varieties, including coupled with increases in temperature will cause
landraces that are adaptable to arising climatic a corresponding decrease in Net Primary
scenarios. Productivity in most parts of the country (See
b) Develop frameworks for promoting science Section 3.1.4, Figure 9). Net Primary Productivity
based crop production and post harvest provides an estimate of how much biomass and
technologies and management practices. therefore forage is available in a rangeland.

36 Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

 SECTION 3: Sector Specific Challenges, Risks and Impacts; Adaptation, Mitigation and Opportunities

Currently there is a high dependency on Agriculture and Water

ranching in livestock production, rendering the
The largest proportion of Zimbabwe’s agricultural
sector vulnerable to any climatic changes that
land is located in marginal rainfall areas. As a
are likely to reduce biomass productivity in the result farmers, particularly smallholders, have for
rangelands. The high costs of supplementary decades been struggling to develop coping
feed resources also present a major challenge mechanisms. The worsening rainfall distribution
for the industry to reduce the current patterns, and in some cases the reduction in total
dependency on natural grazing. rainfall amounts, call for a re-thinking of water
management in the agricultural sector as well as
A few assessments of possible future changes in re-designing of the cropping and livestock
animal health arising from climate variability and systems.
change have been undertaken. The
Key challenges in water availability for agriculture
demographic impacts on trypanosomiasis, for
under the changing climatic scenarios are related
example, can rise through modification of the
to three major elements; firstly, the development
habitats suitable for tsetse-flies exacerbated by
of irrigation systems and associated technical
climate change and variability. Climate change
capacity. Secondly the development of drought
may also affect the spatial extent of other
escaping, drought tolerant, high yield, high
livestock disease outbreaks such as anthrax.
nutrient, water efficient crops and heat and
Generally changes in disease distribution, range,
drought tolerant breeds of livestock. Thirdly
prevalence, incidence and seasonality can all be
managing episodic floods and excess rainfall
expected. It is therefore important to improve
using infrastructure designed to adapt to frequent
disease surveillance in ranching regions to
droughts and decreasing rainfall.
control outbreaks. Heat stress and drought are
likely to have further negative impacts on animal Only 3.5 per cent of arable land in the SADC
health and milk production of dairy cows. region is under irrigation, and in Zimbabwe this
accounts for less than 200,000 hectares.
Livestock manure is a significant source of
However, the major issues to consider in
GHGs, particularly methane, and is influenced by
irrigation development are potential failures in
the chemical quality of feed resources. Methane
filling up the water reservoirs because of
emissions from livestock can be controlled droughts and low rainfall on one extreme and the
through on-farm anaerobic digestion of manure washing away of dam walls during extreme
as a mitigation measure (See Section 3.1.1). events such as flooding on the other. Declining
water tables and abandonment of dams have
Strategies been common in arid and semi-arid zones.
Globally there has been increasingly worry about
a) Strengthen the capacity to identify and
the future impacts of ground water pumping for
promote adoption of indigenous and improved
mega-scale irrigated systems as the impacts of
livestock breeds that are tolerant to climate
global warming continue to set in.
related stresses.
There are projections that net water requirements
b) Establish monitoring systems for greenhouse
for some of the current crop cultivars may
gas emissions in agricultural systems and
increase due to rising temperatures, with
support mechanisms for their reduction.
potential negative implications on profitability of

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy 37

SECTION 3: Sector Specific Challenges, Risks and Impacts; Adaptation, Mitigation and Opportunities

irrigation systems. Designing of highly efficient backward linkages. Manufacturing has strong
irrigation systems is therefore a major linkages with agriculture, mining, construction
requirement. Serious considerations should be and commerce.
given to crop improvement programmes over the
The performance of agriculture, mining and
long term. There could also be opportunities for
manufacturing are the main drivers of GDP
harnessing more efficient carbon sinks in
agricultural systems if crops that are more growth contributing over 40 per cent of the GDP
adaptable to high CO2 intensities are developed in any given year. Each time a drought occurs,
and promoted. the performance of the agriculture and
manufacturing sectors under-perform and drag
the GDP growth down (Figure 11). Thus any
Strategies reduction in agricultural production caused by
frequent droughts and more extreme events
a) Strengthen national research and extension
such as floods resulting from climate change will
capacity for development and integrated
have a huge impact on Zimbabwe’s economy.
management of agricultural water resources.
The industrial sector’s share of the GDP fell from
25 per cent in the 1980s to around 15 per cent
3.2.2 Industry and Commerce from 2006-2008. The sector has been recovering
since 2009 and is projected to grow if credit and
Zimbabwe’s industrial sector consists of a formal better energy supply are availed. According to
sector and a growing informal sector. It is highly the Zim Asset 2013-2015 mid-term plan the
diversified comprising manufacturing, processing average capacity utilization was 57 per cent in
and the secondary production sector with strong 2011and 44 per cent in 2012.

Figure 11: key economic trends for zimbabwe 1980-2005.

Source: Chimhowu et al, 2010.

GDP growth (annual %)

[Link]
30 Manufacturing, value
added (annual % growth)
([Link])

20 Agriculture, value added

(annual % growth)
([Link])

10

-10

-20

-30
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005

38 Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

 SECTION 3: Sector Specific Challenges, Risks and Impacts; Adaptation, Mitigation and Opportunities

Industrial activities have a number of adverse The industrial sector is complimented by a large
impacts on the environment, that include the commercial sector which ranges from provision
consumption of both renewable and non- of services to retailing. Although the direct
renewable resources and production of contribution of the commercial sector is limited,
pollutants such as emissions, effluents and solid it has a large indirect impact on climate because
wastes. The industries that produce GHGs are of its energy consumption and waste production.
energy production and manufacturing (including Commerce is the third largest consumer of
but not limited to cement production; fertilizer electrical power in Zimbabwe. The retail sector
production; and processes in mining such as is also dependant on imported products and
iron and steel manufacture and ferroalloy hence it also contributes to climate change
production). Industries’ main contribution to through transportation.
GHGs is through energy consumption.
According to Zimbabwe’s Second National Strategies
Communication to the UNFCCC, industry
a) Introduce policies that promote the use and
accounts for the largest consumption of both
adoption of clean and efficient energy in
electricity and coal thereby contributing (directly
industry.
and indirectly) to at least 80 per cent of the
country’s GHG emissions. b) Create a policy and regulatory framework that
promotes resource use efficiency and cleaner
The major challenge for Zimbabwe’s industry has production in industry and commerce.
been low investment in more resource efficient
c) Create an enabling policy and legal framework
machinery and equipment resulting in negative
that encourages the setting up and operation
environmental impacts especially with regards to
of climate resilient industries.
emissions. There is potential for industry to
reduce their contribution to global climate change
3.2.3. Mining
through investment in cleaner energy as well as
resource efficient production processes.
Zimbabwe is well endowed with minerals, with
There is need for industry to look at alternative mining activities contributing significantly to the
sources of energy like use of natural gas (the economy. The main minerals include gold,
cleanest of all fossil fuels), solar lighting and platinum, diamonds, coal, iron, chrome, nickel,
other forms of renewable energy such as mini- phosphates, limestone, gypsum and graphite.
hydro-electricity. There is general need to move The mining sector accounts for about 44 per cent
from end of pipe technologies to technologies of Zimbabwe’s GDP, at least 30 per cent of
that enhance the efficiency and environmental foreign exchange earnings and 5 per cent formal
performance of the full production process from employment. The country is among the low-cost
raw material to marketing of products. Industries producers of minerals because of abundant
should be encouraged to promote source shallow deposits. Mining continues to play a
separation of waste and to apply the “cradle to pivotal contribution to the economic wellbeing of
grave” principle in their manufacturing practice the country despite the variability of the
(See Section 3.3.4). commodity markets. During the period January
to November 2012 the mining sector produced

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy 39

SECTION 3: Sector Specific Challenges, Risks and Impacts; Adaptation, Mitigation and Opportunities

minerals worth US$1.6 billion, buoyed up by high as those for capturing and storing carbon and
levels of gold and platinum production. Whereas can trade this on the international market under
the agricultural and manufacturing sectors have the Clean Development Mechanism.
been the main contributors to export earnings,
Climate change can affect mining operations
these have been over-taken lately by the mining
through extreme events such as excessive rains
sector which now accounts for about 50 per cent
and floods that may cause landslides.
of the country’s total exports.
There has recently been an upsurge of legal and
These mining activities, conducted in over 1, 000
illegal small-scale mining. The main challenges
mines, have however, inherent destructive
in the small scale/informal mining sector include
elements to the environment and to climate in
lack of organizational capacity, capital equipment
particular. For instance open cast mining leads and technical know-how to mine sustainably.
to clearing of forests and woodlands which are These miners often cause veldt fires as a result
carbon sinks, whilst blasting leads to emission of of methods used to detect minerals, resulting in
dust and gases which pollute the atmosphere. GHG emissions and destruction of carbon sinks.
The health effects of emissions from mining
activities on workers and local residents are often The recently promulgated Community Share
underplayed to the detriment of the communities, Ownership Trusts whereby the proceeds of
mineral exploitation by mining houses will include
thus the reduction of emissions will have co-
dividends to nearby and affected communities
benefits.
gives an opportunity for utilizing these resources
Mining contributes to climate change through for climate change adaptation and mitigation
GHG emissions and energy consumption. The activities at the local level.
major source of energy in the mining sector is
coal. Coal is converted to coke and used to smelt
Strategies
minerals inevitably leaving a negative carbon
footprint in terms of emissions. Electricity is also a) Develop regulatory frameworks to encourage
used in mines and mining is the fourth largest emissions reduction and invest in resource
efficient technologies.
consumer of electrical power. In Zimbabwe,
electricity is generated from coal, a fossil fuel, b) Enforce and monitor the implementation of
and from Kariba dam (hydro-electricity). mandatory and voluntary environmental
management systems.
The coal mines have stockpiles of high-sulphur
coal, which industry cannot use, that generate c) Adopt practices that reduce energy
consumption in the mining sector.
methane and occasionally burn spontaneously
when the temperatures are high releasing d) Develop a framework for enhancing the
GHGs. Projections of increased hot and dry capacity of small scale miners to improve their
climate accompanying climate change will environmental performance.
increase the frequency of dump fires which will
result in increased emission of GHGs.
3.2.4 Tourism
Climate change offers new opportunities for the
mining sector to reduce emissions and trade The Government of Zimbabwe has earmarked
carbon credits on the international carbon tourism as one of the country’s strategic sectors
market. Mines can install clean technology such for economic growth and development, because

40 Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

 SECTION 3: Sector Specific Challenges, Risks and Impacts; Adaptation, Mitigation and Opportunities

of its links with other industries and its positive through sustainable use of natural resources. In
contribution to GDP, employment, foreign addition, Zimbabwe has pursued trans-boundary
currency earnings and investment. The main initiatives that promote regional tourism
thrust is to have a sustainable tourism sector that development.
promotes economic growth and improves
livelihoods. There are two major threats to tourism that
Zimbabwe may experience in the face of climate
Tourism in Zimbabwe is based on the change. One is that the changing climate will
environment, with the main attractions being have a detrimental impact on the quality of
wildlife, wilderness areas, water bodies and Zimbabwe’s tourism products, such as reducing
landscapes. Therefore, the quality of the biodiversity and degrading the landscapes. For
environment and the experiences that people example: Mana Pools, a major tourist attraction
have will be a major factor in the potential for the and biodiversity hotspot, is prone to flooding; and
tourist market in Zimbabwe and its rate of trout fishing, a niche tourist attraction in the cool
growth. streams and dams of the Eastern Highlands, will
be adversely affected.
Vulnerability studies for the Second
Communication to the UNFCCC predict a The second is the external threat from the
decrease in biodiversity in most parts of the international processes such as the introduction
country as a result of climate change, especially of mitigating measures in the aviation industry
the western and southern regions where most that could result in potential tourists being
national parks are located (See Section 3.1.4). reluctant or desisting from travelling by plane
This will have a negative effect on the tourism because of the carbon emissions associated with
sector as most tourists visit the country to view air travel. A fully ‘green’ tourism industry using
the variety of game species and the unique sustainable energy sources and other
landscapes the biodiversity offers. Thus, environment-friendly practices would help to
adaptation strategies for tourism may include counteract this perception and compensate for
protecting biodiversity both in and outside the the tourists’ carbon footprints.
park estates.

Zimbabwe has a long tradition of progressive Strategies

wildlife management and spearheaded the
a) Mainstream climate change into policies and
sustainable use of wildlife in the southern African
legislation that guide the tourism sector.
region. Wildlife-based tourism consists of both
consumptive, mainly hunting, and non- b) Promote and strengthen Zimbabwe’s tourism
consumptive, including photographic safari sector’s resilience to climate change.
tourism. Zimbabwe is also in the forefront of c) Build and strengthen the capacity of the
community based natural resource tourism and wildlife sectors to adapt to the
management, such as the Communal Areas challenges of climate change.
Management Programme for Indigenous
d) Promote mitigatory measures to ensure a low
Resources (CAMPFIRE) which is implemented
carbon footprint/emission and sustainable
in 59 of the 64 rural districts of Zimbabwe.
growth and development in Zimbabwe’s
CAMPFIRE provides opportunities in the tourism
tourism sector.
industry for communities to generate income

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy 41

SECTION 3: Sector Specific Challenges, Risks and Impacts; Adaptation, Mitigation and Opportunities

3.3 Physical and Social dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) are the two
Infra-Structure most important GHGs emitted by the energy
sector. Nitrogen oxides (NOX) and carbon
monoxide (CO) are also emitted from
3.3.1. Energy combustion of carbon-based fuels, especially
from vehicles and stationary fuel powered
The energy sector stands at the centre of the engines.
climate change discourse in Zimbabwe, because
Zimbabwe’s commercial energy mix is
it is the major contributor of GHG emissions. It
contributes the biggest share (60.7 per cent) of dominated by conventional energy sources coal,
the country’s total GHG emissions, followed by hydropower, petroleum, ethanol and liquid gas.
agriculture 20.7 per cent, industrial processes The energy resources of commercial significance
16.6 per cent and waste 1.9 per cent. Although are coal, with total reserves of 10.6 billion tonnes
Zimbabwe contributes a mere 1.7 per cent to the of which half a billion are proven; petroleum, of
total GHG emissions of the African continent, it which about 40 petajoule (PJ) of finished
is still important for future development planning distillates are imported every year; and
to take cognisance of this low carbon footprint
hydroelectric power with a total potential of 4,200
and to preserve it.
MW generated on the regionally shared Zambezi
The relevance of energy in economic watercourse. Fuel wood provides the bulk (60
development is highlighted in key development per cent) of the total energy supply.
policies, in particular, the Zim Asset. One of the
development pillars of Zim Asset is Infrastructure There is heavy reliance on coal for electricity
and Utilities and this is the section that recognizes generation with over 46.4 per cent coming from
the need for sustainable and adequate available four thermal power stations, namely Hwange,
energy as an enabler to the green growth of the Munyati, Harare and Bulawayo. The other 53 per
economy that the country is pursuing. cent energy is derived from non-carbon
Greenhouse gas emissions from the energy resources in the form of hydro-power from Lake
sector emanate from combustion of carbon- Kariba power station (Table 3). The balance is
based fuels as well as fugitive emissions during derived from renewable energy sources such as
coal mining and handling processes. Carbon solar power.

Table 3.2. Production of electricity in zimbabwe in GWh.

Source: Source: Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority.

Generated Energy (GWh)

Power Station
2010 2011 2012

Hydro generators (Kariba) 5,798.78 5,091.42 5,372.00

Coal generators (Hwange, Munyati, Bulawayo, Harare) 2,711.78 3,811.60 3,575.00

Other renewable generators (Border Timbers, Hippo Valley, Triangle) 167.23

Other generators (not included above) 2.60

Total Energy Generated 8,510.56 8,903.02 9,116.83

42 Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

 SECTION 3: Sector Specific Challenges, Risks and Impacts; Adaptation, Mitigation and Opportunities

The power stations are currently performing at Access to electricity in Zimbabwe remains low
66 per cent of the generation design capacity with a national average of 40 per cent and of
because of lack of adequate financing for only 19 per cent in rural areas. The energy
operations; high transmission losses; old age consumption pattern was transformed by the
and poor maintenance of equipment; and issues economic meltdown the country experienced
of climate change related water availability in between 2006 and 2008. Since then there has
Lake Kariba. The electricity energy supply and been a significant drop in the share of energy
demand scenario including its future projection consumption by industry, while on the other hand
is given in Figure 12. the increase in population and construction of
new houses has seen a rise in domestic energy
The long term scenario predicts that the consumption. The historical subsector energy
electricity demand of the country will have consumption is shown in Figure 13.
doubled by 2020 and to meet this demand
energy generation capacity should increase by
Figure 13: Trends in sectoral electricity
more than twice the current capacity. The consumption.
immediate option at the disposal of Government Source: Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority.
to address the current power generation shortfall
gap of between 600–1,600 MW at peak hours is
coal which is locally available in abundance.
However, thermal power production is a major
source of GHGs. Therefore government should
consider an integrated resource plan with a rich
share of renewable energy to curb further GHG
emissions in the long term.

Figure 12: The long term energy supply and

demand projection.
Source: Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority.

4500

4000

3500

3000

2500
MW

2000

1500

1000

500

0
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Years
Demand Plus Reserves Generation Capacity Demand with DSM

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy 43

SECTION 3: Sector Specific Challenges, Risks and Impacts; Adaptation, Mitigation and Opportunities

Agriculture accounts for the next largest source cause of concern as it affects mostly women and
of demand for coal after generation of electricity. children who are responsible for collecting and
A limited amount of this coal, probably no more using firewood.
than several thousands of tonnes per year, is
The agricultural sector uses fuel wood for agro-
utilized on large farms for tobacco curing and
processing of tobacco. Small-holder farmers
domestic use. Use of coal in households is very
have limited capital. This has led them to resort
limited.
to ‘low cost’ fuel wood for curing tobacco
Zimbabwe is also endowed with coal-bed resulting in heavy depletion of forests. There are
methane deposits that are estimated to be more more than 66,000 tobacco growers producing
than 600 billion cubic metres that could also more than 132 million kg of tobacco of which 62
generate electricity. These are found in the per cent is cured by fuel wood. A tonne of
Lupane-Hwange area as well as Beitbridge and tobacco consumes almost three times the wood
Chiredzi. Use of cleaner coal-bed methane to a person requires per year. It is estimated that
generate electricity would be a good substitute over 46,000 hectares of forests were destroyed
for highly polluting coal. Resource constraints while 1.38 million cubic metres of fuel wood were
have limited independent verification and burnt to cure part of the 127 million kilogrammes
extraction of the resource. of tobacco delivered to the auction floors in 2011.
Thus about 47 per cent of deforestation rates
Biomass constitutes a major source of energy,
have been attributed to biomass energy
for heating and cooking especially for the rural
consumption for curing tobacco. The
and low-income urban population. Since 2007,
management of fuel wood resources and
there has been an increase in the number of the
demand are therefore a major issue in the
urban households using fuel-wood because of
energy planning processes and GHG mitigation
the intermittent availability of electricity.
in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe’s forest cover diminished from 20.9
million hectares in 1990 to 15.6 million hectares Zimbabwe imports all its liquid fuel requirements
in 2010 with the main drivers being the continued and the estimated monthly demand when the
dependence on biomass for heating and economy was at its peak for diesel, petrol and jet
cooking; the opening up of land for agriculture; fuel were 105; 90 and 15 million litres,
poor management of forests; and use of firewood respectively. The transport and agricultural
for curing tobacco. With a forest regeneration sectors consume 60 per cent and 13 per cent of
rate as low as 0.94 tonnes/ha/year in the the fuels, respectively. Other liquid fuels are
communal areas, this has not matched the rate consumed by aircraft and households mainly
of extraction. Biomass extraction and use have paraffin (<1 per cent). Diesel contributes 54,
two fold negative impacts on climate change. petrol 29 and paraffin 8 per cent of the total liquid
The extraction of biomass removes GHG sinks fuel supply. The remainder is shared between
and the burning of firewood for cooking and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), aviation gasoline
heating adds to carbon emissions. (Avgas) and Jet A1.

