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Climate Action Coalition of Zimbabwe, Masvingo (2026)

23/03/2026

Climate Disasters Strip Women of Food, Shelter, and Access to Health Services in Manicaland

Chipinge South, Manicaland Province — The floods ravaging Lisungwe Island have escalated into a human rights crisis, stripping women and girls of food, shelter, and access to essential health services. Already responsible for household survival, women now face hunger, displacement, and heightened exposure to disease as climate‑related destruction worsens across Manicaland.

Sixteen villagers remain trapped on Lisungwe Island, stranded for days without food or medical support. More than 600 families in Uketi, Chigumeta, Ndhlondhlo, and Mathukutheya have lost crops, livestock, homes, and clean water sources. Washed‑out bridges and inaccessible roads have cut off entire communities, leaving pregnant women, the elderly, and young children particularly at risk.

Stagnant floodwaters have created ideal conditions for cholera, dysentery, and malaria — threats that disproportionately affect women, who are caregivers and often the last to receive food during crises. Each day, their rights to food, health, safety, and dignity are being eroded.
Across Manicaland, climate‑related devastation continues to mount. This season alone, 134 people have died due to extreme weather. In Honde Valley, the swelling Honde River swept away residents, while mudslides and flash floods destroyed homesteads in Chipinge.

Despite such recurring disasters, Zimbabwe still relies on the outdated 1989 Civil Protection Act, a framework ill‑equipped for today’s climate realities. The act lacks gender‑responsive mechanisms and rapid‑response structures, leaving communities — especially women — dangerously unprotected. In this vacuum, civil society organizations are demanding urgent reforms. Project Kuchengetedza Zviwanikwa (PKZ) warns that Lisungwe Island, once a productive agricultural zone, is now a symbol of climate vulnerability and government inaction. PKZ stresses that emergency responses must prioritize women’s access to food, safe shelter, clean water, and protection services.

The Climate Action Coalition of Zimbabwe echoes these concerns, calling climate disasters a structural threat requiring long‑term adaptation, community‑driven early‑warning systems, and meaningful inclusion of women’s leadership in policymaking.

Desdomona Munengwa, Team Leader of the Chipinge Residents and Ratepayers Trust (CRRT), called for immediate state action, saying: “The floods in Lisungwe Island have stripped women of their basic rights to food, shelter, and dignity. Without urgent intervention, the cycle of hunger, displacement, and vulnerability will continue to erode livelihoods and deepen poverty.”

For women and girls in Manicaland, climate change is no longer a distant threat; it is a daily emergency. Without coordinated action from government, humanitarian actors, and climate justice networks such as the Climate Action Coalition of Zimbabwe, the region risks being trapped in a relentless cycle of loss and recovery.

04/03/2026

Climate Action Coalition of Zimbabwe Backs UN Vision, Says Protecting the Planet Means Protecting Humanity

The Climate Action Coalition of Zimbabwe has thrown its weight behind the global vision championed by UN Climate Change, declaring that climate action is not just an environmental obligation but a pathway to a better life for all.

In a statement reaffirming its commitment to sustainable development, the coalition emphasized that climate action goes beyond reducing emissions — it is about improving livelihoods, safeguarding communities, and ensuring a secure future for generations to come.

“Climate action is about making life better for all of us,” the coalition said, underscoring that environmental protection and human well-being are inseparable. From food security and clean water to safe housing and resilient infrastructure, the impacts of climate change directly affect everyday life.

Zimbabwe, like many nations in Southern Africa, continues to experience the harsh realities of climate change, including prolonged droughts, erratic rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events. These challenges have placed pressure on agriculture, health systems, and the broader economy.

The coalition noted that supporting the UN’s climate vision means embracing practical solutions such as renewable energy adoption, climate-smart agriculture, reforestation, and community-driven resilience programs.

By investing in these initiatives, Zimbabwe can strengthen its capacity to withstand environmental shocks while creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.

“Protecting the planet means protecting humanity — and everything that matters to us,” the group stated. “Climate justice, environmental sustainability, and economic development must move forward together.”

