Impacts of climate change related events on vulnerable groups in Mazowe district, Zimbabwe

Author

Shereni, Nancy R.

Title

Impacts of climate change related events on vulnerable groups in Mazowe district, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Climate change, characterised by long-term shifts in weather patterns and global temperatures, is a pressing global issue that has raised significant concerns among scientists, policymakers, and communities worldwide. This study assessed the effects of climate change-related events on vulnerable groups in Mazowe district, Zimbabwe. The specific objectives were to identify the socio-economic effects of climate-related events, determine the coping strategies employed by vulnerable groups, and identify the challenges that influence the effectiveness of these strategies. Data were collected through questionnaires and key informant interviews from a sample of 60 vulnerable individuals representing women-headed households, elderly-headed families, child-headed households, and households with disabled individuals. There were significant differences between the vulnerable groups on loss of agriculture crops (p=0.01), food insecurity (p=0.02), access to clean water (p=0.03), health issues (p=0.03) and loss of income and employment opportunities (p=0.01). Coping strategies employed by the vulnerable groups include planting of drought-tolerant maize, crop diversification, and reduced meal consumption from three meals to two meals per day. Migration, asset disposal, and menial labour were common coping mechanisms for income generation. Challenges include limited financial resources and social barriers, with climate change uncertainties and unpredictability as significant concerns. There is need for targeted interventions to address challenges faced by vulnerable communities and enhance the ability to cope with climate change related events.

Date

May 2023

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Climate change

Mazowe district

Vulnerable groups

Climate change related events

Supervisor

N/A