Biomass utilisation at domestic level is The use of renewable energy is low (less than 1
unsustainable as the open fire mostly used is per cent). The major renewable energy resource
highly inefficient and the smoke emitted is currently used is hydropower from Kariba. There
polluting to the environment and has negative are other known sites where electricity could be
health impacts. Indoor air pollution is a major produced on the Zambezi River Basin such as

44 Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

 SECTION 3: Sector Specific Challenges, Risks and Impacts; Adaptation, Mitigation and Opportunities

the Batoka, Devil’s, Mupata and Katambora per cent (E10) in 2013 and expected to rise to 20
gorges as well as on perennial rivers in the per cent in 2014. The mandatory blending will
eastern highlands and the large to medium scale help to mitigate GHG emissions from combustion
irrigation dams across the country. Independent fuels.
power producers are tapping on the relatively
Solar power is available in abundance with the
high hydro potential in the Eastern Highlands.
solar radiation peaking 6 kW/m2/day in most
These systems are generating 6.75 MW using a
areas. Applications of solar technology have
combination of mini-hydro and micro-hydro
focussed on solar photovoltaic (production of
power stations that are feeding mostly the Honde
electricity) for pumping of water, refrigeration,
Valley. The absence of an enabling policy and
lighting in households and institutions, powering
regulatory environment has been cited as a key
of radios and televisions as well as solar thermal
factor in limited investment in renewable energy.
(heat production) for cooking, water heating and
Zimbabwe has a long history of ethanol crop drying. Over 100,000 solar energy systems
production for fuel blending at Triangle Sugar have been installed country-wide; however, their
Estates starting in the 1970’s. The use of biofuels use is limited mostly to rural schools and
such as ethanol offers an opportunity for climate homesteads. Mimosa mine has the country’s
change mitigation because they are carbon largest installed domestic water heaters with 360
neutral as they sequestrate carbon dioxide units. The estimated installed capacity for solar
during plant growth. water heaters is equivalent to 1.5 MW. This
example can be replicated across the country’s
More recently, a national biofuels programme
urban households and institutions to bring
was launched in 2005 to partially substitute
imported fossil fuels with locally produced significant environmental benefits and reduce
biofuels. Two approaches have been used and pressure on power generation.
involve the use of the Jatropha curcas plant and Wind speeds over Zimbabwe are generally low,
the processing of its seed into biodiesel and the averaging 3.0 m/s. Wind energy has been used
expanding of sugarcane growing and the for the pumping of water. A project to determine
resuscitation of blending of petrol with ethanol
wind profiles in various parts of the country was
based on the involvement of Triangle Sugar
conducted in the mid-1990s. It, however, did not
Estates and new entries that include Hippo
generate sufficient data to produce a wind map
Valley, Chiredzi and Chisumbanje Sugar Estates.
but enabled the design and production of a wind
A new plant was commissioned at Chisumbanje
electric machine able to operate on low wind
and produces 200,000 litres of ethanol per day.
speeds. These machines could be used to
All the sugar cane processing plants have
enhance irrigation particularly in the newly
cogeneration equipment that is generating
resettled areas.
electricity from bagasse helping to augment local
power production within the Chiredzi area. With Biogas offers an additional source of household
regards to Jatropha, this has not spread as much energy and its production should be used to
as was initially projected, however communities mitigate emissions from farm and municipal
are pressing the seeds for oil to use in household waste. There are more than 400 biogas digesters
lighting. which range in capacity from 3-16 cubic metres
The government through the Zimbabwe Energy in Zimbabwe. Unfortunately only two have been
Regulatory Authority introduced mandatory known to be functional. The Rural Electrification
blending of petrol with ethanol starting with 10 Agency and SNV a Dutch non-governmental

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SECTION 3: Sector Specific Challenges, Risks and Impacts; Adaptation, Mitigation and Opportunities

organization have resuscitated the National Mitigation measures should in the short term
Biogas Programme aimed at promoting biogas focus on thermal energy which is expected to
utilisation at household and institutional levels to provide the bulk of energy in the short-term.
help address energy supply for cooking. There are opportunities through the use of
cleaner coal technologies and reduction of
The National Energy Policy of 2012 strongly transmission losses. Growth in hydropower,
advocates for the promotion of renewable energy biofuels and solar energy should provide
to address the energy supply gap. The opportunities for climate mitigation in the long-
availability of reliable, adequate and sustainable term. This will however require the creation of an
energy will be a necessary condition for the enabling environment for investment in the
attainment of the projected GDP growth rates. renewable energy sector and an enhanced
Zimbabwe should develop an Integrated Energy understanding of the importance of renewable
Resources Plan that will give an optimal mix of energy. The measures should start with the
energy resources that will address the country’s piloting of the technologies followed by the up-
energy needs at the lowest possible cost. scaling of successful technologies throughout
Greening the Integrated Energy Resources Plan the country. The recently launched National
using as much renewable energy as can Energy Policy (2012) has strategies which if
economically be viable, will in the long term implemented within the stipulated timeframes
achieve national development goals while using should be able to complement the strategies
low carbon pathways and attaining a national low identified in this strategy document.
GHG footprint.

Other measures to green the energy sector Strategies

include reducing energy demand and increasing a) Introduce policies and regulatory frameworks
the efficiency of energy production and use for renewable energy, energy conservation
which, when combined should lower Zimbabwe’s and energy efficiency.
GHG emissions. There are opportunities to
b) Strengthen energy planning, research and
increasing energy efficiency both on the supply
development.
and demand side through improving equipment
for power generation, transmission and c) Promote low carbon energy provision and use.
distribution on the supply side; and improving the
3.3.2. Transport
energy performance of cook-stoves, lamps,
appliances, boilers, buildings, vehicles and The transport sector is a vital part of Zimbabwe’s
processes in the energy-intensive industries development as it impacts on trade, commerce,
such as iron and steel, cement and fertilizer business and participation of the labour force in
manufacturing on the demand-side. these sectors. The transport sector consists of
road, rail, air networks and a small ferry service.
With regards to fuels there are opportunities to Zimbabwe occupies a strategic position within
switch to less carbon-intensive fuels including the Common Market for Eastern and Southern
use of ethanol in vehicles and for electricity Africa (COMESA) and SADC and therefore
generation, developing bagasse/biomass needs an efficient transport system as any traffic
cogeneration/bioenergy systems and using bottlenecks on the regional trunk road network
micro-hydropower, wind and off-grid solar have a detrimental effect on these two regional
photovoltaics among other renewable sources. groupings.

46 Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

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Zimbabwe’s road infrastructure consists of a Zimbabwe was estimated by the Zimbabwe

diversified network of roads totalling 88,133 km. National Road Authority at 896,012 in 2012 of
Over two thousand (2,307 km) of Zimbabwe’s which 828,395 were small motor vehicles,
road infrastructure forms part of the Regional 30,514 heavy vehicles, 9,399 convectional buses
Trunk Road Network linking SADC and and 8,907 registered public buses, among
COMESA member states. There has been a others.
boom in trade of between 10 and 90 per cent
The majority of these vehicles are generally
within the region, resulting in an upsurge of traffic
reconditioned cars imported from industrialized
volumes traversing Zimbabwe’s roads.
countries where they would have been discarded
The National Railways of Zimbabwe operates after they reach their full economic life. There is
2,400 km of rail. However, there has been a near need to enforce emission standards for vehicles
collapse of the railway infrastructure in recent and to use them to assess the emissions of
years that has resulted in more abnormal loads imported vehicles before they are allowed into
having to be transported by road. the country.
There are over 200 airports and aerodromes The current and projected growth in the transport
spread across the country. The original design sector will increase GHG emissions. Already the
capacity of the various terminals was sufficient transport sector is one of the major contributors
for up to 3.8 million passengers a year with of GHG emissions as it is responsible for about
Harare International Airport as the main hub. 12 per cent of Zimbabwe’s GHG emissions.
The major challenges for the road transport Nearly 97 per cent of transportation GHG
sector that relate to climate change in Zimbabwe emissions come through direct combustion of
are the rate of motorization and the quality of fossil fuels, with the remainder being carbon
fuel. The traffic sector is increasing rapidly with dioxide (CO2) from hydro-fluorocarbons emitted
the vehicle fleet doubling every 10 years. The from vehicle air conditioners and refrigerated
central vehicle registry registered 15,723 new transport. A move towards the use of blended
vehicles in 2000 and 31,440 in 2009 as shown fuels will reduce the GHG emissions from vehicle
in Figure 14. The total number of vehicles in fuel combustion.

Figure 14: Number of new vehicle registrations per annum between 2000 and 2009.
000’s
35

30
number of new vehicles registered

25

20

15

10

0
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy 47

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Current estimates suggest that Zimbabwe needs any other mode of transport. It is estimated that
over 1 billion litres of diesel; over 730 million litres the emissions in grams of carbon dioxide/per
of petrol; and 180 million litres of jet fuel per year kilometre/per person transported by an
for transport (See Section 3.3.1). This equates to aeroplane is about 322.8 g if the plane is
744,000 tonnes and 543,120 tonnes per year completely full while that of a car is 204.2 g.
CO2 emissions from diesel and petrol A train is estimated to emit 60.2 g per passenger
consumption, respectively. In addition, vehicles if the train is 70 per cent full and a public bus
release nitrous oxide, methane and other organic 81.8 g per passenger.
pollutants, with the amounts emitted determined
Given this scenario, the carbon footprint of
by average speed and vehicle technology.
visitors and tourists that come to Zimbabwe is
Introduction of an integrated transport system in increased as a result of current international
Zimbabwe would reduce the carbon footprint travel arrangements where the majority of
caused by the road transport sector. Zimbabwe visitors have to fly to South Africa before they can
needs to develop an efficient public and mass fly to Zimbabwe, increasing their travel distance.
transport system by introducing larger buses and Introducing direct international flights to
Zimbabwe will impact positively on the carbon
trains on urban commuter routes. This will
footprint of Zimbabwe’s air transport sector.
reduce the number of people using private cars
There is also need to promote the use of
and reduce GHG emissions. There is also need
alternative modes of transport for visitors coming
for promotion of use of non-motorized transport
to Zimbabwe particularly regional tourists.
such as bicycles and walking to reduce carbon
emissions. Such transportation has co-benefits
of improving health. Strategies
a) Introduce a transport policy framework that
Climate change is expected to affect transport
encourages use of transport with low carbon
infrastructure which is vulnerable to floods,
emissions.
storms, and extreme high temperatures. For
example, bridge foundations are eroded by b) Integrate climate resilience into transport
increased run-off, and roads and small bridges planning and infrastructural development.

are often washed away by floods. Tarred roads

are also susceptible to extreme temperatures,
which melt or soften the tar; while excessive 3.3.3. Disaster Risk Management and
Social Infrastructure (Human
rains cause the development of pot-holes and
Settlements)
increased erosion alongside the roads. There is
therefore need to incorporate climate change in
road designs and transport related infrastructure. Zimbabwe has experienced an increasing
number of weather-related hazards that include
The air, rail and ferry transport sector is relatively floods, storms and droughts, among others.
small but also contributes to GHG emissions. Climate change is predicted to further increase
Coal is the main fuel used in rail traction. and intensify these extreme events. These
Zimbabwe’s air traffic currently consists mainly climate induced disasters indiscriminately affect
of regional and domestic flights with a few the poor and marginalized people’s livelihoods
international flights. Of concern is that the carbon and health, and undermine the country’s
footprint related to air travel is much higher than economic development.

48 Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

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The most affected people in Zimbabwe are rural revised to mainstream climate change and to
communities who are likely to have low adaptive include disaster risk management. They should
capacity to deal or cope with such disasters. That also be aligned with the Environmental
is why it is important to mainstream climate Management Act that requires mandatory
change into disaster risk management. Disaster environmental impact assessments of projects
risk management can be used to reduce the such as housing developments and settlements.
impacts and losses from climate change and is
Lack of enforcement of policy and by-laws has
central to adaptation. Therefore it should become
resulted in some communities settling in
a central component in all of Zimbabwe’s climate
endangered areas such as riverbanks, wetlands,
change adaptation strategies.
gullies, sloppy areas, marginal lands as well as
Zimbabwe has endorsed the Hyogo Framework disaster and flood prone areas which are not
for Action 2005-2015 which was adopted by the suitable for human settlements. The vulnerability
World Conference on Disaster Reduction on of communities is further increased by lack of co-
Building the Resilience of Nations and ordination among infrastructure sectors; low level
Communities to Disasters held in Hyogo, Japan of participation by the population in climate
in 2005. The Framework aims to reduce the risks change initiatives; lack of a culture of safety
of natural disasters and the effect they have on among the general population and of financial
the lives and livelihoods of the poor. The resources to construct flood and fire protected
implementation of this framework requires the infrastructure.
building of climate and disaster resistant housing
In addition, the current infrastructure was
and implementing disaster preparedness
designed using historical climatic conditions and
through early warning systems. The Department
yet the climate is changing. The outdated
of Civil Protection has developed a Draft Disaster
infrastructure is not able to withstand extreme
Risk Management Policy, Bill and a Draft
weather events. An effective and reliable
Disaster Risk Management Strategy aligned to
infrastructure is an important adaptation
international agreements and the Hyogo
response to climate change. Therefore, one of
Framework.
the top priorities for climate change adaptation
Local authorities are best placed to deal with should be the provision of a robust national
disasters but they lack adequate financial infrastructure. The design of climate proofed
resources and capacity and are unable to settlements is an important imperative.
maintain sewers and drains meant to reduce
The generation and provision of reliable and
risks associated with water-borne diseases; safe
appropriate information on present and future
disposal of wastewater and to reduce flooding
climate risks is a key component of disaster risk
risks and avoid blockages as part of disaster
management. Improved data sources and
preparedness. They are not able to deliver
capacity to model are required to create data on
adequate healthcare systems in response to
which adaptive strategies could be based.
injuries and illnesses which may arise from
Understanding of climate change at local levels
climate induced hazards. In addition, they are not
in Zimbabwe is limited by the lack of data of
effectively enforcing building by-laws and land-
sufficiently high resolution and continuity. Low-
use controls.
resolution data has insufficient temporal and
The laws, policies and by-laws on location of spatial coverage to detect crucial local climate
settlements, design, standards and quality of change trends or to validate projections from
buildings are also fragmented. These should be regional climate models.

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SECTION 3: Sector Specific Challenges, Risks and Impacts; Adaptation, Mitigation and Opportunities

Zimbabwe needs to create a database for the Water Subcommittee; National Epidemics and
management of disasters at all levels in the Zoonoses Crisis Subcommittee and National
country. Lack of readily available national Resource Mobilization Subcommittee. These
disaster information and institutional memory structural arrangements could be more beneficial
leads to poor planning, monitoring and to all stakeholders if they were also used for
evaluation of trend analysis and forecasts. There climate change governance. Currently, there are
is also need for technical assistance to support different organizations that promote disaster risk
disaster risk management education and training management and climate change adaptation in
through formal education and public awareness Zimbabwe, but the interventions are not
programmes. coordinated.

The development of flood and drought early

warning systems is also important for Strategies
settlements in drought and flood prone areas. a) Develop an integrated and co-ordinated
The strengthening of Zimbabwe’s national approach to reducing disaster risk and to
institutions such as the Departments of address impacts of climate change through a
Meteorological and Hydrological Services should multi-stakeholder approach.
be a top priority for climate change adaptation.
These should be effective and reliable b) Enhance early warning systems and capacity
institutions with capacities to monitor, detect, of hydro-meteorological services to advise on
weather related impacts on new infrastructure
forecast and give early warnings about disasters
as well as mitigation of potential damage to
such as floods, droughts and emerging threats.
existing infrastructure.
They should also have capacity to carry out
c) Review and update policy and by-laws on
climatological analyses of atmospheric hazards,
building standards and codes to make them
as well as forensic analyses and assessments of
adaptive to climate change.
vulnerabilities of critical infrastructure. For
example, forensic analyses would reveal the d) Invest in climate resilient social infrastructure.
structural failures of infrastructure such as e) Enhance community resilience to climate
houses, electrical power distribution change.
infrastructure, communication structures and
dams as a result of extreme weather conditions.
When infrastructure is destroyed, the costs of
3.3.4. Waste Management
rebuilding and rehabilitation must be borne by
insurance companies. Zimbabwe is, however
Solid waste management poses a major
recovering from an economic melt-down; this
challenge for the majority of urban local
means most of the infrastructure is either not
authorities in Zimbabwe. This is because they
insured or underinsured.
are practicing the traditional solid waste
The Department of Civil Protection has management system which involves generation,
incorporated decentralized arrangements for the storage, collection, transportation and disposal
co-ordination of national, provincial, district and of solid waste at dumpsites. The traditional
community-level disaster risk management system focuses on the disposal of solid waste
initiatives in the Disaster Risk Management Bill without controlling its generation and promoting
and Policy. Some of the structures that have waste re-use and recycling. It is estimated that
been created include the National Emergency about 48 per cent of solid waste generated in
Services Subcommittee; National Food and Zimbabwe is not collected and is either being

50 Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

 SECTION 3: Sector Specific Challenges, Risks and Impacts; Adaptation, Mitigation and Opportunities

illegally dumped in open spaces and on Some industries have formed clusters where
roadsides or disposed of by open burning. The they are exchanging waste materials for use as
limited quantity of solid waste that is collected by raw materials thus reducing solid waste that
local authorities is deposited at dumpsites which would end up at the dumpsites.
do not qualify as landfills because of their design.
According to global IPCC inventories,
The contribution of solid wastes to climate wastewater management is the second largest
change is through methane gas which is source of GHG emissions from the waste sector
produced by anaerobic respiration of as a whole. In Zimbabwean urban centres, liquid
microorganisms when they decompose waste is either collected in septic tanks or is
biodegradable waste. This is a major issue as directed to the municipal sewage treatment
biodegradable waste constitutes at least 50 per works where it is separated into liquid
cent of the overall waste generated in wastewater and sludge. Sludge digestion emits
Zimbabwe’s urban areas. In addition there are methane. Most urban authorities in Zimbabwe do
often spontaneous or human caused fires at not capture methane at their treatment works
most dumpsites fueled by the emitted methane, with only the City of Harare flaring it at two of its
sewage treatment works. A net benefit to climate
further releasing CO2.
can be achieved through capturing methane gas
When open burning of waste is practiced it produced at landfills as well as by incinerators
contributes to short-lived climate pollutants such and wastewater treatment plants. Use of the
as black carbon (See Section 3.1.1). energy recovered from waste management
Incineration is mostly practiced as a way of processes also avoids the use of fossil fuels
disposing medical hazardous solid waste and elsewhere in the energy system.
emits CO2, carbon monoxide (CO), nitrous oxide Zimbabwe has policies, legislation and statutory
(NOx) and non-methane volatile organic instruments that should help in reducing the
compounds (NMVOCs). Further, combustion of amount of solid waste generated and the
fuel used during collection, transportation and management of both solid and liquid waste.
processing of wastes also contributes to CO2 However, these are not fully implemented
emissions. It is however, difficult to determine the because of lack of resources for building the
magnitude of solid waste management requisite infrastructure and for enforcing
emissions because of limited data on waste legislation.
generation, composition and management in
Zimbabwe, as well as inaccuracies in emissions
models. Strategies

Proper waste management practices can result a) Capacitate local authorities to deliver proper,
in climate benefits. These benefits can be effective and efficient waste management
achieved through adoption of the integrated services in order to reduce GHG emissions
solid waste management system which from waste management.
prioritizes waste minimization, re-use, recycling
b) Create an enabling policy environment which
and waste-to-energy recovery. A larger
encourages investment into alternative energy
stakeholder involvement in waste management
production using waste.
that includes the informal waste sector is needed
as it has potential to make a significant c) Develop an enabling framework to promote
contribution to resource recovery. There is need waste minimization through education and
to increase the level of recycling in Zimbabwe. behavioural change of waste generators.

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SECTION 3: Sector Specific Challenges, Risks and Impacts; Adaptation, Mitigation and Opportunities

3.3.5. Health but higher in average years. This indicates that

excessive rainfall coupled with high
Climate change is likely to alter the ecology of temperatures may negatively affect the breeding
some disease vectors in Africa. Consequently pattern of malaria carrying mosquitoes found in
the spatial and temporal transmission of such Zimbabwe.
diseases will also be altered. Most assessments
Other weather sensitive diseases are also likely
on health have concentrated on malaria and
to spread faster with global warming. Intensified
there are still debates on the attribution of
flooding will increase incidences of water borne
malaria resurgence in some African areas. An
or related diseases such as cholera, typhoid and
estimated 700,000 to 2.7 million people die of
bilharzia, while warmer temperatures will
malaria in sub-Saharan Africa each year and 75
enhance the spread of meningitis. Reduced
per cent of these are children. The economic
availability of safe water because of climate
burden of malaria is estimated as an average
change may also increase the prevalence of
reduction in economic growth of 1.3 per cent for
diseases such as diarrhoea, cholera, typhoid,
those African countries with the highest burden.
guinea worms and dysentery through use of
The social and economic costs of malaria are
huge and include considerable costs to unsafe water. In some areas, warming is likely to
individuals and households as well as high costs translate into reduced crop yields and livestock
at community and national levels. productivity and water scarcity, which will
concomitantly negatively affect human health
Results from the “Mapping Malaria Risk in Africa” and nutrition. During periods of climate-induced
project show a possible expansion and disasters (e.g. droughts and floods), the basic
contraction, depending on location of climatically systems that ensure proper handling,
suitable areas for malaria by 2020, 2050 and preparation and storage of food are severely
2080. Assessments using 16 climate change compromised, leading to frequent outbreaks of
scenarios show that by 2100, changes in food borne illnesses.
temperature and precipitation could alter the
geographical distribution of malaria in Zimbabwe Climate variability may also interact with other
with previous unsuitable areas of dense human background stresses and additional
population becoming suitable for transmission. vulnerabilities such as immuno-compromised
populations affected by HIV and AIDS resulting
At a more local level, vulnerability assessments in increased susceptibility and risk to other
carried out for Zimbabwe’s Second infectious diseases e.g. cholera. The potential of
Communication to the UNFCCC also used climate change to intensify or alter flood patterns
malaria as an indicator to assess the potential may become a major additional driver of future
impact of climate change on the health sector as health risks from flooding.
its distribution and seasonal transmission
correlates significantly with temperature and Another potential impact of increasing average
rainfall in the country. Further, understanding the temperatures and changing weather patterns is
changes in malaria occurrence in a changing the loss of biodiversity which might include
climate is important since 75 per cent of the medicinal plants, making them less available to
country is prone to malaria. A strong link was communities that depend on them for treatment.
demonstrated among recorded malaria Effective early warning and disease surveillance
incidences, temperature and rainfall using systems that alert populations to anticipated
bioclimatic (BIOCLAM) GIS models. Results disease outbreaks would reduce vulnerability to
indicated that malaria incidences were lower a number of climate-induced epidemics and
in drought years and exceptionally wet years facilitate timely and decisive responses.