The Climate Action Coalition of Zimbabwe is calling on government, private sector players, civil society, and citizens to work collectively in advancing climate-responsive policies and actions. According to the coalition, meaningful progress requires inclusive participation and shared responsibility.

As global conversations around climate intensify, Zimbabwean stakeholders say aligning with international frameworks and commitments will ensure the country remains an active contributor to worldwide efforts aimed at securing a safer, greener, and more equitable future.

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02/03/2026

Climate Change Coalition Launches Awareness Campaign to Promote Indigenous Knowledge for Climate Mitigation in Masvingo

In Masvingo Province, climate change is a pressing reality characterized by recurring droughts, erratic rainfall patterns, and declining agricultural productivity. As communities struggle to adapt to these challenges, it has become increasingly evident that the erosion of indigenous farming practices has weakened local resilience, even as women remain the primary custodians of this crucial knowledge.

Research conducted in drought-affected districts such as Chivi indicates that the shift away from indigenous agricultural practices has led to food insecurity and greater reliance on external food aid. These findings highlight that while communities still possess valuable indigenous knowledge regarding drought-resistant crops, soil conservation, seed selection, and water-saving techniques, these practices are being overlooked in favor of poorly adapted modern farming models and limited institutional support.

In response to this issue, the Climate Action Coalition of Zimbabwe (CACZ), in partnership with the Masvingo Women Rights Advocacy Group (MWRAG), has launched an awareness campaign aimed at promoting indigenous knowledge as a vital component of climate change mitigation and adaptation. This initiative adopts a climate justice approach that centers women's rights and indigenous knowledge in sustainable climate solutions. The organizations are collaborating with rural women farmers and community groups to document, revitalize, and promote climate-resilient practices that have supported families for generations.

Through community dialogues, awareness meetings, and learning exchanges, CACZ and MWRAG are amplifying women's voices as key holders of essential ecological and agricultural knowledge. These engagements focus on traditional drought-tolerant crops, seed preservation methods, soil and water conservation techniques, and seasonal forecasting rooted in local knowledge systems. By reclaiming and strengthening these practices, women are improving household food security and reducing vulnerability to climate-induced challenges.

At the same time, the partnership advocates for the formal recognition of indigenous knowledge within local and national climate adaptation policies. CACZ and MWRAG are engaging with duty bearers and stakeholders to ensure that climate responses do not marginalize women's expertise. Instead, they are calling for increased investment in community-led, gender-responsive solutions. This includes advocating for agricultural extension services that respect and integrate indigenous practices rather than replacing them, as well as fostering climate finance mechanisms that reach grassroots women farmers.

For MWRAG, protecting indigenous knowledge is fundamentally a women's rights issue. As climate pressures intensify, women’s unpaid labor increases, and their exclusion from decision-making spaces exacerbates existing inequalities. Reclaiming women-led knowledge systems challenges this imbalance by recognizing women not as passive victims of climate change, but as active agents of resilience, innovation, and sustainable development.

By uniting climate justice and women’s rights, CACZ and MWRAG demonstrate that effective climate solutions in Masvingo must be locally rooted, gender-just, and informed by the lived experiences of women. In the face of climate change, safeguarding indigenous knowledge is not simply about preserving the past; it is about securing a sustainable, resilient, and equitable future for communities across Masvingo Province.

25/02/2026

Coalition Action Urges Government to Address Health and Climate Funding Gap

Harare, Zimbabwe – February 24, 2026
Civil society groups under the banner of Coalition Action for Zimbabwe have expressed deep concern following the government’s decision to withdraw from negotiations on a proposed bilateral health Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the United States. The agreement, valued at $367 million over five years, was set to bolster Zimbabwe’s fight against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, maternal and child health, and disease outbreak preparedness.

While acknowledging the government’s reservations about the terms of the MOU, the Coalition warned that the withdrawal risks creating a “double tragedy” for the nation—one rooted in both health and climate vulnerabilities. “Zimbabwe cannot afford to lose ground in the fight against HIV/AIDS and other diseases at the very moment climate change is intensifying food insecurity, displacement, and health risks,” the Coalition said in a statement.

