Zimbabwe steps up fight against climate impacts with new soil, water projects

The government of Zimbabwe has launched two projects focused on sustainable soil and water management, as the country grapples with rising climate pressures affecting agriculture and food security. The new projects “Capacity Development on Sustainable Soil Management in the Global South” and “National Water Roadmap towards 2030 Sustainable Development Goals”, are backed by the UN’s…

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SADC Ministers call for urgent action on water, energy crises

Ministers responsible for energy and water in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have called for coordinated regional action to address worsening water and energy crises, warning that failure to respond could jeopardise development, economic stability, and social well-being across the bloc. At the Joint Meeting of SADC Ministers Responsible for Energy and Water held…

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Farming against the odds: Chibvuti farmers show resilience amid climate change pressures 

By Yeukai Kaponda Located about 40 kilometers from Harare’s Central Business District, Chibvuti Farm in Goromonzi South District has long been known for its fertile soils and strong agricultural output. Now, this close-knit A1 farming community is showing how rural farmers are bravely confronting the harsh realities of a changing climate. Despite being situated in…

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Zimbabwe farmers turn to climate-smart agriculture amid drought, market pressures

Prolonged drought, erratic rainfall, and rising temperatures are threatening the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in southern Zimbabwe, prompting a government-led effort to build climate resilience and improve market access. Zimbabwe has introduced a multi-year initiative designed to transition farmers from subsistence agriculture to more sustainable, market-oriented farming systems. The program is supported by the Green…

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Zimbabwe urges use of short-season wheat as planting deadline extended

The Government has extended the wheat planting season, and is urging farmers to switch to short-season varieties to mitigate yield losses from delayed planting. The initial wheat planting window, which closed on May 31, was disrupted for many farmers due to adverse weather conditions and delays in maize harvesting. In response, the government has extended…

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Utariri programme lauded for strengthening community resilience, promoting sustainable livelihoods in Zambezi Valley

Environment, Climate and Wildlife Minister, Dr Evelyn Ndlovu, has hailed the Utariri initiative as a model for grassroots development, highlighting the importance of local leadership and partnerships in advancing sustainable livelihoods across the Zambezi Valley. Delivering the keynote address at the Utariri Day commemorations, held to showcase the transformative work of the Swedish-funded Utariri-Integrated Climate…

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Zimbabwe projects fourth-highest maize harvest on record

Zimbabwe anticipates producing 2.2 million tonnes of maize in the 2024/25 season, its fourth-highest harvest on record, driven by expanded planting and improved yields, Information Minister Jenfan Muswere said on Tuesday. The forecast, announced during a post-Cabinet media briefing, follows a government crop assessment showing maize output is expected to rise despite erratic weather conditions….

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Govt pushes for traditional grains research for food security

THE government and its development partners have called for enhanced attention towards strengthening research and improvement on traditional grains which are a critical source of food. The devastating effects of the El-Nino-induced drought to livestock and crops in the last summer cropping season have jolted government and its development partners to accelerate crop research and…

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Zimbabwe’s women-led agroecology initiative tackles climate change and food insecurity

With climate change accelerating food crises across southern Africa, Zimbabwe’s Food Justice Network (FJN) is betting on women and agroecology to reverse the trend.  Through its Feminist Agroecology Model Schools (FAMS), the organization has so far trained 25 women to farm sustainably, strengthening climate adaptation strategies while promoting gender equity in rural economies. Agroecology can…

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