52 Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

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Strategies Gender, HIV and AIDS, and other vulnerabilities

a) Strengthen surveillance programmes for coincide. Women are more vulnerable not only
monitoring human health under a changing to climate change, but also to social problems
climate. including poverty, unemployment and HIV and
AIDS. Although Zimbabwe has made significant
b) Build resilience against diseases that occur strides towards the reduction of HIV prevalence,
because of impacts of climate change. the levels remain significantly high at 15 per cent
in 2010/11, and the epidemic still bears a
woman’s face, in terms of prevalence (women 18
3.3.6. Gender, People Living with HIV per cent and men 12 per cent prevalence).
and AIDS and Other Vulnerable Furthermore, women care for the sick and the
Groups orphans, therefore their role as primary
caregivers in the HIV and AIDS pandemic places
Zimbabwe’s demographic data published by severe strain on their resources, and this will be
ZIMSTAT show that more women than men are exacerbated by the increase in climate change-
poor and live in the rural areas where livelihoods related diseases.
are intimately linked with the exploitation of
natural resources which are vulnerable to climate Unequal access, control and ownership of
change. They are further disadvantaged by old natural resources by women and men, youth, the
age, disability and HIV status, among other elderly and other vulnerable groups extends the
variables, which make them disproportionately exclusion of the vulnerable groups from
vulnerable to the effects of climate change. They important decision and policy-making institutions
experience the greatest impacts of climate that govern the natural resources. Governance
change because they are already vulnerable and and decision making structures at all levels are
marginalized, while at the same time, they have still dominated by men. The impacts of climate
the least capacity or opportunity to prepare for its change will further widen the gaps and amplify
negative effects. the inequities between women and men and
other vulnerable groups.
Moreover, because of gender differences in
property rights, access to information, and Gender disaggregated data on climate change,
cultural, social and economic roles, the effects of its impacts and adaptation strategies are still
climate change are likely to affect men and limited in Zimbabwe. Anecdotal evidence shows
women differently. For example, recurring that climate change, as evidenced by frequent
droughts and low rainfall patterns have impacts droughts, floods, and erratic rainfall and high
on accessible water supplies and fuel wood, temperatures, is negatively affecting smallholder
especially in the rural areas. This increases the farmers who are mainly women, with little or no
distances that women and girls have to walk to adaptation strategies. A study in the rural district
secure these resources. Thus climate change of Chiredzi, southeast of Zimbabwe, found that
exacerbates existing inequalities in key the most vulnerable households to climate
dimensions that not only are the building blocks change included female-headed and child-
of livelihoods, but are also crucial for coping with headed households, those lacking access to
change. irrigation and poor households.

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According to the Disability Scoping Study carried Strategies

out by DFID in 2007 People Living With Disability
a) Mainstream climate change in policies for the
(1.4 million) constitute approximately 10 per cent
vulnerable groups with their active
of Zimbabwe’s total population. The study
participation at every level.
showed that households with disabled members
had lower mean income and fewer mean b) Strengthen the adaptive capacity of the
expenses regardless of seasonal fluctuations vulnerable groups.
than households without disabled members. c) Enhance provision of early warning systems
People Living With Disability have also been on droughts, floods and disease outbreaks to
excluded from the land reform programme with vulnerable groups and ensure a coordinated
less than one per cent having benefited from approach in providing them with emergency
both the land reform programme and the services.
provision of agricultural inputs because they are
not regarded as very productive members of
society. This makes them more vulnerable to the
3.3.7. Children and Youth
impacts of climate change.

The 2012 National Census carried out by Zimbabwe has a young growing population.
ZIMSTAT revealed that elderly people (65 years According to the 2011 Child Labour Survey
and above) comprise about four per cent of the Report, there are about 5.8 million children below
total population. Elderly people find it difficult to 18 years representing 48.8 per cent of the total
participate in development initiatives because of population. Youth are defined as persons
their advanced age and home confinement. between 15 and 35 years of age and according
Aged men and women, however, have to the 2012 National Census there are about 4.7
indigenous knowledge important for adapting to million youth in Zimbabwe. Children and youth
climate change owing to their experience in are at increased risk from disease, under-
natural resources management and agriculture. nutrition, water scarcity, disasters and the
This knowledge includes rainfall predictions collapse of public services and infrastructure that
using behaviours of certain animals, birds, tree will be exacerbated by climate change.
and plant species as well as coping strategies. Most children in Zimbabwe, 73.5 per cent, live in
rural areas, and are directly affected by low food
Various strategies are being used to address the
crop production and food insecurity which are
effects of climate change in Zimbabwe. These
exacerbated by more frequent droughts, flooding
include afforestation projects, conservation
and unreliable rainfall patterns.
agriculture, and the expansion of small grain
production as well as rearing of small livestock. Children are often most vulnerable to adverse
Conservation agriculture has been criticized for health effects from environmental hazards
being too labour intensive for vulnerable groups because they are not fully developed physically
especially women, the sick, the elderly and the and psychologically. Preventable and treatable
disabled. Small grain and small livestock diseases such as diarrhoea and malaria are
production as well as afforestation projects have predicted to worsen with climate change. Water
all targeted women, but without the necessary availability is predicted to reduce with climate
supporting technology. This has increased the change. Access to clean safe water is crucial for
burden on women. good health and development of children.

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 SECTION 3: Sector Specific Challenges, Risks and Impacts; Adaptation, Mitigation and Opportunities

Unsafe drinking water exposes them to the risk the future. Children have a major stake in the
of contracting water borne diseases. Another future and have the right and responsibility to
adverse effect of water shortages is that as participate in decisions that affect them, and to
streams and water sources dry up, children will take adaptive action on climate change.
have to travel further to collect water. Therefore, children and youth should be actors
in the climate change agenda, rather than being
Children may also face other growing difficulties treated as passive observers or victims. Children
such as lapses in education and insecurity should learn about climate change issues in a
caused by climate-induced behavioural changes way that does not make them feel threatened,
and livelihood choices of parents and other but rather, that addressing it is something they
family members, which may result in displace- can be part of.
ment, conflict, neglect and abandonment.
Children may have to cope with higher levels of Inclusion of children and youth in climate change
pressures which keep them out of school and adaptations and mitigations is not just about
force them into work too soon. consulting them or asking their views. It means
giving them access to information that they need
The effects of climate change will be particularly to comprehensively understand the dynamics of
hard on young people because they lack climate change and its impact on their rights,
supportive financial and natural capital to fall opportunities and responsibilities. It means
back on. Their condition has been worsened by encouraging them to use that knowledge in
the effects of HIV and AIDS which has created
creative and innovative ways to safe guard their
child-headed households which are vulnerable
future, to design and implement their own actions
to all shocks including climate change.
with the support they need, and to take part in
Zimbabwe has sound policy frameworks that interventions initiated by adults.
provide for the protection and rights of children
Children and young people have the energy and
and youth. However, these existing policies do
enthusiasm which climate change response
not sufficiently recognize or address children and
strategies can capitalize on. Through fostering
youth’s issues and unique vulnerabilities in
the spirit of voluntarism embraced by the
relation to the impacts of climate change. There
National Youth Policy and building on their
is need to mainstream children’s issues and the
enthusiasm, young people and children can be
various risks that climate change poses for
a resource in climate change mitigation and
children and to put children at the forefront of
adaptation activities.
national climate change adaptation policies and
programmes. Similarly, the policies and plans fail
to draw on the practical knowledge, insights and Strategies
capacity for meaningful change that children can
and do offer, most notably at sub-national and a) Understand the impacts of climate change on
community levels. The views of young people children and youth in Zimbabwe and create an
are particularly important to ensure that enabling environment that prevents harm to
adaptation approaches take account of the them emanating from pressures of these
needs of different children and different stages impacts.
of child development.
b) Ensure the inclusion of children and youth in
Children exhibit relatively high levels of the policy formulation process for climate
awareness and concern about climate change change, and in adaptation and mitigation
which affects their visions of and anxieties about activities.

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy 55

Section
Strategy Enablers
4
4.1 Capacity Building It is important to establish public-private-
community-partnerships with a special focus on
facilitating capacity development in climate
4.1.1. Capacity Building for Climate
change, disaster risk management and socio-
Change
economic development.

Capacity development and technology transfer

are some of the most important requirements to Strategies
the overall response to climate change impacts.
a) Build capacity to conduct comprehensive
Capacity development is required at community,
vulnerability assessments and develop
district, provincial, national and regional levels
appropriate response models.
and across all sectors. However, inadequate
resources are often devoted to capacity b) Develop mechanisms to mainstream climate
development initiatives in Zimbabwe limiting the change adaptation and disaster risk
country’s adaptive and mitigative capacity. There management into development programmes.
is therefore need to develop capacity to
appropriately respond to climate change.
4.1.2. The Role of the Meteorological
Capacity-building should focus on long term
Services in Climate Change
planning of adaptation and mitigation actions. Its
implementation requires cooperation across all
scales from national, regional to international The Meteorological Services Department is
levels. There is need for capacity building in mandated to provide up-to-date information on
forecasting and in development and use of climate change issues in Zimbabwe. The
climate models. There is also need for training in responsibility also covers providing information
different disciplines including climate related on Zimbabwe‘s emissions of greenhouse gases
research and development of sustainable spatial (GHGs) and information on interventions
decision support systems. Linkages among required to react to the adverse impacts of
research institutions nationally, regionally and climate change.
internationally are required to tap into
technologies and to increase their uptake. Zimbabwe is taking part in the Global Climate
Exchange programmes should be encouraged to Observing Systems (GCOS) activities of the
allow transfer of best practices and adoption of World Meteorology Organization (WMO) and
best methodologies. is monitoring climate by maintaining a

56 Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

 SECTION 4: Strategy Enablers

systematic observation network. Meteorological carry out climatological analyses of atmospheric

and atmospheric observations in Zimbabwe hazards, forensic analyses and assessments of
cover two aspects of the GCOS; the Global vulnerabilities of critical infrastructure.
Surface Observations (GSO) and the Global
Upper Air Observations (GUAO). The
Strategies
Meteorological Service Department Observation
Network comprises of 64 stations operating as a a) Strengthen the capacity of the National
basic synoptic network. All stations provide Meteorological and Hydrological Services to
surface data while 14 of the stations have been carry out research on climate change through
equipped to provide surface and upper air data improved data collection and management,
and participate in GCOS activities. and climate modelling.
Dissemination of data, products and services to
b) Strengthen the documentation of and tapping
regional and international data centres for WMO
into indigenous knowledge systems to
is done through the Global Telecommunication
complement scientific knowledge for climate
System (GTS). The Department heavily relies on
change forecasting and early warning
Global Circulation Models for weather prediction
systems.
and forecast verification.
c) Establish an enabling framework for sharing
The Meteorological Services Department hosts and disseminating information on climate
data from 1890 which is relevant for detecting change (i.e. at provincial, district and ward
climatic trends and risks. It is also a source of levels) in the country.
downscaled future climatic data. However, most
of the equipment at the Meteorological Service
Department is old and now costly to maintain. 4.1.3. Technology transfer
The shortage of and lack of spare parts to repair
faulty equipment gravely affects operations of the The increased emmision of GHGs by human
Department. The constant breakdown of activity has significantly distabilized energy
equipment often results in research being carried balances resulting in the general shift in global
out using a course resolution and creates gaps climatic conditions. Technological processes in
in datasets. The department has also suffered a
industry are responsible for these emmisions as
major brain drain.
these have focused mainly on boosting
economic development with very little
The role of the Meteorological Services
consideration of the long term negative impacts
Department in disaster risk management and
on the climate. Technological advancements in
climate change response should not be
some parts of the world have resulted in the
underestimated. Its strengthening should
development of more efficient technologies with
therefore be a top priority for climate change
reduced impacts to the climate. Therefore efforts
adaptation. The Department should be an
towards adoption of more efficient technologies
effective and reliable institution with capacities to
are required as without technology transfers, “it
monitor, detect, forecast and give early warnings
may be difficult to achieve emission reduction at
about disasters such as floods, droughts and
emerging threats. It should also have capacity to a significant scale” (IPCC, 2007).

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy 57

SECTION 4: Strategy Enablers

Technology transfer is a key component in provision in rural areas and poor urban areas has
climate change response strategies as there is also caused depletion of forest cover.
need for a serious shift in technological Technological improvement in the energy sector
processes currently being applied. It requires a will result in significant benefits in addressing
serious policy shift on the part of governments; climate change. Other sectors of the national
education and awareness of communities and economy such as agriculture, rural and urban
significant financial investments. Zimbabwe is a development and mining also need to adopt
signatory of the Climate Change Convention more efficient technologies to enable the nation
and, hence, is bound to “take steps to promote, to cope with climate change.
facilitate, and finance environmentally sound
technologies and know-how”. Such efforts
should not be restricted to high technological
Strategies
applications only, as local communities will also a) Create a policy framework that will improve
need to shift to more climate change resilient access to and promote uptake of cleaner and
techniques. more efficient technologies across all
economic sectors.
It is necessary to first identify critical sectors
whose activities contribute most to emissions at b) Support research and development of
local, national and regional scales. Appropriate technologies in all relevant sectors to mitigate
interventions would then be identified together and adapt to climate change.
with implementation mechanisms. It is also
important to identify alternative technological
approaches that can be adopted at various levels 4.2 Climate Change Education,
of society to enable communities to cope with Communication and Public
the challenge of climate change and to assess Awareness
the cost benefits of adopting such technologies.
These activities would require attention as part The countries that are parties to the UNFCCC
of Zimbabwe’s contribution towards mitigating have accepted certain responsibilities contained
global climate change. in Article 6 of the Convention which include
Zimbabwe carried out a technological transfer implementing education, awareness and training
needs assessment in 2008 to identify and on climate change at the national and sub-
prioritize the climate change initiatives it should national levels. At the international level, each
undertake including areas of focus; capacity member of the Conference of Parties is
needs; technology transfer needs; barriers to supposed to cooperate and promote the
accessing technologies and opportunities of development and exchange of educational and
accessing funds to undertake mitigation and public awareness materials on climate change
adaptation activities. and its effects. It is also tasked with the
development and implementation of educational
The energy sector contributes most to climate and training programmes including the
change (See Section 3.3.1.) as energy drives strengthening of national institutions and the
the economy through industrial and commercial exchange or secondment of personnel to train
activities. Use of fuel wood for domestic energy experts in climate change.

58 Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

 SECTION 4: Strategy Enablers

Zimbabwe has started participating in UNFCCC curriculum in such subjects as Social Studies,
Article 6 activities. This is seen by its inclusion of Environmental Studies and Agriculture at
a chapter on climate change education, training Primary Level; and Geography, Agriculture and
and public awareness in its National Second Civic Education at Secondary Level.
Communication to the UNFCCC. Several
In response to this deficiency the Ministry of
workshops were organized, especially between
Environment, Water and Climate has engaged
2009 and 2012, aimed at addressing the issue
the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education
of education, awareness and training. To further,
to develop new curricula and materials for
these activities, Government has tasked the
primary and secondary schools that strengthen
Ministry of Environment, Water and Climate with
existing teaching materials on climate change. It
overseeing most of the activities related to
is expected that when fully developed, the
climate change including the coordination of
materials in the new curricula can be used from
education, awareness and training. This National
the early childhood development level up to ‘A’-
Response Strategy is therefore an important step
Level.
in fulfilling the aims and objectives of Article 6 of
the UNFCCC. So far a new Early Childhood Development
syllabus has been developed and started to be
implemented in 2014. Climate change issues,
4.2.1. Climate Change Education and
such as weather are included under the
Training
mathematics and science and social sciences
sections. At Primary Level a new Agriculture
Education is a powerful vehicle for imparting new
syllabus taught from Grade 4 to 7 has been
ideas, especially to young people. The aim of
developed that includes climate change issues.
using education to carry the climate change
The syllabus began being implemented in 2014.
messages is to create a new generation of youth
The Environmental Science syllabus that is
whose behaviour will be climate change
taught at Grades 6 and 7 also includes some
compliant. As stated in Section 1.2, Zimbabwe
climate change issues.
has almost achieved universal primary education
in line with Millennium Development Goal 2. Its Syllabi at secondary level still need to be
network of schools is so extensive that most reviewed and revised to make climate change
young persons can be reached through the issues more explicit. Even in those syllabi where
formal education system. Thus, all school going climate change has been incorporated there is
children at primary level could receive climate still more to be done especially on adaptation
change education to create the sustainable issues and local impacts of climate change.
behavioural change needed to adapt to and to Once all the new curricula are in place, they
mitigate climate change. should be consistently monitored, evaluated and
updated to keep up with global trends.
There has been a general view that the content
of the curricula used in both primary and The tertiary education sector is made up of
secondary schools does not adequately address teacher training colleges, agricultural training
climate change. This is because climate change colleges, polytechnic colleges and universities.
has been taught as a small component of the Currently, the teacher training colleges cover

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy 59

SECTION 4: Strategy Enablers

climate change issues as part of the carrier need to develop educational materials and to
subjects which their graduates then teach at create fora where the material is delivered to
primary and secondary schools. As a result, the these groups. The materials should be based on
same weaknesses pointed out under primary indigenous knowledge infused with technical
and secondary school curricula also apply to the information and should be translated into as
teacher training colleges in that the course many local languages as possible. They should
content on climate change is not broad enough be delivered using different modes of
and will need enhancement. The colleges will communication including drama, road shows and
need to review the content of the carrier subjects mass media.
such as Geography, Environmental Science,
Physics and Civil Education and integrate
Strategies
climate change. The syllabus for agricultural
colleges will also need to be reviewed. a) Enhance the teaching and learning of climate
change at all levels of education (formal and
There will be need for in-service training for informal).
those teachers already produced by these
b) Provide relevant training on climate change
colleges so that their foundation on climate
issues for educators and practitioners working
change issues can be strengthened. This also
with communities.
applies to national extension officers (e.g.
Agricultural Extension, Environmental
Management Agency), agro-service providers, 4.2.2. Public Awareness-raising and
and Civil Society Organizations personnel to Communication
enable them to implement action plans for
The Zimbabwean public is aware of climate
climate change adaptation with communities.
change and the need to adapt to it. There is need
Regarding universities, each university has its to turn this awareness and to translate it into
own policy on what subjects to offer. Climate action. The central pillar of raising public
change is taught as part of Geography and awareness should be measured by behavioural
Environmental Studies or of Atmospheric Studies change.
that include Meteorology and Climatology or is
There is a need to develop climate change
mainstreamed into other courses in the
communication strategies based on or around
disciplines of Crop, Animal, Soil Sciences and
the following themes: the public’s understanding
Agricultural Economics at most Zimbabwean
of and knowledge about climate change and its
universities. Thus a situational analysis of what
perceived causes; access to climate change
aspects of climate change are included in these
information; the ability to develop and use local
curricula should be carried out as a starting point.
indicators to predict climate change as well as
current and projected coping strategies and
Currently there are no fora for informal teaching
adaptation measures to climate change.
of climate change issues. The out-of-school
youths and vulnerable groups such as women, Several communication strategies need to be
children and the disabled are not being reached used to raise public awareness on climate
by the formal climate change education. There is change. These include use of posters and

60 Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

 SECTION 4: Strategy Enablers

pamphlets written in simple language that the groups such as people with disabilities need to
public can understand and relate to. Use of be engaged through their representative
drama on both radio and television as well as in associations. In all these actions sight must not
road shows should be encouraged. be lost of existing indigenous knowledge
systems. These should be incorporated as much
Prominent public figures in both government and
as possible when raising public awareness.
the private sector should also be used at every
opportunity to address the climate change
issues. This should include role models for the Strategies
youth as well as musicians. This way the climate
a) Implement a communication strategy for
change messages will reach a wide and varied
raising awareness on climate change.
audience. Traditional and community opinion
leaders should be used in promoting climate b) Promote and strengthen stakeholder

change messages especially on issues of awareness on adaptation to and mitigation of

mitigation and adaptation. Churches should be climate change.

brought on board as part of the communication c) Encourage sharing of information and

strategy for raising public awareness on climate networking on climate change issues at local,
change. regional and international levels.

Programmes targeted at out-of-school youths d) Communicate climate change messages

also need to be developed. Other vulnerable incorporating indigenous knowledge systems.

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy 61

Section
Climate Change Governance
5
5.1 Climate Change climate change and any interventions to mitigate
Governance and or adapt to climate change.
Institutional Framework
At the heart of climate change governance are
also issues of equity, human rights, gender and
Climate change is an issue that has impacts at poverty reduction. Effective climate change
global, regional, national and local levels (see governance takes into account risks and
Section 2). Therefore its governance should be opportunities that are offered by climate change.
considered and mainstreamed at national, There is however, need for a shift in approach
provincial, district and community levels in both when dealing with climate change because
urban and rural settings. There are several although it is addressed in international and
institutions that have different mandates that may regional agreements it is both an environmental
and development issue. Parties to the UNFCCC
directly or indirectly impact on climate
are required to promote and cooperate in
governance. In addition, there are sectoral laws
scientific, technological, technical and socio-
and policies that inform the climate change
economic research on climate change.
governance but they are not coordinated and at
times are in conflict. Climate change issues should generally be
mainstreamed into all sectors; however, in
Zimbabwe, they have not yet been
5.1.1. Climate Change Governance
mainstreamed into sectors that include land-use
Climate change has created urgency in the planning, agriculture, natural resource
management, industry, energy and transport.
promotion of good governance at national level
Thus, there is generally a limited supportive
especially in the context of adaptation and
environment to respond to climate change issues
development. Its governance is informed by the
at national level.
principles of decentralization and autonomy;
accountability and transparency; responsiveness Climate change issues provide an opportunity for
and flexibility; and participation and inclusion. the Government, local authorities, UN agencies
It is important to include communities in decision and development partners, civil society
making as they are most vulnerable to climate organizations and communities to work together.
shocks and extreme weather events and should Currently there is limited coordination among
be involved in monitoring and evaluation of both these stakeholders.

62 Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

 SECTION 5: Climate Change Governance

Local authorities (urban and rural) are best 5.1.2. Climate Change Institutional
positioned to implement disaster risk Framework
management and to mainstream climate change
adaptation. This includes increasing the abilities Climate change adaptation is intricately linked
of communities to cope with consequences of with disaster risk management. Currently
extreme weather conditions such as flooding, Disaster Risk Management and Rural and Urban
storms, droughts, heat waves and cold spells. Councils fall under the Ministry responsible for
Local authorities are also supposed to enforce Local Government, Public Works and National
by-laws on siting, design, quality and building Housing, while climate change is the mandate of
standards which are climate proofed (See the Ministry of Environment, Water and Climate.
Section 3.3.3). However, they could both use the same
platforms and coordination mechanisms. For
Urban local authorities with the support of example, the Department of Civil Protection
relevant institutions should collect data on GHG (Disaster Risk Management) has decentralized
emissions and the ambient concentration of air arrangements for coordinating National,
pollutants in areas under their jurisdiction. Provincial, and Community-Level Disaster Risk
However, they do not have infrastructure and Management Initiatives. These structural
equipment to monitor the level of these arrangements could be more beneficial to all
pollutants. This means the required data is not stakeholders if they were also used by the
being captured. Additionally, urban local climate change governance institutions.
authorities do not have the capacity to provide
infrastructure and services; for land-use The Office of the President and Cabinet is
management and for enforcing building by-laws promoting the mainstreaming of climate change
and approved standards, and in land through the implementation of the Zimbabwe
subdivisions. This results in poor delivery of Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic
services such as sanitation and drainage Transformation (Zim Asset) economic blueprint
systems; adequate clean and safe water and while the Ministry of Finance is responsible for
solid waste collection. There is also limited national budgets.
access to health, education and emergency
services. There is need to instutionalize climate change
into strategies, actions and budgets of climate
Rural District Councils have limited capacity to sensitive sectors such as agriculture, forestry,
reduce exposure and to cope with consequences water, environmental management, fisheries,
of extreme weather conditions such as flooding, settlements, infrastructure, health and food
storms, droughts, heat waves and cold spells security.
and their impacts on local communities.

