Assessing climate change impacts on the safety and wellbeing of children in ward 16, Mupoperi Makoni district Zimbabwe · Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Author

Gwanzura, Tariro G.

Title

Assessing climate change impacts on the safety and wellbeing of children in ward 16, Mupoperi Makoni district Zimbabwe

Abstract

Climate change presents a profound and escalating threat to vulnerable populations particularly children whose physical, emotional and educational wellbeing is directly influenced by environmental instability. This research provides a critical analysis of how climate change affects the safety and overall wellbeing of children in ward 16,Mupoperi Makoni District Zimbabwe a rural area which is marked by subsistence farming and limited access to basic services. This study employs a mixed-methods design, integrating quantitative surveys with focus group discussions and key informant interviews to examine the effects of climate variability particularly irregular rainfall patterns and extended droughts on children’s vulnerability to food shortages, health complications, educational disruptions and emotional distress. Findings indicate that children in ward 16 are increasingly socioeconomically vulnerable with many families not able to meet their basic demands due reduced agricultural productivity. Girls are heavily burdened as gender roles often compel them to miss school in order give hand with household chores such as water collection during dry seasons. Health professionals and educators confirmed rising incidences of malnutrition ,waterborne diseases and emotional distress among children .While community based interventions such as school feeding schemes and borehole projects have helped cushion some of the adverse effects ,these efforts remain fragmented and unevenly distributed.Childrens voices though central to their own resilience are often excluded from planning and policy processes. Drawing on the Social Vulnerability Theory and the Sustainable Livelihoods framework the study argues for a more integrated, child centered climate adaptation model. Key recommendations include the expansion of climate resilient infrastructure, mainstreaming of Psychological support in local services and active inclusion of children in community resilience planning .Ultimately the study underscores the urgent need for localized, participatory and equitable responses that safeguard the rights and wellbeing of children amidst escalating climate challenges in rural Zimbabwe.

Date

June 2025

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Climate Change

Safety and Wellbeing

Children

Supervisor

Mr. M.T.Gomo,