PWDs call for sensitive mitigation programmes

PEOPLE living with disabilities and women have called for more vulnerability-sensitive mitigation programming to better address the risks they face from climate change-related hazards.

This emerged at a workshop organised by the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife training of trainers on climate change focusing on nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and national adaptation plan and other climate-related policies for Zimbabwe targeting PWD, women and youth.

It was highlighted that climate change has resulted in increased floods and extreme weather conditions, impacting communities across the country.

The Government is partnering with SNV Zimbabwe to conduct climate change training programmes for vulnerable groups, including people with disabilities, women and youth, to amplify their voices and ensure that they are not left behind in climate change-related planning and policies.

This year’s farming season is one of the worst in Zimbabwe, as most crops are a write off.

Communities are also grappling with water scarcity and disease outbreaks as well as extensive infrastructural damages.

The Government is rolling out a programme targeting vulnerable groups as their voices are often left out, especially when climate change related matters are discussed.

National climate change co-ordinator, Mr Tatenda Mutasa, said inclusion of vulnerable groups has been insightful.

“PWDs are happy they are now being included in the climate change agenda. For instance, they said we are the ones who bear the brunt of climate change,” said Mr Mutasa.

“They are the ones who are most affected and when a person is in a wheelchair and there is a flood, he or she may not be able to move.

“When there is too much heat, PWDs’ skin is a bit reactive so they are saying it is important for the Government to consider them and take them on board.

“So, we need to solve climate change related problems together as we don’t want to leave anyone behind as per the President’s stance.”

Mr Mutasa said apart from PWDs, women also highlighted that they are the worst affected by the adverse weather conditions as they are forced to walk long distances to fetch water.

Mr Mutasa said by involving them in planning climate mitigation measures, the Government is focused on amplifying their voices.

“We started in Harare and we had participants from four provinces; Harare, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland West and Mashonaland East.

“Now we are in Bulawayo and we have participants from Bulawayo, Matabeleland South and Matabeleland North,” he said.

“One next stop is in Masvingo where we will have participants from Masvingo, Midlands and Manicaland and we are trying to unpack their roles together with them.

“We want to understand their roles in implementing other climate related programmes.”

Mrs Sithabisile Sibanda, who is visually impaired, said extreme weather conditions are life threatening for PWDs.

“Climate change affects us a lot as disabled persons because when it is too hot those with albinism find it difficult to cope and lately the temperatures have been too high,” she said.

“Also, when there are cyclones, we are forgotten when people are running to safety. This training is critical as it seeks to incorporate us on climate-related disasters. It will ensure that we are not left behind,” said Mrs Sibanda.

Some participants spoke of how they have been equipped with climate-proofing skills, which have become handy in addressing the adverse weather conditions and even to counter drought.