Strategies
Strategies
a) Institutionalize the climate change response
a) Mainstream climate change into urban and governance framework at national, provincial,
rural planning, infrastructure, investments and district and ward levels.
service delivery.

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy 63

SECTION 5: Climate Change Governance

5.2 Climate Change Policy and Agriculture Marketing and Pricing Policy and the
Legal Framework Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises Policy.

Zimbabwe ratified the UNFCCC but has no The ZIM Asset 2013-2018 recognises that the
standalone climate change policy and legislation. agro-economy in Zimbabwe is being affected by
It has also ratified multilateral environmental climate change and has identified a Climate
agreements such as the Convention on the Change Policy as a cluster output for the key
Conservation of Biological Diversity and United result areas on policy and legislation and
Nations Convention to Combat Desertification environmental management. There is need for
(UNCCD) in Africa. At the regional level, the Zimbabwe to be prepared for climate change
SADC has developed the Climate Change through adopting a policy framework that is
Adaptation Strategy for the Water Sector. An aligned to international and regional agreements
addendum to the SADC Protocol on Gender and and informed by local scenarios.
Development is being negotiated to take into
consideration climate change and its gendered
Strategies
impacts. The legal instruments are supposed to
be aligned with national laws and policies. a) Enact an enabling policy environment for
climate change response.
Climate change issues are covered by various
uncoordinated sectoral policies, strategies and
action plans. These policies include the National
Policy and Programme on Drought Mitigation; 5.3 Framework for Climate
the Draft Disaster Risk Management Policy and Governance
Strategy; the Second Science, Technology and
The Framework for climate change governance
Innovation Policy 2012; the Water Policy, the
is given in Figure 15.

64 Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

 SECTION 5: Climate Change Governance

Figure 15: Proposed Climate Change Governance Framework

Department of
Climate Change
Management

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy 65

Section 6
Action Plan, Implementation Framework and
Resource Mobilization

6.1 Action Plan bilateral donor and international agencies;

carbon markets; foreign direct investment and
Action Plans for the strategies that include: loans from international, regional and local banks
actions, indicative time frame, lead agency, to implement the Action Plans proposed in this
cooperating agencies, potential sources for National Climate Change Response Strategy.
resource mobilization and estimated costs are
given in Annex 1. These were generated by The most important multilateral sources of
stakeholders during several consultative climate financing at the international level are the
workshops with representatives of government World Bank’s carbon funds, the Global
ministries; private sector; academia; research Environment Facility (GEF), the African
institutions; vulnerable groups and civil society. Development Bank (AfDB), African Sustainable
A summary of the estimated costs is given in Forestry Fund, the UNFCCC’s Adaptation Fund,
Table 6.1 and amounts to almost 10 billion United and the Kyoto Protocol’s Clean Development
States dollars. The Actions will be implemented Mechanism. The Green Climate Fund, which is
over 10 years. a financial mechanism of the UNFCCC, is
expected to be a major source of climate finance
as it will support projects, programmes, policies
6.2 Resource Mobilization and other activities in developing country Parties.

Unfortunately, Zimbabwe has not been able to

Climate finance has been a key topic in
international climate negotiations especially take full advantage of these funds in the past,
under the UNFCCC, resulting in a significant due to several reasons that include lack of
commitment by developed countries to increase capacity and lack of accredited financial
the flow of climate finance to developing institutions. For example by June 2013, 10
countries to US$100 billion per year by 2020. SADC countries had in total received US$964.19
The major aim of climate financing is to advance million from these climate funds
action on low-carbon, climate-resilient but Zimbabwe’s share of the funds was only
development. 0.7 per cent. It has received modest funding
from, for example, multilateral organizations
Significant financial resources will need to be (such as UNDP, UNICEF, UNEP; GEF; GEF
allocated by the Zimbabwe Government treasury Small Grants Programme and FAO);
and contributed by the private sector as well as international organizations (such as the Global
be mobilized from international climate funds; Water Partnership); regional organizations (e.g.

66 Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

 SECTION 6: Action Plan, Implementation Framework and Resource Mobilization

Table 6.1. Summary of estimated costs to implement the Action Plans

for zimbabwe’s Climate Change Response Strategy.

No Sector Amount USD (million)

1. Air Pollution 134

2. Water Resources 3,158

3. Land Use and Land Use Change 91

4. Biodiversity 74

5. Agriculture 2,386

6. Industry and Commerce 528

7. Mining 312

8. Tourism 252

9. Energy 262

10. Transport 1,071

11. Disaster Risk Management and Human Settlements 519

12. Waste Management 231

13. Health 52

14. Gender; People Living With HIV and AIDS and other Vulnerable groups 25

15. Children and Youth 32

16. Capacity Building 45

17. Role of Meteorological Services 23

18. Technology Transfer 574

19. Climate Change Education 15

20. Public Awareness 15

21. Climate Change Governance 88

Overall Total 9,887

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy 67

SECTION 6: Action Plan, Implementation Framework and Resource Mobilization

COMESA); private organizations (such as Thus there are sectors that are likely to be
the Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst); and affected by climate change and some where
research funding organizations (e.g. IDRC and opportunities for low carbon development may
DFID). However, most of the climate finance has present themselves. Each sector will therefore
come from the Government Treasury through the have specific and particular needs and will need
public sector investment programme. to develop climate change related projects.
There will be need for capacity building and
Another international funding programme that establishment of sector-by- sector guidance to
can provide significant climate financing is the enable them to develop viable projects that can
UN Sustainable Energy for All that aims to attain attract finance from a diversity of sources. There
universal access to energy for all by 2030. This will also be need to build capacity to consider
is a window which Zimbabwe can utilize since Zimbabwe’s options for raising the climate
the government has already endorsed the finance necessary for realizing proposed actions
process.
to respond to climate change and to turn ideas
into actions on the ground.
Private sector carbon funding is also potentially
a major source of climate financing which has not
There are CDM mitigation opportunities in
been fully developed in Zimbabwe. There is need
energy, manufacturing, mining, agriculture,
for government to put in place polices and
waste management and transport which
incentive mechanisms for attracting private
Zimbabwe has not yet taken up. Zimbabwe
sector participation in carbon financing.
needs to establish a designated national
The recent advances in the development of the authority (DNA), an organization granted
reduced emissions from deforestation and forest responsibility by a UNFCCC Party to authorize
degradation (REDD+) mechanism provides and approve participation in CDM projects. This
opportunities for Zimbabwe to mobilize financial could be assigned to the Department of Climate
resources for sustainable forest management Change Management. The main task of the DNA
and conservation of its tree and forest is to assess potential CDM projects to determine
resources. The country has the potential to set whether they will assist Zimbabwe in achieving
aside over 14 million hectares of forests for its sustainable development goals and to provide
REDD+. The pilot Kariba REDD project currently a letter of approval to project participants in CDM
covers over 700,000 hectares with more than 50 projects. Zimbabwe will need to develop a
million Certified Emission Reduction units. The practical CDM Implementation Strategy including
country needs to develop the appropriate human and technical requirements.
institutional framework to be able to take
advantage of these opportunities. The government has provided for the
establishment of an Environment Fund under the
Foundations such as the World Wildlife Fund, Environmental Management Act [Chapter 20:27]
Peace Parks Foundation, IUCN, Kellogg that is supposed to be capitalized through
Foundation, Ford Foundation, Frankfurt budgetary allocations, environmental levies,
Zoological Society, Bill and Melinda Gates carbon tax and donations. The fund is expected
Foundation are the larger among many to provide support through grants and loans to
foundations that support Sustainable Forest local authorities; climate change adaptation and
Management in the region. mitigation activities; environmental extension;

68 Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

 SECTION 6: Action Plan, Implementation Framework and Resource Mobilization

research, training and technology transfer; l if necessary to redirect actions to new

rehabilitation of degraded areas and environ- situations that have arisen during
mental awareness programmes. Although the implementation;
fund is not yet fully operational, it provides a legal
institutional framework for mobilizing climate l ensure visibility of technical and financial
finance for the country. contributions to climate change;

The Ministry of Environment, Water and Climate l ensure that when tackling adaptation and
will need to be accredited to be able to access climate risk management priority actions are
the global Adaptation Fund. Such accreditation implemented; and
requires the Ministry to meet fiduciary standards
l take account of emerging issues, challenges
for accurate and regular recording of transaction
and trends as well as results of global
and balances; efficient management and
negotiations under the UNFCCC.
disbursement of funds in a timely manner and
forward looking plans and budgets. Thus there
Monitoring will need to be done through periodic
will be need to strengthen the fiduciary
reports by the Department of Climate Change
management capacity for climate finance more
Management in the Ministry responsible for
broadly at sub-national level, including
Environment, Water and Climate. Each line
budgeting, accounting, internal controls, fund
Ministry could also put in place a monitoring and
flow, financial reporting and external audits.
evaluation system that tracks climate change
In addition the country also has other funds that projects. These could input into the Department
contribute to climate financing. These include the of Climate Change Management’s report.
Water Fund, the Rural Electrification Fund and ZIMSTAT could also play a role as a source of
the Zimbabwe Energy Fund, a multi donor trust information contributing to socio-economic
fund set up initially to support development of analysis and as a potential central repository of
energy infrastructure in Zimbabwe, but is being climate information in Zimbabwe.
expanded to include energy access for the poor.
There will be need to establish a Technical
Monitoring Committee to follow up the
implementation of the Strategy. Zimbabwe’s
6.3 Monitoring and Evaluation Climate Change Response Strategy’s progress
should be reviewed after every 5 years.
Monitoring and evaluation of the Climate Change
Response Strategy is essential to:
There will be need for research to inform policy
and action. The Technical Monitoring Committee
l check if the implementation is proceeding as
could set the research agenda and ensure that
planned;
the research findings inform decision making and
l assess the impacts of implementing the reach extension agents including civil society
Response Strategy in the short, medium and organizations.
long term and to determine whether the
actions are contributing to the objectives of
the Strategy;

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy 69

 Annex
Action Plans for the Climate Change Response Strategies
1

70
1. NATURAL SYSTEMS

1.1 Climate Change Issues Associated with Air Pollution

ASPECT CLIMATE CHANGE ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH AIR POLLUTION

THEME Air Pollution

STRATEGY a) Carry out an assessment to determine the main sources and levels of short-lived climate pollutants in zimbabwe.

2
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

A1 Carry out an assessment to determine the main sources Short term MEWC MIC, MHTESTD; Academic Government Treasury; UNEP; USD 1 million
and levels of short-lived climate pollutants in Zimbabwe Institutions; MMMD; Private Development Partners
and determine measures that could be successfully Sector; Local Authorities
implemented.

2
Short term =1-5 years; medium term= 6-10 years; long term = more than 10 years

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

 1. NATURAL SYSTEMS

1.1 Climate Change Issues Associated with Air Pollution

ASPECT CLIMATE CHANGE ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH AIR POLLUTION

THEME Air Pollution

STRATEGY b) Introduce measures to control and capture short-lived climate pollutants.

3
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

B1 Formulate nationally appropriate greenhouse gas Short term MEWC MEPD; MIC; Local Authorities Government Treasury; Global USD 100,000
emission reduction targets. Climate Funds

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

B2 Introduce extended pre-mine degasification, recovery Short to MMMD MEPD; Chamber of Mines; Carbon off setting projects; GEF; USD10 million
and oxidation of methane from ventilation air from coal medium term MEWC; EMA Global Climate Funds; CCAC;
mines. Corporate Social Responsibility
Programmes

B3 Capture and generate energy from methane associated Short term Local MEPD; Urban Residents; Tax on waste; Carbon off setting USD100 million
with waste management. to long term Authorities; Private Sector; CBOs; CSOs projects; GEF; Global Climate
EMA Funds; CCAC; Corporate Social
Responsibility Programmes;
CSOs
B4 Control methane emissions from livestock mainly Medium term MEPD; MEWC Farmers; GEF; CCAC; UNDP USD 2.5 million
through on-farm anaerobic digestion of manure from MAMID
cattle and pigs.

3
Short term =1-5 years; medium term= 6-10 years; long term = more than 10 years

71
72
1. NATURAL SYSTEMS

1.1 Climate Change Issues Associated with Air Pollution

ASPECT CLIMATE CHANGE ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH AIR POLLUTION

THEME Air Pollution

STRATEGY c) Promote use of cleaner technologies.

4
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

C1 Scale up use of efficient-burning biomass stoves that Short to Private MEPD; EMA; MLGPWNH Social Corporate Responsibility; USD 5 million
use modern fuels such as liquefied petroleum gas for medium term Sector UN Development Partners;
residential cooking and domestic heating. CCAC; CSOs

C2 Introduce diesel particulate filters for vehicles and Short to long MTID MLGPWNH, Private Sector, Vehicle Owners; Private Sector USD 2 million
eliminate high-emitting vehicles from roads. term Transport Associations, EMA

C3 Replace traditional brick kilns with vertical shaft kilns to Medium term EMA MLGPWNH, Traditional Private Sector; Communities; USD 10 million
reduce black carbon emissions. Leaders CCAC (revolving fund)

4
Short term =1-5 years; medium term= 6-10 years; long term = more than 10 years

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

 1. NATURAL SYSTEMS

1.1 Climate Change Issues Associated with Air Pollution

ASPECT CLIMATE CHANGE ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH AIR POLLUTION

THEME Air Pollution

STRATEGY d) Develop and implement policies and regulatory frameworks that restrict release of short-lived climate pollutants.

5
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

D1 Ban open-burning of municipal solid waste and field Short to Local MLGPWNH; MHCC Government Treasury USD 1 million
burning of agricultural waste. medium term Authorities
and EMA

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

D2 Strengthen the enforcement of the Fire Management Short term EMA Zimparks; Forestry Government Treasury USD 2 million
Strategy. Commission; Local Authorities;
Traditional leaders; AGRITEX;
CSOs; ZRP; farmers

D3 Consider joining organizations that aim to reduce short- Short to long MEWC MFA UNEP USD 100 000
lived climate pollutants such as the Climate and Clean term
Air Coalition to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants.

5
Short term =1-5 years; medium term= 6-10 years; long term = more than 10 years

73
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1. NATURAL SYSTEMS

1.2 Climate Change Issues for the Water Sector

Water Resources Availability Issues

ASPECT CLIMATE CHANGE ISSUES FOR THE WATER SECTOR

THEME Water Resources Availability

STRATEGY a) Strengthen and intensify monitoring networks for hydro-meteorological parameters.

6
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

A1 Establish and maintain hydro- meteorological stations Medium-long MEWC Catchment Councils; Government Treasury; USD 5 million
consistent with World Meteorological Organization term (ZINWA and Sub-catchment Councils; International Cooperating
recommendations. Meteorologic Transboundary River Basin Agencies; UN Agencies; SADC;
al Services Organizations; SADC Multi-Donor Funds
Department)
A2 Rehabilitate and maintain dysfunctional hydro- Short to MEWC Catchment Councils; Government Treasury; USD 7.5 million
meteorology stations. medium term (ZINWA and Sub-catchment Councils; International Cooperating
Meteorologic Transboundary River Basin Agencies; UN Agencies; SADC;
al Services Organizations; SADC Multi-Donor Funds
Department)
A3 Rehabilitate and maintain groundwater monitoring Short to MEWC DDF; Catchment Councils; Government Treasury; USD 10 million
stations. medium term (ZINWA) Sub-catchment Councils; International Cooperating
EMA Agencies; UN Agencies; SADC;
Multi-Donor Funds

6
Short term =1-5 years; medium term= 6-10 years; long term = more than 10 years

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

 1. NATURAL SYSTEMS

1.2 Climate Change Issues for the Water Sector

ASPECT CLIMATE CHANGE ISSUES FOR THE WATER SECTOR

THEME Water Resources Availability

STRATEGY b) Conduct more frequent yield assessments of surface and groundwater resources.

7
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

B1 Build capacity (equipment, human resources and Short to long MEWC DDF; Catchment Councils; Government Treasury; USD 1 million
information) for carrying out yield assessments of water term (ZINWA) Sub-catchment Councils; International Cooperating
resources. Local Authorities; EMA Agencies; UN Agencies; SADC;
Multi-Donor Funds

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

B2 Conduct silt surveys of dams and sediment Short to long MEWC DDF; Catchment Councils; Government Treasury; USD 5 million
investigations. term (ZINWA) Sub-catchment Councils; International Cooperating
Local Authorities; EMA Agencies; UN Agencies; SADC;
Multi-Donor Funds

B3 Conduct comprehensive yield assessments of surface Medium to MEWC DDF; Catchment Councils; Government Treasury; USD 5 million
and groundwater sources. long term (ZINWA) Sub-catchment Councils; International Cooperating
Local Authorities; EMA Agencies; UN Agencies; SADC;
Multi-Donor Funds

7
Short term =1-5 years; medium term= 6-10 years; long term = more than 10 years

75
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1. NATURAL SYSTEMS

1.2 Climate Change Issues for the Water Sector

ASPECT CLIMATE CHANGE ISSUES FOR THE WATER SECTOR

THEME Water Resources Availability

STRATEGY c) Promote water use efficiency in all sectors.

8
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

C1 Invest in modern and efficient water use and distribution Medium to MEWC MAMID, Local Authorities; Government Treasury; USD 50 million
technologies. long term (ZINWA) MIC; MF; Sector International Cooperating
representatives; EMA; Agencies; UN Agencies; SADC;
Catchment Councils and Multi-Donor Funds; Local
Sub-catchment Councils Financial Institutions

C2 Conduct education and awareness campaigns on Short term MEWC MAMID; MPSE, MHCC, MF; Government Treasury; USD 2.5 million
benefits of more efficient approaches to water use, (ZINWA, MIC; MYIEE; MWAGCD; International Cooperating
including reusing water. EMA) Catchment Councils; Agencies; UN Agencies; SADC;
Sub-catchment Councils; Multi-Donor Funds; Local
Local Authorities; Sector Financial Institutions
representatives

8
Short term =1-5 years; medium term= 6-10 years; long term = more than 10 years

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

 1. NATURAL SYSTEMS

1.2 Climate Change Issues for the Water Sector

Water Development Issues

ASPECT CLIMATE CHANGE ISSUES FOR THE WATER SECTOR

THEME Water Development Issues

STRATEGY a) Develop, rehabilitate, maintain and protect surface and groundwater resources.

9
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

A1 Rehabilitate existing storage and distribution Short term to MEWC Local Authorities; DDF; Government Treasury; International USD 1 billion
infrastructure. long term (ZINWA) MF; Developmental Partners; Cooperating Agencies; UN
Catchment Councils; Agencies; SADC; Multi-Donor
Sub-catchment Councils Funds; Local Financial Institutions

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

A2 Complete dams under construction and develop Short to long MEWC Local Authorities; DDF; Government Treasury; International Surface water
groundwater sources. term (ZINWA) MF; Developmental Partners; Cooperating Agencies; UN USD 1 billion
Catchment Councils; Agencies; SADC; Multi-Donor
Sub-catchment Councils Funds; Local Financial Institutions; Ground water
Private Sector; PPPs USD 250 million
A3 Construct inter-catchment transfer infrastructure. Medium to MEWC Local Authorities; DDF; Government Treasury; International USD 500 million
long term (ZINWA) MF; Developmental Partners; Cooperating Agencies; UN
Catchment Councils; Agencies; SADC; Multi-Donor
Sub-catchment Councils Funds; Local Financial Institutions;
Private Sector; PPPs
A4 Revive the policy of one medium dam per Province per Short-term MEWC Local Authorities; MF; Government Treasury; International USD 5 million
year. (ZINWA) Developmental Partners; Cooperating Agencies; UN
Catchment Councils and Agencies; SADC; Multi-Donor
Sub-catchment Councils Funds; Local Financial Institutions;
Private Sector; PPPs

9
Short term =1-5 years; medium term= 6-10 years; long term = more than 10 years

77
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1. NATURAL SYSTEMS

1.2 Climate Change Issues for the Water Sector

ASPECT CLIMATE CHANGE ISSUES FOR THE WATER SECTOR

THEME Water Development Issues

STRATEGY b) Invest in management of effects of extreme events.

10
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

B1 Revisit engineering guidelines on optimum designs in Short to MEWC Meteorological Services Government Treasury USD 250,000
light of anticipated increase in extreme events. medium term (ZINWA) Department; Zimbabwe
Institution of Engineers;
Engineering Council of
Zimbabwe; MIC; MF; SADC;
Catchment Councils and
Sub-catchment Councils

B2 Construct flood control structures such as dams, dykes, Medium to MEWC Meteorological Services Government Treasury; USD 250 million
culverts etc. long term (ZINWA) Department; Zimbabwe International Cooperating
Institution of Engineers, Agencies; UN Agencies; SADC;
Engineering Council of Multi-Donor Funds; Local
Zimbabwe; MF; MTID; DDF Financial Institutions; Private
SADC; Catchment Councils Sector; PPPs
and Sub-catchment Councils

B3 Raise awareness on extreme events. Short term MLGPWNH MEWC; MF; MTID; MHA; Government Treasury; USD 2.5 million
(Department MD; Catchment Councils and International Cooperating
of Civil Sub-catchment Councils; Agencies; UN Agencies; SADC;
Protection) SADC Multi-Donor Funds; Local
Financial Institutions

10
Short term =1-5 years; medium term= 6-10 years; long term = more than 10 years

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

 1. NATURAL SYSTEMS

1.2 Climate Change Issues for the Water Sector

Water Management Issues

ASPECT CLIMATE CHANGE ISSUES FOR THE WATER SECTOR

THEME Water Management Issues

STRATEGY a) Strengthen stakeholder institutions in water resources management.