The proposed MOU would have represented the largest single health investment in Zimbabwe by any international partner, building on more than $1.9 billion in U.S. health support since 2006. That support has been credited with helping Zimbabwe reach the UNAIDS 95-95-95 goals, ensuring that 1.2 million citizens currently receive life-saving HIV treatment.

Sixteen other African countries have already signed similar MOUs, unlocking more than $18.3 billion in new health funding. Zimbabwe’s withdrawal, however, leaves a significant gap. The Coalition urged the government to urgently explore alternative financing mechanisms—whether through regional partnerships, climate resilience funds, or domestic resource mobilization—to safeguard the progress made in public health.

“We recognize the government’s concerns, but the cost of inaction will be borne by ordinary Zimbabweans. Health and climate change are inseparable challenges, and failure to secure funding for one will undermine the other,” the Coalition emphasized.

As the United States begins winding down its health assistance, the Coalition called for transparency in how Zimbabwe plans to sustain critical programs. Without clear commitments, they warned, the country risks reversing hard-won gains in both health and climate resilience.

24/02/2026

Floods in Zaka Disrupt Access to Sexual Reproductive Health Services...

By Allince for Gender Justice and Community Development (AGJCD), in collaboration with Climate Action Coalition of Zimbabwe

Recent flooding in Zaka has once again laid bare the vulnerability of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services in disaster-prone parts of Zimbabwe.

Heavy rains pounded the district, rendering key roads unusable and isolating communities from critical health facilities.

As a result, many women were unable to access essential services, including antenatal care and family planning.

In one alarming incident, a commuter omnibus was nearly swept away while attempting to cross flooded terrain. Among those on board was a pregnant woman urgently trying to reach a hospital for antenatal services.

Community members say the incident highlights a deeper crisis, where climate-related disasters are increasingly threatening women’s constitutional right to health care.

Residents say the situation has become a seasonal ordeal.

“Every rainy season, we are trapped. Women cannot reach clinics, and some give birth at home without skilled assistance,” said a community health worker in Zaka.

“Climate change is not just about crops and houses being destroyed. It is about lives — especially women’s lives — being put at risk when they cannot access reproductive health services,” added a youth leader from Chipinge.

Section 76 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe guarantees every citizen the right to basic health care services, including reproductive health care. However, recurring climate-induced disasters are making this guarantee difficult to realise for women in rural communities.

The situation in Zaka reflects similar challenges in districts such as Chipinge and Chimanimani, where cyclones and persistent heavy rains frequently cut off access to clinics and hospitals.

Although the near-tragedy involving the commuter omnibus drew attention, many comparable incidents remain unreported. Women in vulnerable districts often endure childbirth without professional medical assistance or miss vital maternal health and family planning services due to inaccessibility.

The AGJCD is calling on authorities to invest in climate-resilient health infrastructure. Strengthening roads, bridges and expanding access to mobile clinics are among the measures proposed to ensure uninterrupted access to SRH services, even during extreme weather events.

Safeguarding women’s health, the organisation says, is both a constitutional responsibility and a moral obligation in the era of climate change.

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21/02/2026

NATIONAL YOUTH DAY CELEBRATIONS
Theme: Positioning Youth Empowerment Development Towards Vision 2030

Harare — As Zimbabwe commemorates National Youth Day, the Climate Action Coalition of Zimbabwe has called on the nation to recognize the pivotal role of young people in shaping the country’s future. With the theme “Positioning Youth Empowerment Development Towards Vision 2030”, the celebrations highlight the importance of equipping youth with the tools, opportunities, and platforms to drive sustainable development.

Youth make up the majority of Zimbabwe’s population, and their energy, creativity, and resilience are vital in tackling the pressing challenges of climate change. The Coalition emphasized that climate change is not a distant threat but a lived reality, with floods, droughts, and cyclones already devastating communities. Empowering young people to lead climate action is therefore central to achieving Vision 2030.

“Youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow; we are the leaders of today,” said Shelton Sithole, a youth climate activist from Chipinge. “Our generation must be equipped to fight climate change because it is our lives, our futures, and our communities at stake.”

