malvernmugadzikwa
Dr Tinashe Eric Muzamhindo
The past two decades have witnessed devastating natural disasters, affecting economies worldwide, leading to inflation and food insecurity.
Africa must adapt and leverage climate change opportunities to combat the impacts of this weather phenomenon and harness revenue-generating prospects.
The devastating effects of El Niño in 2023/2024 have left many people facing food insecurity across Southern Africa.
Thousands of families in Zimbabwe were affected by the El Niño-induced drought, with 30 percent crop losses in some regions, according to the United Nations Development Programme.
Climate change could lead to a 10 percent gross domestic product (GDP) loss in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region by 2050, according to the World Bank.
The continent’s agriculture sector — the backbone of its economy — is under threat.
Yet, amidst this uncertainty lies an opportunity to transform Africa’s economy, climate-proofing its agriculture and ensure a resilient future.
Climate change planning commission
To overcome climate change challenges, an inclusive development planning approach is crucial. This requires a significant policy shift, prioritising climate-conscious decision-making to bridge equity gaps and address critical variances in planning, coordination, monitoring and evaluation.
Establishing a climate change planning commission would provide the Central Government with vital advisory services, monitoring and reporting on the transition to a climate-resilient, low-emissions future.
This commission would facilitate national adaptation plans, progress assessments and drive investor interest in climate change mitigation.
Regular reporting and monitoring systems are essential for addressing climate change impacts.
A whole-of-government approach is necessary, adopting key measures to combat climate change using home-grown solutions.
Review of legislative agenda
Zimbabwe requires a robust legislative framework to address climate change mitigation and effects.
Outdated laws fail to address climate change challenges. Reviewing international treaties and establishing a clear legal framework for cooperation and collaboration are vital.
The Paris Agreement, adopted by 196 countries at the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 21), serves as a foundation.
Domestic laws should focus on home-grown solutions, transforming the economy through strategic thinking. Sustainable development is critical for achieving economic goals. As Zimbabwe transforms its economy, environmental degradation must be addressed. Measures to mitigate climate change, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, are essential.
Adaptation efforts focus on building resilience.
Technological advancement is key to innovative solutions.
Regional climate-resilient initiatives
In Zimbabwe, efforts to climate-proof agriculture include dam and irrigation construction.
This has seen over 500 dams being constructed or rehabilitated since 2018, with plans to increase irrigation capacity significantly by 2025.
Another initiative is the Pfumvudza/Intwasa conservation agriculture scheme. This zero-tillage conservation scheme promotes drought-resistant small grains like millet and rapoko, benefitting over 1,5 million households.
Agricultural regions are also being diversified to include drought-resistant crops.
SADC countries are also taking action. For example, Botswana and Zambia are exploring innovative solutions to manage elephant populations, including culling to support drought-affected communities, with South Africa implementing climate-smart agricultural practices focusing on water harvesting and conservation.
Technological advancement
Innovation drives progressive ideas and change.
Partnering with economic players to leverage technological advancements in critical sectors can mitigate climate change impacts.
Prioritising irrigation equipment and schemes will enhance food security, increase exports and address balance of payment challenges.
Climate change financing framework A structured finance framework is necessary to fund climate change mitigation and adaptation.
This framework identifies sources of climate finance, potential trends and estimated costs for the region’s climate change response.
Key players from the private, public and international sectors should collaborate.
A flexible financial support framework, incorporating debt structure and equity instruments, will promote climate change investment opportunities.
Actionable steps
To combat climate change, Africa must enhance climate change awareness and education; promote climate-resilient infrastructure development; support climate-smart agricultural practices; and foster international cooperation and knowledge sharing.
Overall, climate change necessitates a multifaceted strategy approach to build a strong economy.
Africa must harness opportunities and involve stakeholders to combat climate change and achieve sustainable development.
Dr Tinashe Eric Muzamhindo is an author and the head of the Zimbabwe Institute of Strategic Thinking. He can be contacted at: [email protected]
Tinaye Agere
Online Reporter