11
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

A1 Strengthen the Water National Action Committee and its Short term MEWC Local authorities; MAMID; Government Treasury; USD 1 million
subcommittees. MF; MMMD; MEPD; Cooperating Agencies; UN
MWAGCD; MHCC; MIC; Agencies; Multi-Donor Funds;
SADC; WACDEP Local Financial Institutions

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

A2 Strengthen Catchment and Sub-catchment Councils. Short term MEWC WACDEP; Global Water Government Treasury; USD 5 million
Partnership Southern Africa; Cooperating Agencies; UN
Zimbabwe Water Partnership Agencies; Multi-Donor Funds;
Local Financial Institutions

11
Short term =1-5 years; medium term= 6-10 years; long term = more than 10 years

79
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1. NATURAL SYSTEMS

1.2 Climate Change Issues for the Water Sector

ASPECT CLIMATE CHANGE ISSUES FOR THE WATER SECTOR

THEME Water Management Issues

STRATEGY b) Promote more efficient water use practices.

12
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

B1 Promote water demand management. Short to MEWC Catchment Councils; Sub- Government Treasury; International USD 1 million
medium term (ZINWA) catchment Councils; Local Cooperating Agencies; UN
Authorities; DDF; MAMID Agencies; Multi-Donor Funds;
Local financial Institutions

B2 Promote rainwater harvesting. Short to MEWC ZINWA; Catchment Councils; Government Treasury; International USD 500,000
medium term Sub-catchment Councils; Cooperating Agencies; UN
Local Authorities; MAMID Agencies; Multi-Donor Funds;
Local Financial Institutions

B3 Identify and support demonstration projects. Short to MEWC Catchment Councils; Government Treasury; International USD 7 million
medium term (ZINWA) Sub-catchment Councils; Cooperating Agencies; UN
UNICEF; UNDP; WACDEP; Agencies; Multi-Donor Funds;
Water and Power Cooperation Local Financial Institutions

12
Short term =1-5 years; medium term= 6-10 years; long term = more than 10 years

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

 1. NATURAL SYSTEMS

1.2 Climate Change Issues for the Water Sector

ASPECT CLIMATE CHANGE ISSUES FOR THE WATER SECTOR

THEME Water Management Issues

STRATEGY c) Promote catchment protection.

13
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

C1 Enforce existing legislation. Ongoing MEWC ZINWA; Catchment Councils; Government Treasury; International USD 100,000
(EMA) Sub-catchment Councils; Cooperating Agencies,; UN
Local Authorities; MAMID; Agencies; Multi-Donor Funds;
MMMD; MHA Local Financial Institutions

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

C2 Implement catchment protection measures (e.g. silt Ongoing MEWC Catchment Councils; Government Treasury; International USD 20 million
traps, vertiver grass, contour ridges, sustainable tillage (EMA) Sub-catchment Councils; Cooperating Agencies; UN
techniques). MAMID Agencies; Multi-Donor Funds;
Local Financial Institutions

C3 Discourage uncontrolled alluvial mining along rivers. Ongoing MEWC Local Authorities; MMMD; Government Treasury; International USD 3.5 million
(EMA) MHA, Catchment Councils; Cooperating Agencies; UN
Sub-catchment Councils; Agencies; Multi-Donor Funds;
ZINWA Local Financial Institutions

C4 Control discharge of wastes and sediments into surface Ongoing MEWC Local Authorities; ZINWA; Government Treasury; USD 5 million
and groundwater systems. (EMA) Catchment Councils; International Cooperating Agencies;
Sub-catchment Councils; UN Agencies; Multi-Donor Funds;
MAMID; Private Sector; MIC Local Financial Institutions

13
Short term =1-5 years; medium term= 6-10 years; long term = more than 10 years

81
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1. NATURAL SYSTEMS

1.2 Climate Change Issues for the Water Sector

ASPECT CLIMATE CHANGE ISSUES FOR THE WATER SECTOR

THEME Water Management Issues

STRATEGY d) Adopt data analysis and prediction tools that incorporate climate change.

14
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

D1 Promote research on the impacts of climate change in Short to long MEWC Catchment Councils; Government Treasury; USD 10 million
the water sector. term (ZINWA, Sub-catchment Councils; International Cooperating
Meteorological Research Institutions; River Agencies; UN Agencies; Multi-
Services Basin Organisations; Donor Funds; Local Financial
Department) WACDEP; SADC; EMA;RCZ Institutions
D2 Promote research and advancement of appropriate tools Short to long MEWC Catchment Councils; Government Treasury; USD 10 million
to facilitate efficient water management. term (ZINWA, Sub-catchment Councils; International Cooperating
Meteorological Research Institutions; River Agencies; UN Agencies; Multi-
Services Basin Organisations; Donor Funds; Local Financial
Department) WACDEP; SADC; EMA; RCZ Institutions
D3 Set up mechanisms to incorporate Indigenous Short to long MEWC Catchment Councils; Government Treasury; USD 500,000
Knowledge Systems in prediction of climate change term (Meteorological Sub-catchment Councils; International Cooperating
impacts. Services Research Institutions; River Agencies; UN Agencies; Multi-
Department) Basin Organisations; Donor Funds; Local Financial
WACDEP; SADC; EMA Institutions
D4 Develop data sharing and information exchange Short to long MEWC ZINWA; Meteorological Government Treasury; USD 500,000
strategies at all levels. term Services Department; EMA; International Cooperating
Catchment Councils and Agencies; UN Agencies; Multi-
Sub-catchment Councils Donor Funds; Local Financial
Institutions

14
Short term =1-5 years; medium term= 6-10 years; long term = more than 10 years

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

 1. NATURAL SYSTEMS

1.3 Land-use and Land-use-change and Forestry (LULUCF)

ASPECT LAND-USE AND LAND-USE-CHANGE AND FORESTRY

THEME Land-use and Land-use-change

STRATEGY a) Develop and enforce policies that regulate change from one land-use to another, especially clearance of forests and woodlands to other land-uses.

15
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

A1 Review and harmonise the existing laws and regulations Short term MEWC MLRR; MLGPWNH; MAMID; Government Treasury; USD 250,000
on land-use. MJLPA; EMA; FC; Timber UNDP; FAO
Producers Federation

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

A2 Review national land-use categories to take in to Short term MLGPWNH MAMID; MEWC; Universities Government Treasury; USD 150,000
account forestry as a viable land-use. UNDP; FAO

A3 Develop and implement a land and land-use information Short term MLGPWNH MAMID ; MEWC (Forestry Government Treasury; World USD 13 million
management system to capture and monitor land-use (Department Commission, EMA) Timber Bank; FAO; UNEP; World Bank;
changes. of Surveyor Producers Federation; AfDB
General) MICTPCS, Universities

A4 Revise the Forest-based Land Reform Policy to Short term MEWC (EMA MLRR; MLGPWNH (Rural Government Treasury; USD 150,000
incorporate climate change adaptation and mitigation and FC) District Councils); MJLPA; UNDP; FAO
strategies. Timber Producers Federation

15
Short term =1-5 years; medium term= 6-10 years; long term = more than 10 years

83
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1. NATURAL SYSTEMS

1.3 Land-use and Land-use-change and Forestry (LULUCF)

Adaptation Options in the Forestry Sector

ASPECT LAND-USE AND LAND-USE-CHANGE AND FORESTRY

THEME Adaptation Options in the Forestry Sector

STRATEGY a) Promote establishment of land-use plans at district, ward, village and farm management levels that clearly identify forestry as a recognized land-use.

16
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

A1 Design land-use plans that incorporate forestry. Short term MLRR MLGPWNH; MAMID; Forestry Government Treasury; FAO; USD 2 million
Commission; EMA World Bank; AfDB; SADC

A2 Create awareness among the stakeholders on the role Short term MEWC MAMID; MPSE; Government Treasury; UNICEF; USD 500,000
of forests and woodlands in climate change adaptation (Forestry MICTPCS; MMIBS; Carbon off setting projects; GEF;
and mitigation. Commission, EMA;CSOs Global Climate Funds
Timber
Producers
Federation)

A3 Promote livelihood enhancement activities that reduce Medium term FC; MAMID MWAGCD; MYIEE; Government Treasury; Private USD 10 million
rural people’s reliance on forests and forest products. MLGPWNH (RDCs); Sector; PPPs; World Bank; AfDB;
MSMECD; CSOs; UN Carbon off setting projects; GEF;
Agencies Global Climate Funds

16
Short term =1-5 years; medium term= 6-10 years; long term = more than 10 years

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

 1. NATURAL SYSTEMS

1.3 Land-use and Land-use-change and Forestry (LULUCF)

ASPECT LAND-USE AND LAND-USE-CHANGE AND FORESTRY

THEME Adaptation Options in the Forestry Sector

STRATEGY b) Strengthen research, planning and financial support to forestry and natural resources management, to develop cost effective adaptation options.

17
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

B1 Establish ecological monitoring sites to provide Medium term Forestry MEWC; MAMID (DR&SS); Government Treasury; UNEP; USD 2.5 million
information for adaptive tree and forest management. Commission MLGPWNH (RDCs); EMA; CIFOR; Carbon off setting
Timber Producers Federation; projects; GEF; Global Climate
Universities; CSOs; UN Funds

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

Agencies
B2 Promote breeding of trees that are adapted to the Long term Forestry MAMID (DR&SS); ICRAF; Government Treasury; CIFOR; USD 10 million
changed climate. Commission Universities; Timber Producers Carbon off setting projects; GEF;
Federation; CIFOR Global Climate Funds

B3 Provide guidelines for site-species matching especially Short term Forestry MAMID (DR&SS); Universities; Government Treasury USD 250,000
for plantation species in relation to ground water use. Commission EMA; Timber Producers
Federation

B4 Promote changes in forest and management/ Medium term Forestry MAMID (AGRITEX); Government Treasury USD 1 million
silvicultural practices such as the time and pattern of Commission Universities; Timber Producers
planting, watering and the application of fertilizer in Federation
response to the changed climate.

17
Short term =1-5 years; medium term= 6-10 years; long term = more than 10 years

85
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1. NATURAL SYSTEMS

1.3 Land-use and Land-use-change and Forestry (LULUCF)

ASPECT LAND-USE AND LAND-USE-CHANGE AND FORESTRY

THEME Adaptation Options in the Forestry Sector

STRATEGY c) Build capacity for forest management in a changing climate.

18
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

C1 Strengthen education, training and extension in forestry Short term Forestry EMA, MLGPWNH; Timber Government Treasury; USD 10 million
and climate change adaptation and mitigation. Commission Industry; Zimparks; Farmers; COMESA; FAO; UNESCO
MPSE and MHTESTD

C2 Build the capacity of extension agencies to promote Short term Forestry MAMID, Universities; ICRAF; Government Treasury; CIFOR; USD 3 million
trees and forest management for climate change Commission Agricultural Colleges GIZ; FAO
adaptation and mitigation.

C3 Promote use of indigenous knowledge in forestry Short term Forestry RDCs; MAMID; Traditional Government Treasury; CSOs USD 500,000
management. Commission Leaders

C4 Improve fire management through landscape change Medium term EMA FC; Timber Producers Government Treasury; USD 5 million
and prescribed burning. Federation; RDCs; MAMID; UN Agencies; CSOs
Zimparks

18
Short term =1-5 years; medium term= 6-10 years; long term = more than 10 years

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

 1. NATURAL SYSTEMS

1.3 Land-use and Land-use-change and Forestry (LULUCF)

Mitigation Options in the Forestry Sector

ASPECT LAND-USE AND LAND-USE-CHANGE AND FORESTRY

THEME Mitigation through International Carbon Enhance

STRATEGY a) Develop national capacity to design, carbon projects for accessing different carbon financing mechanisms and to implement and support the projects.

19
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

A1 Identify, map and set aside forest areas and other lands Short term Forestry WWF; CIFOR; Timber Government Treasury; Carbon USD 800,000
that can be managed for carbon mitigation under Commission Producers Federation; MLRR Offsetting Projects; GEF; Global
different schemes. (Department of Surveyor Climate Funds
General); MLGPWNH; MAMID

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

A2 Develop capacities for measurement, reporting and Medium term Forestry Research Institutions-CIFOR, Government Treasury; UNEP; USD 5 million
verification of (MRV) of carbon stocks in forests and Commission ICRAF; WWF; Universities; UNDP; Carbon Offsetting
other tree landscapes. MAMID (DR&SS); Timber Projects; GEF; Global Climate
Producers Federation Funds

A3 Train local communities and other forest owners and Short term Forestry Timber Producers Federation; Government Treasury; UN USD 2 million
users in measurement, reporting and verification of Commission WWF; EMA; MLGPWNH; Agencies; Carbon Offsetting
carbon stocks. MAMID; CSOs Projects; GEF; Global Climate
Funds; CSOs

A4 Build the capacity of local financial institutions to support Short term MF MEWC (Forestry Commission) Government Treasury; USD 200,000
and manage carbon finance transactions. AfDB-Climate Investment Fund

A5 Develop capacity to formulate and manage projects that Short term MEWC Forest Commission; EMA; Government Treasury; UNEP; USD 5 million
can take advantage of International Carbon Finance. MAMID; CSOs Global Environment Fund; FAO;
UNDP

19
Short term =1-5 years; medium term= 6-10 years; long term = more than 10 years

87
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1. NATURAL SYSTEMS

1.3 Land-use and Land-use-change and Forestry (LULUCF)

ASPECT LAND-USE AND LAND-USE-CHANGE AND FORESTRY

THEME Mitigation in Forestry through Local Programmes

STRATEGY b) Maintain, account for, and expand carbon sinks.

20
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

B1 Protect forests and practice afforestation, agroforestry Long term Forestry EMA; MAMID; MLGPWNH; Government Treasury; FAO; USD 10 million
and other practices that increase tree and forest cover. Commission Timber Producers Federation; Carbon Offsetting Projects; GEF;
Private Sector; ICRAF; WWF; Global Climate Funds
Communities

B2 Promote restoration and rehabilitation of degraded forest Long term Forestry EMA; Timber Producers Government Treasury; Carbon USD 10 million
lands to address impacts of climate change and Commission Federation; MAMID; Offsetting Projects; GEF; Global
desertification. MLGPWNH; Research Climate Funds; Payment for
Institutions; FAO; CSOs; Environmental Services; UN
Communities Agencies

20
Short term =1-5 years; medium term= 6-10 years; long term = more than 10 years

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

 1. NATURAL SYSTEMS

1.4 Biodiversity and Ecosystems

ASPECT BIODIVERSITY AND ECOSYSTEMS

THEME Biodiversity and Ecosystems

STRATEGY a) Promote and strengthen biodiversity conservation management and the integrity of natural ecosystems by using an ecosystem based
approach to adapt to climate change.
21
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

A1 Provide an enabling environment for implementation of Medium term MEWC Zimparks; FC; EMA; Government Treasury; UN USD 500,000
international multilateral environmental agreements, (Department MLGPWNH; ZINWA; Attorney Agencies; Other International
such as the Convention on Biological Diversity to which of General Office; Donors
Zimbabwe is a signatory, by strengthening the legal and Environment MMMD; MAMID; MFA; MTID;

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

institutional framework for conserving biodiversity and and Natural MEPD; CSOs
protecting ecosystems. Resources)

A2 Develop comprehensive biodiversity inventory, and Long term MEWC ZINWA; MLGPWNH; MAMID; Government Treasury; UN USD 5 million
monitoring and evaluation programmes to determine the (Zimparks, Research institutions; CSOs Agencies; Other International
status of biodiversity and to assess the adaptive carrying FC and EMA) Donors
capacity of landscapes.

A3 Promote the sustainable use of wetlands to preserve Medium term Medium term Catchment Councils; Sub- Government Treasury; UN USD 5 million
their ecological integrity. MEWC catchment Councils; MJLPA; Agencies; Multi-Donor Funds;
(EMA) MLGPWNH; MAMID; ZRP; Other International Donors
CSOs

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1.4 Biodiversity and Ecosystems

ASPECT BIODIVERSITY AND ECOSYSTEMS

THEME Biodiversity and Ecosystems

STRATEGY b) Promote appropriate climate smart land-use options for the drier natural regions where cattle production and wildlife ranching are
the most suitable land-use options
22
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

B1 Promote wildlife management in communal, Medium term MEWC FC; EMA; MLRR; Government Treasury; UN USD 2 million
resettlement and commercial farms. (Zimparks) MLGPWNH; MAMID; Private Agencies; Other Donors
sector; Research institutions;
Farmers; Communities

B2 Improve the adaptive carrying capacity of rangelands. Medium term MAMID MEWC, Zimparks; EMA; Government Treasury; UN USD 30 million
Communities; CSOs; Other Agencies; Carbon Offsetting
relevant authorities Projects; GEF; Global Climate
Funds; Other International
Donors

B3 Strengthen the capacity of communities whose Long term MEWC MAMID; Department of Government Treasury; UN USD 10 million
livelihoods depend on biodiversity in various adaptation (Department Meteorological Services; Agencies; Other International
techniques. of Climate EMA; MLGPWNH; CSOs Donors
Change
Management)

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Short term =1-5 years; medium term= 6-10 years; long term = more than 10 years

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

 1. NATURAL SYSTEMS

1.4 Biodiversity and Ecosystems

ASPECT BIODIVERSITY AND ECOSYSTEMS

THEME Biodiversity and Ecosystems

STRATEGY c) Strengthen the effectiveness of Trans-frontier Conservation Areas as a mechanism for sustainable biodiversity conservation and climate adaptation.

23
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

C1 Develop and implement a monitoring and evaluation Short term MEWC FC; EMA; Private Sector; Government Treasury; UN USD 500,000
system to assess the role and effectiveness of Trans- (Zimparks) Research institutions; CSOs Agencies; Other Donors
frontier Conservation Areas.

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

C2 Promote large scale management of biodiversity as an Medium to MEWC, FC; EMA; Private Sector; Government Treasury; UN USD 1 million
adaptation measure to mitigate the impacts of climate long term (Zimparks- Research institutions; Agencies; GEF; Global Climate
change. Transfrontier CAMPFIRE Funds; Other Donors
Management
Areas
Management
Unit)

C3 Promote enterprise and other opportunities that enhance Long term MEWC MTHI; MHA (Immigration); Government Treasury; Carbon USD 20 million
the capacity of TFCAs as a mechanism for climate (Zimparks - MLGPWNH; Security Sectors; offsetting Projects; GEF; Global
adaptation. Transfrontier CAMPFIRE; Climate Funds; UN Agencies;
Management Private Sector SADC
Areas
Management
Unit

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2.1 Agriculture and Food Security

Overarching Issues in Agriculture and Food Security

ASPECT AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY

THEME Overarching Issues in Agriculture and Food Security

STRATEGY a) Develop frameworks for sustainable intensification and commercialization of agriculture at different scales across agro-ecologies.