From grassroots initiatives in rural districts to innovative urban projects, Zimbabwean youth are already demonstrating leadership in renewable energy, conservation, and climate‑smart agriculture. Nyasha Mlambo, a young environmental entrepreneur, added: “If Vision 2030 is to succeed, youth empowerment must include climate empowerment. We cannot build prosperity on a planet in crisis.”

The Coalition urged government, civil society, and private sector actors to invest in youth‑led climate programs, strengthen environmental education, and ensure young voices are represented in national policy processes.

“National Youth Day is not only a celebration of the past but a call to action for the future,” the Coalition stated. “By positioning youth at the center of empowerment and development, Zimbabwe can build a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable nation.”

20/02/2026

Climate Action Coalition of Zimbabwe Backs UN Call for Urgent Global Action

By A Correspondent - The Climate Action Coalition of Zimbabwe has thrown its weight behind recent remarks by António Guterres, who warned that the escalating climate crisis poses a direct threat to global peace and stability.

In a statement issued last month, the United Nations stressed the deepening link between climate change and conflict.
"A world in climate chaos cannot be a world at peace.

Climate change is a threat multiplier – inflaming tensions over land, water and food, forcing people from their homes, and tearing at the ecosystems we all depend on.

It is also a profound injustice that those least responsible are paying first and worst."
Addressing the General Assembly in New York during his annual priorities speech, Guterres underscored the urgency of decisive global action and outlined key measures required to confront the crisis.

"Delivering beyond national climate plans to cut emissions now – and to keep cutting.
Accelerating a just, orderly and equitable transition away from fossil fuels to renewables.
Doubling energy efficiency by 2030; building grids and storage to connect clean power to all; cutting methane; and halting deforestation.
Making good on promises for adaptation and for loss and damage.

And ensuring affordable, predictable finance that reaches those who need it, when they need it.

Climate justice is an investment in peace and security, because vulnerability anywhere becomes a risk everywhere – rippling through financial systems, supply chains and global stability."

The Climate Action Coalition of Zimbabwe said it fully supports the UN’s position, echoing the call for stronger commitments, faster emission reductions and fair climate financing to protect vulnerable communities.

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18/02/2026

Tree Planting: A Vital Step in Combating Climate Change and Raising Environmental Awareness

Compiled by the Climate Action Coalition of Zimbabwe...

Tree planting is more than just a beautification exercise; it is a critical tool in the fight against climate change and a practical way to raise environmental awareness across communities in Zimbabwe.
According to the Climate Action Coalition of Zimbabwe (CACZ), trees play a pivotal role in absorbing carbon dioxide, one of the primary greenhouse gases contributing to global warming. “Every tree planted acts as a natural carbon sink, reducing the overall carbon footprint and helping mitigate the effects of climate change,” the coalition said.

Beyond climate mitigation, tree planting campaigns provide a hands-on platform to educate communities about environmental stewardship. Schools, local organisations, and community groups participating in tree planting initiatives gain a deeper understanding of ecological interdependence, soil conservation, and the protection of biodiversity. CACZ notes that involving young people in such initiatives fosters a culture of sustainability and ensures that environmental consciousness is passed to future generations.

The coalition also highlights the economic and social benefits of reforestation.

Trees prevent soil erosion, improve water retention, and can even provide fruits, timber, and other resources for local communities. This underscores the dual role of tree planting: protecting the environment while also supporting livelihoods.
“Climate change is not a distant threat; it is already impacting our lives,” CACZ stated.

“Planting trees empowers communities to take tangible action, while also creating awareness of broader environmental challenges.”
The coalition encourages Zimbabweans nationwide to participate in tree planting drives, support local reforestation projects, and engage in educational campaigns. They emphasize that collective action, even at the grassroots level, is essential for building climate resilience and fostering a sustainable future.

CACZ concluded by urging policymakers, businesses, and civil society to integrate tree planting and environmental education into national development strategies, noting that climate action must be both proactive and inclusive.
Planting a tree today, CACZ reminds, is an investment in cleaner air, healthier ecosystems, and a more sustainable Zimbabwe for generations to come.

