Project reference: TAAF-0005A and TAAF-0005B

On 7 July, the Government of Zimbabwe (GoZ) officially launched its Medium Term Plan (2011-2015) for building a more competitive, sustainable and industrialised economy. CDKN was asked by the GoZ to prepare a brief climate change chapter for this Plan – establishing climate change as one of the objectives for Zimbabwe’s economic turnaround. The two-page chapter was prepared by Sobona Mtisi from the Overseas Development Institute, a CDKN alliance partner, in collaboration with the Ministry of Economic Planning and Investment Promotion.

Early research on the impacts of climate change in Zimbabwe suggests the country will have to cope with changing rainfall patterns, temperature increases and more extreme weather events, like floods and droughts. Longer and more frequent droughts could substantially reduce crop yields – including maize – a staple crop in Zimbabwe. Given the varied nature of Zimbabwe’s biophysical characteristics, vulnerability to climate change is likely to vary significantly across the country.

Action and debate on climate change is growing within Zimbabwe. The GoZ has submitted an Initial National Communication on Climate Change to the UNFCCC, with a second in draft form, and a wide array of climate change projects and programmes are being implemented by government, bilateral and multilateral agencies, donors, local and international organisations, and academic and research institutions.

Responding to climate change while ensuring sustainable economic growth, social development and poverty reduction during a period of economic recovery, remains a key challenge for the country. However, the emerging collaboration between the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources Management and the Ministry of Economic Planning and Investment Promotion provides a platform for understanding the challenges that climate change poses to national development and embedding potential solutions within the national development framework and policy processes.

CDKN funding (a): £60,000

CDKN funding (b): £40,000

Project Manager: Jo McDonnell