For both myself and the Zimbabwe Network for Social Justice (ZimJustice), the issue of climate change is not only central to our mission, but intertwined with our commitment to social justice.
In Zimbabwe, climate change is not just an environmental challenge, but a social justice crisis.
Rural communities, which are largely dependent on agriculture, face intensified droughts, unpredictable rainfall, and rising temperatures, disproportionately impacting smallscale farmers without access to irrigation or modern technology.
These shifts lead to reduced crop yields greater food insecurity, and severe economic hardships—disruptions that particularly affect women, who make up a significant portion of the rural workforce and are primarily responsible for securing their families’ food and water.
The cascading effects of these hardships are immense. Many rural Zimbabweans are forced to migrate to urban centres as worsening droughts and poor harvests erode traditional livelihoods.
This movement places considerable pressure on urban resources, often leading to the formation of informal settlements where access to clean water, sanitation, and healthcare is limited.
This rural-to-urban migration exacerbates social inequalities, creating a cycle of vulnerability that deepens with every environmental setback. In the recent past of economic turmoil in Zimbabwe it has also exerted increased pressures on disposable incomes, urban systems, and infrastructures.
The health impacts of climate inequity climate change is also a health crisis. The rise in diseases like malaria and cholera, coupled with malnutrition from food shortages, creates immense health burdens.
Many rural areas rely on unsafe water sources during droughts, and are at high risk for waterborne diseases.
Health facilities in these areas, often under-resourced, struggle to manage outbreaks, leaving communities even more vulnerable.
Water scarcity is yet another critical issue. In regions like Chiredzi and Buhera, rural communities often find themselves in competition with commercial farms and industries for basic water access.
This “water injustice” underscores how climate change magnifies existing inequalities, leaving marginalized communities with inadequate resources to sustain their livelihoods.
An Urgent Need for Action and Support While Zimbabwe’s government has introduced policies like the National Climate Change Policy, support for vulnerable communities remains limited.
Financial constraints, alongside administrative challenges, often prevent climate adaptation initiatives from reaching those most affected.
To address these social injustices, Zimbabwe’s climate response strategy must prioritise vulnerable communities with transparent, well-targeted policies that provide direct support. This is where a coordinated approach becomes essential.
The Tackling Climate Change and Energy Transition (TaCCET) Zimbabwe network provides hope for a just transition.
Coordinated by the Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG), TaCCET unites organizations focused on climate impact, community support, and sustainable solutions.
When ZimJustice joined this initiative, I was filled with renewed optimism for climate action in Zimbabwe.
At a recent TaCCET boot camp at Hwange Safari Lodge—a breathtaking resort near the coal-mining town of Hwange — I witnessed inspiring dedication from member organisations committed to tackling climate challenges in their communities.
The boot camp prepared us to meet with the Hwange community for a “Counter COP,” grassroots gathering modelled after the global Conference of the Parties (COP) to address the local impacts of climate change.
During this event, community members shared firsthand how climate change affects their lives, particularly considering the large-scale coal mining and pollutants from a nearby thermal power station.
Residents raised urgent concerns about rising temperatures, diminishing rainfall, and deteriorating air quality that harms both the environment and agricultural output.
Toward a just transition community members were unambiguous in their demands: while a transition to cleaner energy sources is necessary, it must be just.
Coal mining and the thermal power station, despite their environmental toll, provide livelihoods for thousands of local residents.
*Tendai Ruben Mbofana is a social justice advocate, climate change activist, and writer.