24
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

A1 Mechanize agriculture across all farming systems and Medium to MAMID MEWC; Universities; Private Government Treasury; FAO; USD 1.2 billion
production scales to enable assimilation of improved long term Seed and Fertilizer EU; Other Development (revolving fund)
production and processing technologies (e.g. Companies; Farmer Partners; Local, regional and
appropriate forms of Conservation Agriculture and Organizations; CSOs; International Financial
Integrated Soil Fertility Management) for sustainable Banks/Financial Institutions; Institutions; COMESA
intensification of farming systems. Regional Organizations;
Development Partners

A2 Strengthen capacity of local, provincial and national Short to MAMID MEWC; CSOs; Private Agro- Government Treasury; FAO; USD 5 million
institutions to work with communities in developing medium term Companies; Insurance and EU; Other donor agencies; Local
mechanisms for enhancing local social safety nets Financial Institutions; Local Financial Institutions; Regional
around food security and natural resources Authorities; Farmers’ Unions and International Development
management in response to changes in major climatic and Associations; Universities; Organizations
factors. International Research
Organizations; SADC;
COMESA

A3 Develop mechanisms for redirecting and coordinating Short to MAMID CSOs; Private companies; Government Treasury; WFP; USD 2 million
humanitarian assistance towards developing medium to medium term Farmer Organizations; MEWC; Other Relevant United Nations
long term adaptive capacity and strengthening self- MSMECD; MWAGCD; MYIEE; Agencies; Other Donor
reliance of communities. MLGPWNH; MPSLSW Agencies; Financial Institutions

24
Short term =1-5 years; medium term= 6-10 years; long term = more than 10 years

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

 2. ECONOMIC SECTORS

2.1 Agriculture and Food Security

ASPECT AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY

THEME Overarching Issues in Agriculture and Food Security

STRATEGY b) Strengthen capacity to generate new forms of empirical knowledge, technologies and agricultural support services that meet emerging development
challenges arising from increased climate change and variability.
25
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

B1 Develop frameworks for promoting long-term Short to long MAMID Private seed and fertilizer companies; Government Treasury; FAO; USD 10 million
research and development initiatives on term Farmer Organizations, CSOs; ARC; Banks/Financial Institutions;
diversification and improvement of stress tolerance RCZ; Research Institutions; MHTESTD; Private Sector; RCZ
against climatic and environmental factors in crops SIRDC; Regional Research

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

and livestock. Organizations; CIMMYT; ICRISAT

B2 Identify and promote farmer prioritized crop types Short term MAMID Universities; CSOs; CBOs; Private Agro- Government Treasury; Private USD 10 million
and varieties and livestock breeds known to be Companies; Insurance and Financial Sector; International
tolerant to climatic stress based on indigenous Institutions; MSMECD; MWAGCD; Foundations: FAO; Donor
knowledge systems and/or scientific research. MYIEE; Local Authorities; Farmers’ Agencies; International and
Unions and Associations; International Local Financial Institutions
Research Organizations

B3 Introduce competitive national research funding Short to MHTESTD; Universities; CSOs; CBOs; Private Agro- Government Treasury; Private USD 15 million
schemes and strengthen research capacity to medium term Agricultural Companies; Insurance and Financial Sector; International
stimulate innovative solutions and generation of Research Institutions; MF; MEWC; MYIEE; Foundations; FAO; EU; Other
empirical evidence in climate change adaptation Council Farmers’ Unions and Associations; RCZ; Donor Agencies; International
and mitigation in agriculture. International Research Organizations; Financial Institutions
SADC; COMESA

B4 Promote climate smart agriculture. Short to MAMID MEWC; ZINWA; Local Authorities; Government Treasury; USD 1 million
medium term Traditional Leadership International Cooperating
Agencies; UN Agencies; Multi-
Donor Funds; COMESA;
Local financial institutions

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2.1 Agriculture and Food Security

ASPECT AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY

THEME Overarching Issues in Agriculture and Food Security

STRATEGY c) Strengthen early warning systems on cropping season quality, rangelands conditions, droughts, floods, disease/pest outbreaks and wildlife movement in order
to enhance farmer preparedness.
26
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

C1 Conduct assessments of vulnerability and adaptive Short term MAMID MEWC; Universities; MPSE; MHCC; Government Treasury; GEF; USD 2 million
capacity of communities, and their relative MLGPWNH (Department of Civil UNDP; UNEP; UNICEF; Other
dynamics across the rural-urban divide, Protection); Regional and International UN Agencies; Other Donor
agro-ecological zones and social groups. Research Organizations; Private Sector; Agencies
FAO

C2 Establish surveillance systems for intra- and inter- Medium term MAMID Universities; Food and Nutrition Council Government Treasury; GEF; USD 2.5 million
seasonal vulnerabilities of communities, agricultural of Zimbabwe; SIRDC; MPSE; MHCC; UNDP; UNEP; UNICEF; Other
input supply patterns and movement of surpluses. Regional and International Research UN Agencies; Other Donor
Organizations; Private Sector; Relevant Agencies
UN agencies

C3 Develop frameworks for integration of indigenous Short term MAMID Universities; MPSE; MEWC; Regional Government Treasury; GEF; USD 500,000
knowledge into science-based early warning and International Research Organization; UNDP; UNEP; UNICEF; FAO;
systems to enhance decision making on agricultural Private Sector; Relevant UN agencies Other UN Agencies; Other
management and disaster risk management. Donor Agencies

C4 Review and establish effective communication Short to MAMID; Universities; MPSE; MMIBS; MICTPCS; Government Treasury; GEF; USD 2 million
pathways for climate information flows and medium term MEWC Farmers’ Unions and Associations; UNDP; UNEP; UNICEF; FAO;
knowledge dissemination. Private Sector Other UN Agencies; Other
Donor Agencies

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Short term =1-5 years; medium term= 6-10 years; long term = more than 10 years

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

 2. ECONOMIC SECTORS

2.1 Agriculture and Food Security

Thematic Issues and Proposed Strategies for the Agricultural Sector

ASPECT AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY

THEME Farming Systems

STRATEGY a) Develop frameworks for supporting agricultural specialization according to agro-ecological regions, including mechanisms for commodity exchange, trade
and marketing.
27
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

A1 Strengthen capacity to review the delineation of On going MAMID, Universities; Private Sector; Relevant UN Government Treasury; UNDP; USD 2.5 million
Zimbabwe’s agro-ecological zones and the MEWC Agencies FAO; Other UN Agencies; EU;
matching farming systems to enhance dynamic Other Donor Agencies;
responses to emerging climatic scenarios. Financial Institutions

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

A2 Establish surveillance schemes on how production Short to MAMID MPSLSW; MIC; MSMECD; Research Government Treasury; UNDP; USD 2 million
and marketing systems respond to climatic medium term Institutions; Farmers’ Unions and FAO; Other UN Agencies;
pressures within and across agro-ecological zones. Associations Other Donor Agencies;
Financial Institutions

A3 Strengthen institutional mechanisms for market- Medium to MAMID Private Seed and Fertilizer Companies; Government Treasury; UNDP; USD 20 million
oriented agricultural production and diversified long term Farmers’ Organizations; Marketing FAO; GEF; Other UN
livelihood opportunities for farming communities to Boards; CSOs; Banks/Financial Agencies; Other Donor
enhance their adaptive capacity and foster socio- Institutions; MPSLSW; MSMECD; Agencies; Financial
ecological resilience. MYIEE; MWAGCD Institutions; Private Sector

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2. ECONOMIC SECTORS

2.1 Agriculture and Food Security

ASPECT AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY

THEME Crop Productivity

STRATEGY a) Strengthen the capacity of farmers, extension agencies, and private agro-service providers to take advantage of current and emerging indigenous and scientific
knowledge on stress tolerant crop types and varieties, including landraces, that are adaptable to arising climatic scenarios.
28
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

A1 Establish incentive structures for production of Short to long MAMID MF; Private Sector; Farmers’ Government Treasury; Private USD200 million
stress tolerant crop types and varieties by term Organizations; CSOs; MHTESTD; Sector; Donor Agencies and (Revolving
communities in marginal agro-regions. Universities; MWAGCD; MYIEE; Financial Institutions Fund)
Relevant United Nations Agencies

A2 Promote community seed production schemes that Short term MAMID CSOs; Farmers’ Organizations; Government Treasury; FAO; USD 5 million
harness crop diversity. Traditional Leaders; Private Sector; GEF; EU; Other Donor
Research Institutions; MHTESTD Agencies; Private Sector

A3 Develop training programmes for promoting Short to MAMID Universities; CSOs; Private Sector; Government Treasury; Private USD 2.5 million
processing and consumption of neglected but medium term Farmers’ Organizations; MSMECD; Sector; Donor Agencies;
stress tolerant and nutritious crops. MWAGCD; MYIEE Financial Institutions

A4 Strengthen capacity for development of new food Short to MAMID; Research Institutions; MTHI; MSMECD; Government Treasury; Private USD 5 million
recipes and industrial products using stress tolerant medium term MHTESTD MWAGCD; MYIEE CSOs; Food and Sector; Donor Agencies;
and traditional crops. Nutrition Council; Farmers’ Organization; Financial Institutions
Universities, Technical Colleges,
Hospitality and Food Industries

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Short term =1-5 years; medium term= 6-10 years; long term = more than 10 years

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

 2. ECONOMIC SECTORS

2.1 Agriculture and Food Security

ASPECT AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY

THEME Crop Productivity

STRATEGY b) Develop frameworks for promoting science-based crop production and post harvest technologies and management practices.

29
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

B1 Strengthen research capacity towards development Medium term MAMID ARC; RCZ; Research Institutions; Private Government Treasury; GEF; USD 5 million
of solutions and innovations in crop improvement Seed and Fertilizer Companies; Farmers’ FAO; EU; Other Donors;
and fertilizer development to increase productivity Organizations; CSOs; Insurance Private Sector
with minimal GHGs emissions. Companies; Regional Organizations

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

B2 Design and evaluate alternative cropping systems Long term MAMID Research Institutions; MHTESTD; CSOs; Government Treasury; FAO; USD 50 million
that perform under different agronomic regimes and CBOs; Private Sector; Farmers’ EU; Donor Agencies; Private
climatic scenarios and transfer to farmers. Organizations; MWAGCD; MYIEE Sector; Financial Institutions

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2. ECONOMIC SECTORS

2.1 Agriculture and Food Security

Livestock Production

ASPECT AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY

THEME Livestock Production

STRATEGY a) Strengthen the capacity to identify and promote adoption of indigenous and improved livestock breeds that are tolerant to climate related stresses.

30
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

A1 Strengthen surveillance systems for livestock Short term MAMID Research Institutions; Private Sector; Government Treasury; FAO; USD 2 million
diseases and production performance indicators Farmers’ Organizations; MEWC; CSOs; EU; Donor Agencies; Private
against changing climatic and ecological variables. Banks/Financial Institutions; Insurance Sector; Financial Institutions
Companies; Regional Organizations

A2 Develop frameworks for promoting effective Short term MAMID ARC; CSC; Research Institutions; Private Government Treasury; FAO; USD 500,000
rangeland management systems to enhance Sector; Farmers’ Organizations; MEWC; EU; Donor Agencies; Private
sustainable production and storage of livestock CSO; Banks/Financial Institutions; Sector; Financial Institutions
feed resources. Insurance Companies; Regional
Organizations.

A3 Strengthen national research and extension Medium-long MAMID ARC; CSC; RCZ; Research Institutions; Government Treasury; FAO; USD 500 million
capacity for livestock improvement and production term Private Sector; Farmers’ Organizations; EU; Donor Agencies; Private
in response to farmers’ medium to long-term MEWC; CSOs; Banks/Financial Sector; Financial Institutions
demands for adaptation. Institutions; Insurance Companies;
Regional Organizations

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Short term =1-5 years; medium term= 6-10 years; long term = more than 10 years

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

 2. ECONOMIC SECTORS

2.1 Agriculture and Food Security

ASPECT AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY

THEME Livestock Production

STRATEGY b) Establish monitoring systems for greenhouse gas emissions in agricultural systems and support mechanisms for their reduction.

31
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

B1 Review and document current levels of gaseous Short term MAMID Research Institutions; Private Sector; Government Treasury; FAO; USD 1 million
emissions under different livestock management Farmers’ Organizations; MEWC; CSOs; GEF; Donor Agencies; Private
systems in the country. Banks/Financial Institutions; Insurance Sector; Financial Institutions
Companies; Regional Organizations

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

B2 Equip extension and research institutions with Medium term MAMID MHTESTD; MEWC; Private Sector; Government Treasury; FAO; USD 10 million
technologies and skills for monitoring and analysis Regional Research Organizations GEF; UNEP; Donor Agencies;
of greenhouse gaseous emissions. Private Sector; Financial
Institutions

B3 Promote linkages for coordination of information Short term MAMID Research Institutions; Private Sector; Government Treasury; FAO; USD 1 million
and knowledge sharing on climate change Farmers’ Organizations; MEWC; CSOs; GEF; Donor Agencies; Private
mitigation in agriculture. Banks/Financial Institutions; Insurance Sector; Financial Institutions
Companies; Regional Organizations

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2. ECONOMIC SECTORS

2.1 Agriculture and Food Security

ASPECT AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY

THEME Agriculture and Water

STRATEGY a) Strengthen national research and extension capacity for development and integrated management of agricultural water resources.

32
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

A1 Strengthen capacity for surveillance and predictive Short to MAMID; ZINWA; EMA; Catchment Councils; Sub- Government Treasury; FAO; USD 2 million
analysis of agricultural water use patterns across medium term MEWC Catchment Councils; MLGPWNH (DDF; World Bank; Other Donor
temporal and spatial scales. Rural and Urban Councils); Research Agencies; Private Sector
Institutions; Private Sector; Farmers’
Organizations; RCZ

A2 Develop infrastructure and associated technologies Long term MEWC; ZINWA; EMA; Catchment Councils; Sub- Government Treasury; FAO; USD 500 million
for irrigation, but integrating mechanisms for MAMID Catchment Councils; MLGPWNH (DDF; World Bank; Other Donor
handling excess water and flooding. Rural and Urban Councils); Research Agencies; Private Sector
Institutions; Private Sector; Farmers’
Organizations; RCZ

A3 Establish early warning systems at local levels to Short to long MEWC; ZINWA; EMA; Catchment Councils; Sub- Government Treasury; FAO; USD 2.5 million
facilitate informed decision-making processes at term MAMID Catchment Councils; MLGPWNH (DDF; World Bank; Other Donor
farm and community scales in response to climatic Rural and Urban Councils); Research Agencies; Private Sector
risks. Institutions; Private Sector; Farmers’
Organizations; RCZ

A4 Develop research and development frameworks to Short to MAMID MEWC; MLGPWNH (DDF; Rural and Government Treasury; FAO; USD 5 million
generate and promote technical and institutional medium term Urban Councils); Research Institutions; World Bank; Other Donor
innovations for water harvesting and management Private Sector; Farmers’ Organizations; Agencies; Private Sector
in crop and livestock production systems. RCZ

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Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

 2. ECONOMIC SECTORS

2.2 Industry and Commerce

ASPECT INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE

THEME Industry and Commerce

STRATEGY a) Introduce policies that promote the use and adoption of clean and efficient energy in industry.
33
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

A1 Review, implement and monitor emissions and Short term MEWC MIC; Local Authorities; SAZ; Private Government Treasury; USD 1 million
effluent standards for industries. (EMA) Sector; BCSDZ; Academic Institutions; Environment Fund
CSOs

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

A2 Establish Associations/sub committees to review Short term MEWC MIC; CZI; ZNCC; MSMECD; SAZ; Government Treasury; USD 250 000
and implement the regulations on emissions and to (EMA) Private Sector; Development partners Environment Fund
monitor through conducting audits.

A3 Continue to introduce pre-paid meters for electricity Short term ZESA MIC; MEPD; ZESA; MEWC; EMA; ZESA; PPPs USD 2 million
supply in industry. SIRDC; Universities; NSSA

A4 Provide incentives such as tax relief and financing Short to MF MIC; MSMECD; MHTESTD; MMMD; Government Treasury; Global USD 100 million
for companies that invest in technologies that medium term MEWC; EMA; Research Institutions Climate Funds; CDM; Banks;
reduce GHG emissions from their production Private Sector
processes.

A5 Establish a revolving fund to acquire modern On-going MIC MF; MEPD; Private Sector Government Treasury; USD 50 million
technologies that use cleaner energy such as solar Private Sector; Global Climate
and natural gas to reduce emissions. Funds; CDM

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2. ECONOMIC SECTORS

2.2 Industry and Commerce

ASPECT INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE

THEME Industry and Commerce

STRATEGY b) Create a policy and regulatory framework that promotes resource use efficiency and cleaner production in industry and commerce.
34
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

B1 Provide incentives for industries that adopt Short to MIC MF; MSMECD; MEWC; Cleaner Government Treasury; Private USD 100 million
resource use efficiency especially of water and medium term Production Centre Sector; Industrial (revolving fund)
energy and cleaner production. Organizations; UNIDO

B2 Encourage companies to apply for certification for Short to MIC MEWC; MSMECD; Private Sector; Government Treasury; Banks; USD 20 million
voluntary environmental management systems medium term BCSDZ; SAZ CDM
which require them to continuously improve their
environmental performance.

B3 Promote the concepts of recycle, reduce and On-going EMA; MIC BCSDZ; CZI; ZNCC Government Treasury; Private USD 5 million
re-use of resources. Sector

34
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Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

 2. ECONOMIC SECTORS

2.2 Industry and Commerce

ASPECT INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE

THEME Industry and Commerce

STRATEGY c) Create an enabling policy and legal framework that encourages the setting up and operations of climate resilient industries.
35
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

C1 Develop and implement policies that encourage Short to MIC MEWC; MF; Local Authorities; Private Government Treasury; Private USD 250 million
investment in climate resilient industries. medium term Sector; CZI; BCSDZ; ZNCC Sector

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

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2. ECONOMIC SECTORS

2.3 Mining

ASPECT MINING

THEME Mining

STRATEGY a) Develop regulatory frameworks to encourage emissions reduction and invest in resource efficient technologies.
36
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

A1 Develop regulatory frameworks to steer the mining Short to long MMMD Chamber of Mines; Mining Companies; Government Treasury; CDM; USD 500,000
sector towards low-carbon production and term EMA; MF; MHTESTD Mining Companies
processing.

A2 Enforce mandatory low carbon mining regulations. On-going MMMD EMA; BCSDZ; Chamber of Mines; Government Treasury; Mining USD 1 million
Mining Companies Companies

A3 Encourage companies to move towards low carbon Short to MMMD MF; EMA; CZI; Chamber of Mines Government Treasury; USD 200 million
production and processing through provision of medium term Mining Companies; AfDB;
meaningful incentives. Local Banks; CDM

36
Short term =1-5 years; medium term= 6-10 years; long term = more than 10 years

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

 2. ECONOMIC SECTORS

2.3 Mining

ASPECT MINING

THEME Mining

STRATEGY b) Enforce and monitor the implementation of mandatory and voluntary environmental management systems.
37
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

B1 Enforce compliance with all mining and related Short term MMMD; Chamber of Mines; EMA; Mining Companies USD 2.5 million
environmental legislation such as Environmental EMA Local Authorities; MLGPWNH
Impact Assessments, Mine Closure Plans, Disaster
Risk Management.

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

B2 Promote the implementation of voluntary Short to MMMD SAZ; EMA; MF; Mining Companies USD 50 million
environmental management systems which assist medium term Chamber of Mines; (revolving fund)
in reducing the environmental impacts of mining on Academic Institutions;
environmental resources. Cleaner Production Centre

37
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2. ECONOMIC SECTORS

2.3 Mining

ASPECT MINING

THEME Mining

STRATEGY c) Adopt practices that reduce energy consumption in the mining sector.
38
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

C1 Invest in cleaner energy and resource efficient Short to long MMMD; MF; Chamber of Mines; Mining Sector Government Treasury; USD 100 million
technologies. term MEPD CDM; Private Sector

C2 Strengthen research and build skills to develop On-going MMMD School of Mines; MHTESTD; Mining Companies; USD 5 million
mining technologies with a low carbon foot print. Academic Institutions; SIRDC; Government Treasury; Banks;
Private Sector CDM; UNIDO

C3 Build capacity in the mining sector to exploit On-going MMMD MEWC; Academic Institutions; Mining CDM; Private Sector; UNDP; USD 500 000
opportunities for accessing international climate Sector; Chamber of Mines UNIDO
change mitigation finance.

38
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Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

 2. ECONOMIC SECTORS

2.3 Mining

ASPECT MINING

THEME Mining

STRATEGY d) Develop a framework for enhancing the capacity of small-scale miners to improve their environmental performance.
39
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

D1 Enforce legislation for small-scale miners to Short to MMMD EMA; Chamber of Mines; Mining Government Treasury; USD 2 million
practice more environmentally friendly mining medium term Companies; MF; MJLPA; MHTESTD CDM; Mining Companies
methods.

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

D2 Build capacity of small-scale miners in cleaner Short to MMMD MHTESTD; Universities; School of Government Treasury; USD 20 million
technologies with lower carbon footprints and medium term Mines; SIRDC; EMA; Private Sector Mining Companies; Banks;
reduced contamination of water resources. CDM; UNIDO; World Bank

D3 Provide incentives for small-scale miners to invest On-going MMMD; MF MEPD; MIC; Chamber of Mines; Government Treasury; USD 20 million
in cleaner technologies. Mining Sector UNIDO; CDM

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2.4 Tourism

ASPECT TOURISM

THEME Tourism

STRATEGY a) Mainstream climate change into policies and legislation that guide the tourism sector.
40
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

A1 Review policies and legislation that are relevant to Short term MTHI Private Sector; ZTA; ZCT; Zimparks; Government Treasury; USD 300,000
tourism and mainstream/integrate climate change. HAZ; MJLPA UNWTO

A2 Incorporate climate change in the Tourism Policy Short term MTHI Private Sector; ZTA; ZCT; Zimparks; Government Treasury; GEF USD 200,000
and Tourism Master Plan which guide the growth of HAZ
the tourism sector.

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 2. ECONOMIC SECTORS

2.4 Tourism

ASPECT TOURISM

THEME Tourism

STRATEGY b) Promote and strengthen zimbabwe’s tourism sector’s resilience to climate change.
41
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

B1 Carry out research and documentation on extreme Short term MEWC MTHI; Zimparks; ZINWA; EMA; Government Treasury; USD 500,000
events such as floods and droughts that threaten Private Sector; Research institutions; UN Agencies
tourism products, including wildlife, especially the NMMZ; RCZ
large charismatic mammals; water bodies for
fishing and other aquatic recreations; and major

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

tourist attractions for example, the Eastern
Highlands and the Victoria Falls.

B2 Continue to promote ecotourism through creating Short to long MTHI MEWC; Zimparks; CAMPFIRE; Government Treasury; USD 100 million
community wildlife conservancies and by term ZTA; Private Sector; MLGPWNH; UN Agencies; Other
strengthening the tourism and wildlife projects in Research institutions; CSOs; CBOs international donors; Private
the CAMPFIRE areas and ensure that vulnerable Sector
community-based tourism enterprises are robust
enough to cope with the adverse effects of climate
change.

B3 Diversify Zimbabwe’s tourism products through Medium term MTHI ZTA; ZCT; Zimparks; MSAC; MIC; Government Treasury; USD 100 million
launching new activities, and enhance those that MAMID; MMIBS; Private Sector; SADC; UN Agencies;
are there, to make the tourism experience in Research institutions Private Sector; PPPs
Zimbabwe more enjoyable, including sports,
business, adventure, agricultural, cultural tourism,
eco-tourism and hosting of mega-events.

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2.4 Tourism

ASPECT TOURISM

THEME Tourism

STRATEGY c) Build and strengthen the capacity of the tourism and wildlife sectors to adapt to the challenges of climate change.
42
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

C1 Strengthen the capacity of the Zimbabwe Parks Short to MEWC MTHI; Research institutions; Private Government Treasury; USD 30 million
and Wildlife Management Authority to improve medium term (Zimparks) Sector; PSC Zimparks; GEF; UN Agencies;
wildlife management and conservation in a Private Sector
changing climate.

