By Tracy Mutowekuziva
Rural women across the length and breadth of Zimbabwe are battling climate change injustices and the Centre for Natural Resource Governance has since stepped up to advocate for a plethora of solutions that can alleviate the crisis. The majority of victims of climate change are extremely poor, have limited access to climate information and lack the resources and capacity to rebuild their lives after climate-related disasters.
The impacts of climate change are not distributed equally and those who are most affected by climate change are often the least responsible for causing it. Climate justice seeks to address the unequal distribution of the burdens between those responsible for climate change and those at the receiving end of climate vengeance and destruction. Climate justice demands the fair treatment of all people and communities in the face of climate change and accountability on the part of those responsible for emissions responsible for global warming and climate variabilities.
Climate justice also recognizes that climate change is not just an environmental issue, but is deeply interconnected with social, economic, and political systems, including issues of poverty, inequality, and human rights. As such, climate justice aims to address both the root causes and the consequences of climate change, and to create a more just and sustainable world for all.
Climate change is a global phenomenon with very localized effects and manifestations. Often this leaves the perpetrators hiding behind geographical territories they operate from and a weak international legal and corporate infrastructure that protects polluters whilst turning a blind eye to the plight of the victims.
It is a proven fact that women are often disproportionately impacted by the effects of climate change. This is because women tend to be more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change due to social, economic, and cultural factors.
For example, in many parts of the world, women are responsible for collecting water and firewood, which can become more difficult and time-consuming as water sources dry up and forests are degraded. Women are also more likely to be involved in small-scale agriculture, which is often more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, such as droughts, floods, and pests.
Women often have less access to resources and decision-making power, which can make it harder for them to adapt to the impacts of climate change. For example, in Zimbabwe, women in rural areas do not have the legal rights or social status needed to own land or other resources, which can make it difficult for them to access credit or other forms of support to adapt to changing environmental conditions.
Climate change can have significant impacts on rural areas, which are often heavily dependent on natural resources for their livelihoods.
- Agriculture and Food Security: Women in rural areas of Zimbabwe are heavily engaged in agricultural activities, including crop cultivation and livestock rearing. Climate change, including extreme weather events like droughts and floods, disrupts agricultural productivity and reduces crop yields. This directly affects women’s access to food, as well as their income and economic stability.
- Water Scarcity: Climate change contributes to water scarcity in many regions, including rural areas of Zimbabwe. Water conflicts are also on the rise and often manifest gender imbalance that forms part of Zimbabwe’s deep culture. The problem is much severe in cases where widows are in conflict with men or those in traditional authority.
- Women are commonly responsible for collecting water for household use, and when water sources become scarce or polluted, they must travel longer distances to secure water for their families. This places an additional burden on their time and energy, limiting their opportunities for education, income generation, and other activities.
- Health and Sanitation: Research shows that climate change impacts can lead to a rise in water borne diseases such as cholera, typhoid and diarrhoea, which disproportionately affect women and children due to their domestic chores and vulnerability to such diseases respectively. Moreover, inadequate sanitation facilities and poor hygiene practices further exacerbate health risks for women in rural communities. The climate related health risk of women and children is made worse by Zimbabwe’s failing health delivery system.
- Natural Disasters: Zimbabwe is prone to natural disasters such as droughts, floods, and cyclones, which are expected to increase in frequency and intensity due to climate change. Women are often more vulnerable during these events due to factors such as limited access to information, resources, and decision-making power. Disasters can lead to displacement, loss of livelihoods, and increased risks of gender-based violence, affecting the overall well-being and safety of women in rural areas. Government and NGO interventions in the aftermath of the disasters have also reportedly increased vulnerability of women as some were allegedly subjected to sexual exploitation.
- Gender Inequality: Climate change exacerbates existing gender inequalities in rural areas of Zimbabwe. Women often have limited access to resources, land, credit, and decision-making processes, which hinders their capacity to adapt to changing climatic conditions. This lack of empowerment restricts their ability to develop sustainable strategies and alternative livelihoods in the face of climate change.
Addressing the specific challenges faced by women in rural areas is crucial for effective climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies to work. It requires promoting gender-responsive policies and interventions that enhance women’s participation, access to resources, and decision-making power, while also considering their unique needs and vulnerabilities.
It is important to recognize that climate change affects different communities and individuals in different ways, and that addressing the needs of the most vulnerable and marginalized groups, including women, is essential for achieving climate justice. In order to advocate for climate justice, communities should be aware of their vulnerabilities. CNRG and the Tacking Climate Change and Energy Transition in Zimbabwe (TaCCET-Zim) network are conducting civic education awareness-raising campaigns throughout Zimbabwe, raising a critical mass and building resilient communities.
Communities should advocate for:
Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Promote sustainable farming practices that enhance soil health, water conservation, and biodiversity. This can include techniques like agroforestry, organic farming, crop diversification, and efficient irrigation methods. Encourage the use of drought-resistant crop varieties and provide training and support to farmers in adopting these practices.
Natural Resource Management: Encourage sustainable management of natural resources, including forests, water, and land. Promote reforestation and afforestation efforts to enhance carbon sequestration, prevent soil erosion, and provide additional sources of income for rural communities. Support community-based conservation initiatives and the establishment of protected areas to safeguard biodiversity.
Infrastructure Development: Advocate for improved infrastructure to enhance climate resilience. This includes the construction of climate-resistant housing, bridges, roads, and water storage facilities. Ensure that infrastructure planning considers climate change projections and incorporates measures to withstand extreme weather events.
Women’s Empowerment: Promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in rural communities. Encourage women’s participation in decision-making processes related to climate change adaptation and mitigation. Support initiatives that provide women with access to education, healthcare, credit, and income-generating opportunities, enabling them to build resilience and adapt to changing climatic conditions.
Disaster Preparedness and Response: Advocate for the development of community-based disaster preparedness plans. This can involve establishing early warning systems, conducting regular drills, and ensuring that emergency shelters and relief supplies are in place. Collaborate with local authorities, NGOs, and other stakeholders to strengthen disaster response mechanisms and ensure the inclusion of vulnerable groups, including women, children, and the elderly.
Policy and Funding Support: Advocate for policies that prioritize climate change adaptation and mitigation in rural areas. Encourage government support for sustainable agricultural practices, renewable energy initiatives, and climate-smart infrastructure development. Lobby for increased funding and resources dedicated to climate change adaptation programs in rural communities.
Promote Indigenous Knowledge Systems in climate change adaptation and mitigation. IKS is usually not capital intensive as it is based on existing knowledge and local resources. For instance, the use of IKS in localized early warning communications is helpful in warning rural farmers of pending droughts, hence the need to plant appropriate drought-resistant crops.
By advocating for these measures women in rural communities can enhance their resilience and reduce their vulnerabilities to the impacts of climate change. It is essential to engage with local authorities, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to create awareness, build partnerships, and drive meaningful change at the community level.