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17/02/2026

Cyclone Gezani Devastates Chipinge, Women Call for Urgent Support

Chipinge, Zimbabwe – Heavy rains triggered by Cyclone Gezani, which made landfall along Mozambique’s Inhambane coast, have caused significant destruction in Chipinge, sparking fears of food shortages in 2026. Vast maize fields have been flattened across the district, placing harvests at risk and worsening the vulnerability of rural families already struggling with recurring climate shocks.

Village Head Muwango outlined the scale of the damage at Batanai Hub, a key community development centre. He said powerful winds destroyed a 500m² greenhouse and damaged two 550-watt solar panels that powered the facility.

“This is a major drawback for our village,” he said. “The hub supported the livelihoods of 80 women and five men, and its water system not only sustained the hub but also provided clean water to 83 households.

We urgently appeal to government, partners, and well-wishers to help us rebuild, because without this infrastructure, our community faces a very uncertain future.”

For women who depend on the hub, the losses are devastating. “We had just planted tomatoes in the greenhouse, hoping to sell them at the market to pay school fees for my children,” said Mrs. Diana Mhlanga, one of the beneficiaries.

“Now everything is gone, and I don’t know how we will survive. We are asking for support to restore the hub so that women can continue to provide for their families.”
Another farmer, Ms. Rudo Nyowani, said the hub had transformed their prospects.

“The hub gave us hope. We had water, we had solar power, and we were beginning to see real change. Losing it feels like losing our future. We call on authorities and partners to stand with us so that women do not lose the progress we have made.”

Mr. Blessing Matasva, Director of Green Institute Trust, which funded the hub’s development, confirmed the damage and stressed its impact on women’s empowerment.

“The hub had begun transforming lives, especially for women who were realizing tangible benefits. This destruction undermines their progress and threatens their livelihoods,” he said.
The disaster highlights the increasing frequency and severity of climate-related events in Zimbabwe.

The Climate Action Coalition of Zimbabwe has called on authorities to strengthen disaster preparedness and early warning systems, while also investing in resilient rural infrastructure.

The coalition warned that without forward-looking measures, communities such as Chipinge will remain exposed to the harsh effects of climate change.

As the aftermath of Cyclone Gezani continues to unfold, women farmers say rebuilding is not only about restoring infrastructure but also about protecting livelihoods, dignity, and the future of families across Zimbabwe.

16/02/2026

Recycling Can Boost Climate Resilience in Zimbabwe – Climate Action Coalition Urges Greater Effort

The Climate Action Coalition of Zimbabwe (CACZ) on Monday highlighted the growing importance of recycling as a tool to fight climate change in Zimbabwe, calling for expanded efforts and stronger community participation.

In its statement, the coalition acknowledged progress in waste recycling initiatives but stressed that more coordinated action is needed to maximize environmental and economic benefits.

“Recycling in Zimbabwe has made important strides in urban and rural areas. However, we must do more to ensure that waste management becomes an integral part of our climate strategy,” the coalition said.

The statement noted that plastics, organic waste, and industrial by-products are increasingly being collected and repurposed, but gaps remain in infrastructure, public awareness, and policy support. CACZ emphasized that improving recycling systems can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve natural resources, and create green jobs.

“Recycling is not just about reducing waste; it is a critical strategy for climate adaptation and mitigation.

By expanding recycling initiatives, we can protect our environment while fostering economic opportunities,” the statement read.

The coalition urged local authorities to enhance waste collection services and support community-based recycling programs, while encouraging the government to provide incentives for businesses and households that participate actively in waste separation and recycling.

“Citizens also play a crucial role. Simple steps such as separating plastics, organic waste, and recyclables at home can collectively make a huge impact,” CACZ said.

The coalition concluded by calling for stronger collaboration between government, private sector, civil society, and communities to build a circular economy in Zimbabwe that reduces environmental harm and strengthens the nation’s climate resilience.

“Recycling is a powerful tool in the fight against climate change. Let us invest in it and take action together,” CACZ urged.

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