C2 Invest in tourism research and development on Medium to MTHI MICTPCS; ZTA; Government Treasury; USD 5 million
futuristic tourism products such as virtual tourism long term MHTESTD; Private Sector; RCZ UN Agencies; Global Climate
as an adaptation to climate change. Funds; Private Sector

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 2. ECONOMIC SECTORS

2.4 Tourism

ASPECT TOURISM

THEME Tourism

STRATEGY d) Promote mitigatory measures to ensure a low carbon footprint/emission and sustainable growth and development in zimbabwe’s tourism sector.
43
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

D1 Carry out strategic research on GHG emissions Short to MEWC, MTHI; MTID; MEPD; EMA; Government Treasury; Global USD 2 million
associated with tourism activities (e.g. in transport medium term (Departments Research institutions; RCZ; Climate Funds; UN Agencies
and accommodation). of Climate Private Sector; UNEP
Change
Management

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

and
Meteorological
Services)

D2 Develop appropriate strategies against the spill- Short to MTHI (ZTA) ZCT; MFA; MIC; Private Sector Government Treasury; Global USD 3.6 million
over effects of possible mitigation measures in the medium term Climate Funds; UN Agencies;
international aviation industry by promoting Private Sector
domestic and regional tourism.

D3 Engage in ‘Green Tourism’ and create incentives Medium to MTHI (ZTA) MEPD; MEWC; EMA; Local Government Treasury; Global USD 10 million
that will encourage stakeholders in the tourism long term Authorities; ZCT; Zimparks; CSOs Climate Funds; UN Agencies;
industry to adopt clean energy sources and to Private Sector
maximize recycling and reuse of waste and
promote Zimbabwe as a green destination.

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3.1 Energy

ASPECT PHYSICAL AND SOCIAL INFRA-STRUCTURE

THEME Energy

STRATEGY a) Introduce policies and regulatory frameworks for renewable energy, energy conservation and energy efficiency.
44
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

A1 Introduce a Renewable Energy, Energy Short term MEPD ZESA; MLGPWNH; MF; MAMID; EU; DFID; Hivos; Electricity USD 20 million
Conservation and Energy Efficiency Policy with MEWC; MHTESTD; MTID; CSOs Levy
time-defined targets for renewable energy mix and
carbon intensities for the energy sector.

A2 Develop and implement incentives aimed at Short term MEPD ZESA; Independent Power ZERA; World Bank; GEF; USD 50 million
promoting and reducing costs of Renewable Producers; Private Sector; Rural Electrification Fund
Energy such as renewable energy feed-in tariffs, MLGPWNH; MF; CSOs
net metering, subsidies and tax redemptions to
make renewable energy technologies affordable.

A3 Enact the Rural and Renewable Energy Act as Short term MEPD ZESA; MLGPWNH; MF; MAMID; Rural Electrification Fund; USD 200 000
prescribed by the Energy Policy of 2012. MEWC; MJLPA COMESA; UNIDO; UNDP

A4 Introduce regulations that enforce the use of solar Short to MEPD MLGPWNH; Local Authorities; UNIDO; UNDP; UN Habitat; USD 10 million
water geysers and use of passive heating on all medium term MF; MAMID; MEWC; MHTESTD; GEF; DFID; EU; World Bank;
new housing developments. MJLPA AfDB

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 3. PHYSICAL AND SOCIAL INFRA-STRUCTURE

3.1 Energy

ASPECT PHYSICAL AND SOCIAL INFRA-STRUCTURE

THEME Energy

STRATEGY b) Strengthen energy planning, research and development.

45
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

B1 Establish a National Integrated Resource Plan that Short term MEPD MLGPWNH; MF; MAMID; UNIDO; UNDP; COMESA; EU; USD 500,000
shows the renewable energy and conventional MEWC; MHTESTD; CSOs DFID
energy mix to meet the country’s energy needs.

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

B2 Establish an information system within the Ministry Short to MEPD and ZESA; MLGPWNH; MF; MAMID; UNIDO; Other UN Agencies; USD 1 million
of Energy and Power Development that is a medium term ZIMSTAT MEWC; MICTPCS; CSOs COMESA; EU, DFID
strategic tool for investment decision making and
optimal energy resource mix at least cost.

B3 Promote research and development in the On-going MEPD; MLGPWNH; MF; MAMID; UNIDO; Other UN Agencies; USD 10 million
renewable energy sector. MHTESTD MEWC; CSOs; RCZ COMESA; EU; DFID

B4 Establish an Energy Research Council and an Short term MHTESTD MEPD; RCZ Government Treasury; Rural USD 20 million
Energy Research Fund. Electrification Fund

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3.1 Energy

ASPECT PHYSICAL AND SOCIAL INFRA-STRUCTURE

THEME Energy

STRATEGY c) Promote low carbon energy provision and use.

46
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

C1 Reduce transmission line losses and promote Short to MEPD ZESA; MF; MEWC; Research World Bank; GEF; UNIDO; USD 20 million
demand side management and energy saving medium term Institutions; MHTESTD; SIRDC UNDP; AfDB
technologies at power stations.

C2 Encourage the use of biofuels for household Short to MEPD; CSO; Private Sector; MLGPWNH; EU; World Bank; UNDP; GEF; USD 5 million
domestic use to address energy for cooking needs. medium term MHTESTD MF; MAMID; MEWC UN Habitat; GIZ; Other
Development Partners
C3 Raise awareness through demonstration of Short term MEPD Private Sector; Local Authorities; GEF, UNIDO; UNDP; Private USD 5 million
appropriate technology for household cooking. MF; MAMID; MEWC; MHTESTD; Investors
Media; Parliament; CSOs

C4 Promote and implement energy conservation, Short to MEPD FC; EMA; MAMID; MHCC; CSOs; CDM; UNEP; GIZ; UNICEF USD 10 million
energy efficient technologies, including improved medium term GIZ; UNICEF
cook stoves for household use and efficient
tobacco curing barns.
C5 Reduce greenhouse gas emissions in industry, and Medium term MEPD FC; EMA; Local Authorities; BCSDZ; EU; DFID; UNIDO; UN USD 30 million
at household level through demand side CZI; ZNCC; MSMECD; Tobacco Habitat; UNEP; World Bank;
management and energy saving techniques. Industries and Marketing Board; Tobacco Industry and
Farmers Unions; CSOs Marketing Board

C6 Promote production of renewable energy Short term MEPD ZESA; CZI; ZNCC; MSMECD; EU; DFID; Private Sector; USD 80 million
equipment that uses bio-fuel, solar and biogas MYIEE; MWAGCD; BCSDZ; Private GEF; GIZ; SNV
Sector; CSOs; Research Institutions

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3.2 Transport

ASPECT TRANSPORT

THEME Transport

STRATEGY a) Introduce a transport policy framework that encourages use of transport with low carbon emissions.
47
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

A1 Develop a policy framework that promotes use of Short term MEPD and SAZ; EMA; MF; BCSDZ; CZI; Government Treasury; USD 500,000
cleaner fuels in the transport sector. MTID ZNCC; Research Institutions; ZESA; Industry; GEF; UNEP; UNIDO;
CSOs World Bank; DFID; EU

A2 Develop legal provisions that use economic Short to MTID MF; MEWC; MJLPA; MEPD Government Treasury; Banks; USD 250,000

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

instruments to promote use of transport with low medium term Private Sector
carbon emissions.

A3 Strengthen capacity to measure and monitor Short term MTID; MHA; Motor Industry (Manufacturers, Carbon Tax; Tollgate Fees; USD 5 million
vehicle emissions and enforce emissions MEWC Assemblers, Traders, Retailers); Fines and Penalties;
standards. SAZ; MHTESTD; CSOs; Private Corporate Social
Sector; Fuel Companies; Transport Responsibility; Motor Industry
Operators Associations

A4 Introduce regulations that promote use of non- Short term MTID MF; MHA; MLGPWNH; MJLPA; Government Treasury; Banks; USD 50 million
motorized transport to reduce carbon emissions CSOs; Media; Local Authorities; Private Sector; Cooperate
and make provisions for non-motorized transport Zimbabwe Safety Council Social Responsibility
on existing and new road networks.

A5 Introduce an effective mass public transport system Medium term MTID MF; MEWC; MHA; MLGPWNH; Government Treasury; GEF; USD 500 million
that includes use of big buses and rail transport. MJLPA; CSOs; Media UNEP; EU; DFID; UNIDO;
AfDB; World Bank; Local
Banks; Private Sector

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3.2 Transport

ASPECT TRANSPORT

THEME Transport

STRATEGY b) Integrate climate resilience into transport planning and infrastructural development.
48
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

B1 Conduct baseline assessments and use results to Short term MTID MEWC; MF; BCSDZ; Private Sector; Government Treasury; World USD 5 million
develop climate resilient transport infrastructure. MHTESTD Bank; AfDB; Banks; GEF; (Assessment)
Global Climate Funds; Private
Sector USD 500 million
(Infrastructure)

B2 Build capacity on climate resilient transport Short term MTID and MEWC; MF; BCSDZ; MHTESTD; Government Treasury; USD 500,000
planning and infrastructure development in MLGPWNH MICTPCS Private Sector; CSOs Global Environment Fund;
institutions responsible for transport planning. EU; DFID; UN Habitat;
Development Partners

B3 Promote research and development of appropriate Short to MTID Private Sector; Research Institutions; UNIDO; UNEP; UNDP; Global USD 10 million
technology (including technology transfer) for medium term MHTESTD; MF; RCZ Environment Fund; European
climate resilience in the transport sector. Union; DFID

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3.3 Disaster Risk Management and Social Infrastructure (Human Settlements)

ASPECT DISASTER RISk MANAGEMENT AND SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE (HUMAN SETTLEMENTS)

THEME Disaster Risk Management and Social Infrastructure (Human Settlements)

STRATEGY a) Develop an integrated and co-ordinated approach to reducing disaster risk and to address impacts of climate change through a multi-stakeholder approach.
49
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

A1 Establish an inclusive platform on climate change. Short term MEWC MLGPWNH; MHA; MD; MHCC; Government Treasury; GEF; USD 100,000
MPSLSW; All Other Relevant UNEP; World Bank; PPPs;
Ministries; CSOs; Private Sector; Other Development Partners
Communities; UN Development
Agencies; Other Development

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

Partners

A2 Develop mechanism for sectoral mainstreaming of Short term MEWC MLGPWNH; MHA; MD; MHCC; Government Treasury; GEF; USD 1 million
disaster risk management and climate change. MPSLSW; All Other Relevant UNEP; World Bank; PPPs;
Ministries; CSO; Private Sector; Other Development Partners
Communities; UN Development
Agencies; Other Development
Partners

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3.3 Disaster Risk Management and Social Infrastructure (Human Settlements)

ASPECT DISASTER RISk MANAGEMENT AND SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE (HUMAN SETTLEMENTS)

THEME Disaster Risk Management and Social Infrastructure (Human Settlements)

STRATEGY b) Enhance early warning systems and capacity of hydro- meteorological services to advise on weather related impacts on new social infrastructure as well as
mitigation of potential damage to existing infrastructure.
50
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

B1 Capacitate hydro-meteorological early warning Short term MEWC MLGPWNH (Department of Civil Government Treasury; GEF; USD 5 million
systems at national, provincial and district levels. Protection); MPSE; MTID; MF; UNEP; PPPs; Multi-Donor
Traditional Leaders; CSOs; funds; World Bank; WMO;
Catchment Councils; Sub-catchment Other Development Partners
Councils

B2 Enhance and promote indigenous knowledge Short term MEWC MLGPWNH (Department of Civil Government Treasury; GEF; USD 1 million
systems at community levels for early warning Protection); MPSE; Other Relevant UNEP; PPPs; Other
systems. Ministries; Traditional Leaders; CSOs Development Partners.

B3 Promote research on impacts of climate change on Short to MLGPWNH MEWC; MHTESTD; Other Relevant Government Treasury; GEF; USD 10 million
human settlements medium term Ministries; Research Institutions; UNEP; UN Habitat; UNICEF;
CSOs; RCZ; ZIE; ECZ World Bank; AfDB; PPPs;
Other Development Partners

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 3. PHYSICAL AND SOCIAL INFRA-STRUCTURE

3.3 Disaster Risk Management and Social Infrastructure (Human Settlements)

ASPECT DISASTER RISk MANAGEMENT AND SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE (HUMAN SETTLEMENTS)

THEME Disaster Risk Management and Social Infrastructure (Human Settlements)

STRATEGY c) Review and update policy and by-laws on building standards and codes to make them adaptive to climate change.
51
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

C1 Review and update national building policy; model Short term MLGPWNH ZIE; ECZ; Institute of Architects of Government Treasury; GEF; USD 350,000
building by-laws and development plans. Zimbabwe; Architect’s Council of UNDP; UNEP; World Bank;
Zimbabwe; Construction Industry AfDB; PPPs; Other
Federation of Zimbabwe; MHTESTD Development Partners

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

C2 Raise public awareness on building standards, Short term MLGPWNH ZIE; ECZ; Institute of Architects of Government Treasury; PPPs; USD 500,000
policies and by-laws. Zimbabwe; Architect’s Council of Development Partners
Zimbabwe; Construction Industry
Federation of Zimbabwe; CSOs

C3 Strengthen capacity to enforce by-laws and policies Short term MLGPWNH MHA; MJLPA; ZIE; ECZ Government Treasury; PPPs; USD 500,000
on building standards, and put in place stiffer Fines from Offenders
penalties for offenders.

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3.3 Disaster Risk Management and Social Infrastructure (Human Settlements)

ASPECT DISASTER RISk MANAGEMENT AND SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE (HUMAN SETTLEMENTS)

THEME Disaster Risk Management and Social Infrastructure (Human Settlements)

STRATEGY d) Invest in climate resilient social infrastructure.

52
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

D1 Climate proof and retrofit existing and future social Short term MLGPWNH ZIE; ECZ; Institute of Architects of Government Treasury; GEF; USD 500 million
infrastructure in both rural and urban areas. Zimbabwe; Architect’s Council of UNDP; UN Habitat; UNICEF;
Zimbabwe; Construction Industry Other UN Agencies; World
Federation of Zimbabwe; MHTESTD; Bank; AfDB; PPPs; Other
Development Partners Development Partners

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3.3 Disaster Risk Management and Social Infrastructure (Human Settlements)

ASPECT DISASTER RISk MANAGEMENT AND SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE (HUMAN SETTLEMENTS)

THEME Disaster Risk Management and Social Infrastructure (Human Settlements)

STRATEGY e) Enhance community resilience to climate change.

53
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

E1 Raise public awareness of at risk communities. Short term MEWC MLGPWNH; MPSE; Other relevant Government Treasury; GEF; USD 1 million
Ministries; Local Authorities; UNDP; UNICEF; Other UN
Traditional Leaders; CSOs Agencies; Private Sector;
Development Partners

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

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3.4 Waste Management

ASPECT WASTE MANAGEMENT

THEME Waste Management

STRATEGY a) Capacitate local authorities to deliver proper, effective and efficient waste management services in order to reduce GHG emissions from waste management.

54
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

A1 Promote the adoption of an integrated approach to Short term MLGPWNH; Local Authorities; Private Sector; Government Treasury; UNEP; USD 8 million
liquid and solid waste management by all local MEWC MIC; MPSE; MHTESTD; MSMECD; Other UN Agencies;
authorities and waste generators in order to MWAGCD; MYIEE; CSOs; Research Development Partners; Private
minimise quantities of waste disposed. Institutions; Private Sector; BCSDZ Sector; Banks

A2 Improve the resource base of local authorities to Long term MLGPWNH MF; EMA; MPSE; MHTESTD; Government Treasury; USD 100 million
enhance their capacity to practise efficient and (Local MIC; BCSDZ; MHCC; CSOs Development Partners; World
effective waste management methods in order to Authorities) Bank; AfDB; Private Sector;
reduce the open burning of waste and the resultant Local Banks
carbon emissions.

A3 Continue to train local authorities to develop local On-going MEWC MLGPWNH (Local Authorities); MF; Government Treasury; CDM; USD 100 million
environmental action plans and to construct proper (EMA) MEPD Private Sector; Local Banks;
landfills and sewage works that capture methane. Development Partners

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3.4 Waste Management

ASPECT WASTE MANAGEMENT

THEME Waste Management

STRATEGY b) Create an enabling policy environment which encourages investment into alternative energy production using waste.

55
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

B1 Promote research and development into use of Short term MEWC; MEPD; MLGPWNH (Local Government Treasury; UNDP; USD 1 million
solid waste for energy recovery/electricity MHTESTD Authorities); CSOs; RCZ; Research UNIDO; Other UN agencies; (Research)
generation. Institutions Multinational Institutions

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

USD $20 million
(Implementation)

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3.4 Waste Management

ASPECT WASTE MANAGEMENT

THEME Waste Management

STRATEGY c) Develop an enabling framework to promote waste minimization through education and behavioural change of waste generators.

56
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

C1 Incorporate principles of environmentally sound Short term EMA MPSE; MHTESTD; CSOs; MHCC; EMA; Local Authorities; Private USD 500,000
waste management into the curricula of informal Local Authorities Sector
and formal education systems.

C2 Strengthen capacity to enforce polluter pays Short term Local MEWC; MHA; CSOs Government Treasury; USD 1 million
principles and provide incentives to encourage Authorities; Environment Fund; Private
waste minimization. EMA Sector; Development Partners

C3 Introduce prohibitive fines and reinvest funds raised Short term Local MHA Government Treasury; USD 500,000
through waste fines into the sector to enhance Authorities; Environment Fund
waste management. MEWC

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3.5 Health

ASPECT HEALTH

THEME Health

STRATEGY a) Strengthen surveillance programmes for monitoring human health under a changing climate.

57
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

A1 Enhance monitoring programmes and training of Short term MHCC MLGPWNH; MEWC; MAMID Government Treasury; WHO; USD 5 million
health officers on the distribution and progress of (Livestock and Veterinary Other UN agencies; Other
epidemics associated with climate change. Department); MHTESTD; Development Partners; Private
CSOs, EMA Sector

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

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3.5 Health

ASPECT HEALTH

THEME Health

STRATEGY b) Build resilience against diseases that occur because of impacts of climate change.

58
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

B1 Build capacity for both curative and preventive Long term MHCC MLGPWNH; MAMID (Livestock and Government Treasury; UN USD 5 million
measures for diseases that might occur during Veterinary Department); CSOs; Private Agencies (UNICEF, WHO,
climate induced disasters or as a consequence Sector; Communities. UN Habitat); Other
of increased temperatures. Development Partners;
Private Sector; CSOs
B2 Expand health facilities and networks to remote Medium term MHCC MTID; MLGPWNH; DDF; CSOs; Private Government Treasury; UN USD 20 million
areas by building more clinics and disaster Sector; Communities agencies (UNICEF, WHO,
reduction centres in areas prone to climate UN Habitat); Other
induced disasters. Development Partners;
Private Sector; CSOs

B3 Enhance institutional capacities for early warning Medium term Department ZDF; MHA; Department of Meteorological Government Treasury; USD 10 million
systems, preparedness and response on possible of Civil Services; MAMID (Livestock and Global Climate Funds
disease risks caused by extreme weather events Protection; Veterinary Department); Private Sector;
at all levels of society. MHCC Traditional Leaders

B4 Harness Information and Communication Short term MHCC MICTPCS; MAMID (Livestock and Government Treasury; USD 2 million
Technology (ICT) in public awareness campaigns and on going Veterinary Department); MPSE; Research WHO; Other Development
on epidemics associated with climate change. Institutions; CSOs Partners

B5 Promote climate proofing investments for health Medium to MF; NSSA MHCC; MAMID; (Livestock and Veterinary Private Sector USD 10 million
and create a conducive environment for the use long term Department); MLGPWNH (Department of
of weather-indexed insurance. Civil Protection); MEWC; Private Sector;
Communities; CSOs

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3.6 Gender, People Living with HIV and AIDS and Other Vulnerable Groups

ASPECT GENDER, PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV AND AIDS AND OTHER VULNERABLE GROUPS

THEME Gender, People Living with HIV and AIDS and Other Vulnerable Groups

STRATEGY a) Mainstream climate change in policies for the vulnerable groups with their active participation at every level.

59
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

A1 Review cross-sectoral policies and mainstream Short term MEWC MWAGCD; MPSE; MYIEE; MHCC; Government Treasury; UN USD 250,000
adaptation of vulnerable groups to climate change. MHTESTD; MF; MLGPWNH; Women; Other UN Agencies;
MPSLSW; CSOs CSOs; Private Sector

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

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3.6 Gender, People Living with HIV and AIDS and Other Vulnerable Groups

ASPECT GENDER, PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV AND AIDS AND OTHER VULNERABLE GROUPS

THEME Gender, People Living with HIV and AIDS and Other Vulnerable Groups

STRATEGY b) Strengthen the adaptive capacity of the vulnerable groups.

