Online Reporter
Raymond Jaravaza
THE Government has taken a major step in confronting the growing threat of climate change, launching a US$30 million youth-driven initiative aimed at equipping thousands of young people with skills for green jobs and sustainable livelihoods.
The Adolescents and Youth for Sustainable Futures (AY4SF) Project — a partnership between the Government, Save the Children International and the Green Climate Fund — is set to empower over 80 000 youths and over 240 000 adults while strengthening climate resilience in some of the country’s most vulnerable communities.
The programme will be implemented over six years in districts that are already bearing the brunt of climate shocks, including Binga, Bulilima, Umguza, Beitbridge, Shurugwi and Kwekwe.
Speaking at the official launch in Bulawayo yesterday, Vice President Dr Kembo Mohadi said the initiative marks a decisive milestone in Zimbabwe’s journey towards building an inclusive and climate-resilient economy.
“Zimbabwe is already experiencing the harsh realities of climate change. Communities are confronting prolonged droughts, erratic rainfall patterns, rising temperatures and increasingly destructive weather events,” he said.
“We recall, with deep concern, the devastation caused by Cyclone Idai, which exposed the scale of vulnerability within our systems and communities. Provinces such as Midlands, Matabeleland South and Matabeleland North continue to face recurring droughts, declining agricultural productivity and growing food insecurity.”
The Vice President noted that climate change continues to be a threat to a majority of households, particularly those dependant of rain fed agriculture.
“This reality compels us to act boldly, urgently and collectively. The Government of Zimbabwe remains steadfast in its commitment to addressing climate change,” he said.
The Vice President said the Government has embedded climate action into its national development agenda through frameworks such as the National Adaptation Plan and Nationally Determined Contributions, while strengthening coordination across ministries to ensure effective implementation.
“Our approach is clear; climate change is not confined to one sector; it is a whole of Government and whole of society priority,” he said.
The AY4SF project will focus on building capacity in climate-smart livelihoods, while also opening up access to technology, financing and innovation platforms for youth-led solutions. It aims to nurture a new generation of environmentally conscious entrepreneurs and leaders.
VP Mohadi said the Government continues to strengthen institutional coordination across ministries and agencies to ensure that interventions are coherent, effective, and impactful.
