THE United Nations Scientific, Cultural and Education Organisation (Unesco) has started implementing climate change mitigation programmes in some districts across the country to ensure food security.
This four-year project is titled Strengthening Local Communities Adaptive Capacity and Resilience to Climate Change through Sustainable Groundwater Utilisation in Zimbabwe.
The project will be implemented in Binga’s wards 13 and 19 in Matabeleland North and Buhera’s wards 20 and 23 in Manicaland province.
Project co-ordinator, Muchaneta Munamati, said there was a need to develop climate resilience programmes through sustainable groundwater utilisation.
“We aim to promote groundwater use while protecting (groundwater) resources,” she said.
Zimbabwe has faced erratic rainfall patterns and poor water management practices that have a direct negative impact on water availability.
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Munamati noted that the biggest burden of water insecurity falls on women and girls' shoulders.
Buhera villagers welcomed the project as they were reeling from the harsh effects of climate change.
“We are grateful for the upcoming groundwater programme within our areas,” a villager in ward 20, Buhera, Hilda Chihera, said.
“There are few boreholes around making life difficult for mostly women and girls who spend more time fetching water from longer distances.
“Currently there are few boreholes where some have since dried up making life difficult for mostly women and girls who spend more time fetching water from longer distances.”
Another villager Sharai Ndimba echoed the same sentiments saying lack of water was fuelling gender based violence.
“The water crisis fuelled early marriages depriving girl child right to education,” said Ndimba.
Ward 23 agriculture extension officer Karen Kagura said the "groundwater programme may help in protecting our riverbank "
Buhera Ward 23 councillor, Enias Gonese, said they did not have a single community garden, making life difficult for mostly women and child-headed families.
“A solution based programme for the community is welcome,” he added. Environment Management Agency district officer Severino Kangara called for interventions to preserve wetlands.
“It is important that the project enhances wetland reserve and protection so that we help in biodiversity among communities,” Kangara said.
Buhera district development co-ordinator Freeman Mavesera said the project will boost food security within Manicaland province.
Chief Nyashanu, born Chemai Kandanga, said: “Buhera district has not been spared by drought and water access must be a top priority for us all.”