60
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

B1 Build adaptive capacity in vulnerable groups and Long term, MEWC MWAGCD; MPSE; MHTESTD; Government Treasury; UN USD 10 million
mainstream these groups in all responses. On-going MYIEE; MHCC; MF; MLGPWNH; Women; UNICEF; CSOs;
MPSLSW; CSOs Private Sector

B2 Ensure equitable access and ownership of Long term MYIEE; MPSLSW; MLRR; MLGPWNH; Government Treasury; USD 500,000
resources for climate change adaptation by MWAGCD MEWC; MAMID; MYIEE UN Agencies; Local and
vulnerable groups. International Development
Partners; Private Sector

B3 Develop culturally appropriate and gender sensitive Medium term MEWC MWAGCD; MHTESTD; MAMID; Government Treasury; Global USD 10 million
labour saving green technologies. MYIEE; MSMECD; MIC; Research Climate Funds; UN Agencies;
Institutions; CSOs CSOs; Private Sector

B4 Use integrated adaptation responses that combine Short term MEWC MWAGCD; MPSE; MHTESTD; UN Women; UNICEF; Other USD 500,000
indigenous knowledge from the elderly with expert MLGPWNH; Research Institutions UN Agencies; CSOs; Private
insights. Sector

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 3. PHYSICAL AND SOCIAL INFRA-STRUCTURE

3.6 Gender, People Living with HIV and AIDS and Other Vulnerable Groups

ASPECT GENDER, PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV AND AIDS AND OTHER VULNERABLE GROUPS

THEME Gender, People Living with HIV and AIDS and Other Vulnerable Groups

STRATEGY c) Enhance provision of early warning systems on droughts, floods and disease outbreaks to vulnerable groups and ensure a coordinated approach in providing
them with emergency services.
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ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

C1 Create a multi-stakeholder forum with Short term Department MWAGCD; MPSE; MHTESTD; Government Treasury; UNDP; USD 250,000
representatives of vulnerable groups for of Civil MYIEE; MHCC; MF; MLGPWNH; UN Women; UNICEF; Other
emergency services provision. Protection MPSLSW; CSOs UN agencies; CSOs; Private
Sector

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

C2 Disseminate updated information on climate Short term Department MWAGCD; MPSE; MLGPWNH; Government Treasury; USD 1 million
change and raise awareness of vulnerable groups of Civil MPSLSW; CSOs UN agencies; CSOs; Private
on disaster preparedness. Protection Sector

C3 Train vulnerable groups on how to respond to Short term Department MWAGCD; MPSE; MYIEE; MHCC; Government Treasury; USD 2 million
disaster. of Civil MLGPWNH; MPSLSW; CSOs UN agencies; CSOs; Private
Protection Sector

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3. PHYSICAL AND SOCIAL INFRA-STRUCTURE

3.7 Children and Youth

ASPECT CHILDREN AND YOUTH

THEME Children and Youth

STRATEGY a) Understand the impacts of climate change on children and youth in zimbabwe and create an enabling environment that prevents harm to them emanating from
pressures of these impacts.
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ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

A1 Determine the vulnerabilities of children and youth Short term MEWC MPSE; MHTESTD; MHCC; Government Treasury; USD 1 million
and how these vulnerabilities will be magnified by Research Institutions UNICEF; Other UN Agencies
the impacts of climate change.

A2 Identify and implement interventions that protect Short to long MEWC MPSE; MHTESTD; MHCC; Government Treasury; USD 5 million
and empower children in the face of adverse term Local Authorities; Local leaders; UNICEF, Other UN Agencies;
impacts of climate change. Research Institutions; Development Other Development Partners
Partners; CSOs

A3 Provide support to ensure that all children in Long term MEWC MPSE; MHTESTD; MHCC; Government Treasury; USD 20 million
Zimbabwe are food secure and able to attend and Local Authorities; Local Leaders; UNICEF; Other UN Agencies;
complete school in a changing climate; and reduce Research Institutions; Development Other Development Partners
the incidence of diseases in children, especially Partners; CSOs
those associated with climate change.

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 3. PHYSICAL AND SOCIAL INFRA-STRUCTURE

3.7 Children and Youth

ASPECT CHILDREN AND YOUTH

THEME Children and Youth

STRATEGY b) Ensure the inclusion of children and youth in the policy formulation process for climate change, and in adaptation and mitigation activities.

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ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

B1 Incorporate children and youth in the climate Short term MEWC MPSE; MHTESTD; MHCC; MYIEE; Government Treasury; USD 170,000
change governance framework. Research Institutions; Development UNICEF; Other UN Agencies;
Partners; National Youth Council Other Development Partners

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

B2 Promote the participation of children and youth in Long term MEWC MPSE; MHTESTD; MHCC; MYIEE; Government Treasury; USD 500,000
climate change policy issues. National Youth Council; Research UNICEF; Other UN Agencies;
Institutions; Development Partners Other Development Partners

B3 Build capacity of children and youth for adaptation Long term MEWC MPSE; MHTESTD; MHCC; MYIEE; Government Treasury; USD 5 million
and provide resources for them to participate in Local Authorities; Local Leaders; UNICEF; Other UN Agencies;
climate change adaptation and mitigation activities. National Youth Council; Research Other Development Partners
Institutions; CSOs.

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4. STRATEGY ENABLERS

4.1 Capacity Building

4.1.1 Capacity Building for Climate Change

ASPECT STRATEGY ENABLERS

THEME Capacity Building

STRATEGY a) Build capacity to conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments and develop appropriate response models.

64
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

A1 Develop a detailed understanding of local hazards; Short term MLGPWNH MEWC; MTID; MPSLSW; Research Government Treasury; USD 2 million
social, climatic vulnerabilities and risks; and Institutions; CSOs; Extension Climate Finance; Global
possible responses. Departments; Local Authorities; Environment Fund; GEF;
Traditional Leaders Other Development Partners

A2 Build capacity to identify population groups or Short to MLGPWNH MEWC; MTID; MPSLSW; Research Government Treasury; Climate USD 3 million
settlements that are at risk and to assess whether medium term Institutions; CSOs; Extension Finance; Global Environment
the infrastructure and buildings will be able to Departments; Local Authorities; Fund; GEF; Other
withstand extreme events. ZIE; ECZ; Institute of Architects of Development Partners
Zimbabwe; Architect’s Council of
Zimbabwe; Construction Industry
Federation of Zimbabwe;
Traditional Leaders

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 4. STRATEGY ENABLERS

4.1 Capacity Building

ASPECT STRATEGY ENABLERS

THEME Capacity Building

STRATEGY b) Develop mechanisms to mainstream climate change adaptation and disaster risk management into development programmes.

65
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

B1 Enhance capacity to respond to climate change On going MEWC; All Climate Sensitive Government Government Treasury; Climate USD 10 million
within climate sensitive sectors. MLGPWNH Ministries; Private Sector; CSOs; Finance; Global Environment
Development Agencies Fund; GEF; Other
Development Partners

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

B2 Develop the capacity of communities for On going MEWC; MPSLSW; MWAGCD; MAMID; Government Treasury; Climate USD 10 million
adaptation, mitigation and disaster preparedness MLGPWNH MHCC; CSOs Finance; Global Environment
and response. Fund; GEF; Other
Development Partners

B3 Introduce social assistance programmes and On going MPSLSW MLGPWNH; MF; CSOs; Government Treasury; UN USD 20 million
develop national risk-sharing arrangements that Development Agencies Agencies; Other Development
support the most vulnerable. Partners

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4. STRATEGY ENABLERS

4.1 Capacity Building

4.1.2. The Role of the Meteorological Services in Climate Change

ASPECT STRATEGY ENABLERS

THEME Role of Meteorological Services

STRATEGY a) Strengthen the capacity of the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services to carry out research on climate change through improved data collection and
management, and climate modelling.
66
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

A1 Build capacity (human and material) of the Short to long MEWC MEPD; MAMID; MPSE; MHTESTD; Government Treasury; WMO; USD 10 million
Meteorological Services to carry out research on term Research Institutions Other UN Agencies; World
climate change in order to understand its causes, Bank; AfDB; Other
and its potential impacts on various sectors through Development Partners
improved and expanded data collection and
management, as well as climate modelling.

A2 Build an integrated data collection system and Short term Department MHTESTD; Research Institutions; Government Treasury; WMO; USD 10 million
database incorporating international best practice. of ZIMSTAT; WMO Other UN Agencies; World
Meteorologic Bank; AfDB; Other
al Services Development Partners

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 4. STRATEGY ENABLERS

4.1 Capacity Building

ASPECT STRATEGY ENABLERS

THEME Role of Meteorological Services

STRATEGY b) Strengthen the documentation of and tapping into indigenous knowledge systems to complement scientific knowledge for climate change forecasting and early
warning systems.
67
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

B1 Document indigenous knowledge on climate Short to Department MHTESTD; Research Institutions; Government Treasury; UN USD 1 million
forecasting to complement scientific knowledge for medium term Meteorologic Local Authorities; CSOs; Traditional Agencies
climate change adaptation at community level. al Services Leaders; Communities

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

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4. STRATEGY ENABLERS

4.1 Capacity Building

ASPECT STRATEGY ENABLERS

THEME Role of Meteorological Services

STRATEGY c) Establish an enabling framework for sharing and disseminating information on climate change (i.e. at provincial, district and ward levels) in the country.
68
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

C1 Create platforms for disseminating and sharing of Short to MEWC Local Authorities; MAMID; MPSE; UN Agencies; Government USD 2 million
information on climate change issues at all levels medium term MHTESTD; MMIBS; MICTPCS;
including grassroots level. CSOs; CBOs; Traditional Leaders

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 4. STRATEGY ENABLERS

4.1 Capacity Building

4.1.3. Technology transfer

ASPECT STRATEGY ENABLERS

THEME Technology Transfer

STRATEGY a) Create a policy framework that will improve access to and promote uptake of cleaner and more efficient technologies across all economic sectors.

69
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

A1 Identify inefficient technologies to be substituted Medium term MIC MEWC; MHTESTD; MMMD; Government Treasury; USD 1 million
with innovative low carbon technologies across all MAMID; MTID; MF; MSMECD; Private Sector; Environment
economic sectors. MYIEE; CSOs; Development Fund; CDM; UNIDO
Partners

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

A2 Provide incentives for technology transfer which Short to long MIC MF; Private Sector; MEWC; Government Treasury; USD 500 million
promote the uptake of resource use efficiency and term MMMD; MAMID; MTID; MSMECD; Private Sector; Environment (revolving fund)
cleaner production technologies across the MYIEE; Development Partners Fund; CDM; UNIDO
economic sectors.

A3 Enforce air emissions and effluent regulations and Short term MEWC SAZ; Private Sector; MHA; Government Treasury USD 500,000
standards which will push companies to invest in (EMA) MJLPA; BCSDZ; CZI; ZNCC
more efficient and cleaner technologies.

A4 Promote the uptake of more climate resilient Short to long MEWC MIC; MMMD; MAMID; MTID; Government Treasury; USD 20 million
technologies in agriculture, mining, industry, term MSMECD; MEPD; MYIEE; Private Sector; Environment (revolving fund)
energy, etc. Private Sector; Research Fund; CDM
Institutions; CSOs; Development
Partners

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4. STRATEGY ENABLERS

4.1 Capacity Building

ASPECT STRATEGY ENABLERS

THEME Technology Transfer

STRATEGY b) Support research and development of technologies in all relevant sectors to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
70
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

B1 Improve funding for private and public sector Short to long MIC MHTESTD; MF; MEWC; MMMD; Government Treasury; USD 50 million
research and development into more efficient term MAMID; MTID; MSMECD; MEPD; Private Sector; Environment
technologies. RCZ; Research Institutions; Private Fund; CDM
Sector; CSOs; Development
Partners

B2 Enhance capacity of local research institutions to Short to long MHTESTD Research Institutions; RCZ; Government Treasury; USD 2 million
test, adopt and adapt new and more efficient term MEWC; MF; Private Sector; Private Sector; Environment
technologies used in other parts of the world. CSOs; Development Partners Fund; CDM

B3 Raise awareness on the economic and climate Short to long MEWC CSOs; BCSDZ; MMIBS; CZI; Government Treasury; USD 500,000
change benefits of adopting cleaner technologies term ZNCC; MSMECD; MYIEE; Private Sector; UN Agencies
for sustainable development. MWAGCD and Other Development
Partners

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 4. STRATEGY ENABLERS

4.2. Climate Change Education, Communication and Public Awareness

ASPECT CLIMATE CHANGE EDUCATION, COMMUNICATION AND PUBLIC AWARENESS

THEME Climate Change Education and Training

STRATEGY a) Enhance the teaching and learning of climate change at all levels of education (formal and informal).
71
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

A1 Review the content of the education curricula at all Short to MPSE; MEWC; MAMID; Universities; Government Treasury; USD 3 million
levels to incorporate climate change and produce medium term MHTESTD Agricultural and Teacher Training UNESCO; UNICEF
literature in all relevant languages. Colleges; ZIMSEC

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

A2 Continuously monitor, evaluate and upgrade the Short to MPSE; MEWC; MAMID; Agricultural and Government Treasury; USD 1 million
curricula to keep up with global trends and good medium term MHTESTD Teacher Training Colleges; UNESCO; UNICEF; Other
practice. Research Institutions Development Partners

A3 Create platforms for competitions on climate Short term MPSE; MYIEE; EMA; MAMID; Universities; GEF, Local and International USD 500,000
change issues through establishment of climate MHTESTD Agricultural and Teacher Training Companies; EMA; UNICEF;
change clubs at all schools and training centres. Colleges; Schools Private Sector

A4 Create opportunities for all people to learn more Short to MEWC EMA ; ZINWA; Catchment Councils; Government Treasury; GWP; USD 1 million
about climate change as it relates to the medium term FC; Zimparks; MYIEE; MWAGCD; UNEP; UNDP; Private Sector
management of the environment. Research Institutions; Local
Authorities; Traditional Leaders

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4. STRATEGY ENABLERS

4.2. Climate Change Education, Communication and Public Awareness

ASPECT CLIMATE CHANGE EDUCATION, COMMUNICATION AND PUBLIC AWARENESS

THEME Climate Change Education and Training

STRATEGY b) Provide relevant training on climate change issues to educators and practitioners working with communities.
72
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

B1 Conduct in-service training of current educators Short to MPSE; MEWC; PSC; MAMID; Universities; Government Treasury; GEF, USD 2 million
and extension workers until saturation levels are medium term MHTESTD Agricultural and Teacher Training UNEP, UNDP, UNICEF,
reached or a critical mass of teachers with climate Colleges; EMA; CSOs UNESCO; Private Sector
change skills is produced.

B2 Enhance the climate change knowledge of media Short to MEWC MMIBS; MICTPCS; MAMID; Government Treasury; UNEP; USD 1 million
and other professionals through the use of various medium term MHTESTD; MPSLSW; MLGPWNH; UNDP; UNESCO; GWP;
platforms in order to achieve change in ZCTU; Zimbabwe Federation of Private Sector
perceptions, attitudes and behaviour towards Trade Union; Chamber of Mines
climate change mitigation and adaptation.

B3 Train traditional leadership on their roles and Medium term MEWC Traditional Leaders; MLGPWNH; Government Treasury; GEF; USD 5 million
responsibilities and use the traditional institutions RDCs UNDP; UNICEF; Zimbabwe
as a vehicle for educating communities on climate Cultural Fund
change issues.

B4 Actively engage youth and their representative Short to MEWC MYIEE; MHTESTD; MPSE; Government Treasury; USD 1 million
organizations in climate change education and medium term MAMID UNESCO; UNICEF; Private
training. Sector

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4.2. Climate Change Education, Communication and Public Awareness

4.2.2 Public Awareness-raising and Communication

ASPECT CLIMATE CHANGE EDUCATION, COMMUNICATION AND PUBLIC AWARENESS

THEME Public Awareness-raising and Communication

STRATEGY a) Implement a communication strategy for raising awareness on climate change.

73
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

A1 Implement a communication strategy to raise Short to long MEWC MMIBS; MICTPCS; Local Media UN Agencies; Media Houses; USD 2.5 million
awareness on climate change that recognises use term Houses; Wireless Networks; CSOs Wireless Network Providers
of media such as newspapers, radio, television and
social media.

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

A2 Develop awareness, communication and advocacy Short term MEWC MMIBS; MICTPCS; Artists UN Agencies ; Other USD 5 million
materials (such as posters, pamphlets, videos, Organizations; Media Organizations Development Partners;
compact discs (CDs) in both English and local Private Sector
languages) and fundraising strategies.

A3 Conduct out-reach programmes on awareness and Short term MEWC MMIBS; MICTPCS; Media Houses; Government Treasury; UNDP; USD 2 million
information exchange on climate change MPSE; MLGPWNH; Traditional GEF; Private sector
adaptation and mitigation across various Leaders; CSOs; Church
stakeholders including grassroots-communities. Organizations

A4 Employ leaders, educators, mentors and Short to long MEWC MPSE; MYIEE; MLGPWNH; Government Treasury; GEF; USD 500,000
community popular opinion leaders to share their term MWAGCD; MAMID; ZINWA; UNEP
knowledge, values and experience with different EMA; FC; Traditional and Political
target audiences to ensure an increase in Leaders
behavioural change towards climate change
adaptive behaviours.

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4. STRATEGY ENABLERS

4.2. Climate Change Education, Communication and Public Awareness

ASPECT CLIMATE CHANGE EDUCATION, COMMUNICATION AND PUBLIC AWARENESS

THEME Public Awareness-raising and Communication

STRATEGY b) Promote and strengthen stakeholder awareness on adaptation to and mitigation of climate change.
74
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

B1 Sensitize policy makers on the importance of Short term MEWC Clerk of Parliament; Parliament; Government Treasury; USD 100,000
addressing climate change issues especially in the Heads of Ministries; MMIBS; UN Agencies
areas of adaptation and mitigation. MICTPCS

B2 Engage the Junior Parliamentarians to act as Short to MYIEE (Youth Clerk of Parliament; MMIBS; Government Treasury; USD 500,000
champions for creating awareness on climate medium term Council of MICTPCS; Media houses; CSOs Private Sector; UNICEF;
change issues. Zimbabwe); UNESCO
MEWC

B3 Promote awareness through participatory Short to MEWC MMIBS; MICTPCS; MAMID; Government Treasury; GEF; USD 1 million
information exchange and empowerment of local medium term Media Houses; CSOs; Traditional UN Agencies; Private Sector
communities for adaptation and mitigation to and Political Leaders
climate change.

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 4. STRATEGY ENABLERS

4.2. Climate Change Education, Communication and Public Awareness

ASPECT CLIMATE CHANGE EDUCATION, COMMUNICATION AND PUBLIC AWARENESS

THEME Public Awareness-raising and Communication

STRATEGY c) Encourage sharing of information and networking on climate change issues at local, regional, and international levels.
75
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

C1 Develop an information data base on climate Short term MEWC Local Authorities, ZIMSTAT; Government Treasury; UNDP; USD 1 million
change adaptation and mitigation issues. Research Institutions; CSOs; UNICEF; Other Development
Extension Departments; Partners
Traditional Leaders

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

C2 Develop mechanisms of employing ICTs to Short term MEWC MICTPCS; MHTESTD; MAMID; UN Agencies; Media Houses USD 1 million
disseminate information and to enable formation of Local Media Houses; Wireless
social networks on climate change adaptation and Networks; Youth Council of
mitigation issues. Zimbabwe

C3 Form community based climate change clubs Short term MEWC MAMID; MPSE; Research Government Treasury; GEF; USD 500,000
including introduction of climate change shows Institutions; Traditional and Political UNEP
(village, ward, district and provincial levels) as a Leaders
platform for changing towards climate change
adaptive behaviour.

C4 Establish local and regional forums that provide a Short term MEWC MICTPCS; MLGPWNH; MMIBS; Government Treasury; UNDP; USD 500,000
platform for sharing climate change information and Research Institutions; Media Private Sector; COMESA;
adaptation practices. Houses; Universities; CSOs SADC; AU

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4. STRATEGY ENABLERS

4.2. Climate Change Education, Communication and Public Awareness

ASPECT CLIMATE CHANGE EDUCATION, COMMUNICATION AND PUBLIC AWARENESS

THEME Communication and awareness raising

STRATEGY d) Communicate climate change messages incorporating indigenous knowledge systems.

76
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

D1 Document and mainstream indigenous knowledge Medium term MEWC MHTESTD; MICTPCS; MMIBS; Government Treasury; UNDP; USD 500,000
systems on climate change into communication MPSE; MLGPWNH; Research UNESCO; Other UN Agencies;
and awareness raising systems. Institutions; Media Houses Private Sector

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 5. CLIMATE CHANGE GOVERNANCE

5.1 Climate Change Governance and Institutional Framework

5.1.1 Climate Change Governance

ASPECT CLIMATE CHANGE GOVERNANCE

THEME Climate Change Governance

STRATEGY a) Mainstream climate change into urban and rural development planning, infrastructure, investments and service delivery.
77
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

A1 Promote a multi-stakeholder approach in urban and Short term MLGPWNH MEPD; MEWC; MHCC; MPSLSW; Government Treasury; USD 800,000
rural development planning, infrastructure, MWAGCD; MTID; MAMID; Private Development Partners
investments and service delivery. Sector; Communities; CSOs;
UN Agencies and Development
Partners

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

A2 Build the institutional, financial and adaptive Medium to MLGPWNH MEWC; MF; Local Authorities; Government Treasury; World USD 15 million
capacity of local authorities to address climate long term Communities; CSOs; UN Agencies Bank; African Development
hazards and to adopt budgets and plans that are and Development Partners Bank; Private Sector;
responsive to climate change. Development Partners

A3 Promote Public-Private-Community Partnerships Long term MLGPWNH MEWC; MTID; Private Sector; Government Treasury; World USD 70 million
(PPCPs) in the delivery of services such as CSOs; Urban WASH; Bank; AfDB; Private Sector;
improved water and sanitation for low-income UN Agencies; Development Partners UNICEF; Development
households and development of urban Partners
infrastructure and housing as an adaptation
strategy.

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5. CLIMATE CHANGE GOVERNANCE

5.1 Climate Change Governance and Institutional Framework

5.1.2 Climate Change Institutional Framework

ASPECT CLIMATE CHANGE GOVERNANCE

THEME Climate Change Institutional Framework

STRATEGY a) Institutionalize the climate change response governance framework at national, provincial and community levels.
78
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

A1 Strengthen existing governance structures at Short term MEWC OPC; MLGPWNH; Line Ministries; Government Treasury; UN USD 1 million
national, provincial and community levels to Local Authorities; Communities; Agencies; Private Sector;
incorporate climate change. CSOs Other Development Partners

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 5. CLIMATE CHANGE GOVERNANCE

5.2 Climate Change Policy and Legal Framework

ASPECT CLIMATE CHANGE GOVERNANCE

THEME Climate Change Policy and Legal framework

STRATEGY a) Enact an enabling policy environment for climate change response.

79
ACTIONS Action Indicative Lead Co-operating Agencies Potential Source for Estimated
Time Frame Agency Resources Mobilisation Costs

A1 Review laws and policies governing climate Short term MEWC MJLPA; Line Ministries; CSOs; Government Treasury; UN USD 250,000
change. Communities; UN Agencies; Agencies; Private Sector;
Development Partners Other Development Partners;
COMESA

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy

A2 Develop a climate change policy. Short term MEWC MJLPA; Line Ministries; CSOs; Government Treasury; UNDP; USD 750,000
Communities UNICEF; Other UN Agencies;
Private Sector; Other
Development Partners;
COMESA

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