Online Reporter
Prof Dame Angela McLean
AS United Kingdom Government Chief Scientific Adviser, I am taking a special interest in climate adaptation and what we can learn from other countries.
This week I have been able to see first-hand how Zimbabwe is harnessing science and innovation to adapt to its changing climate.
A key moment was witnessing the sustainable methods being put to use by Foundations for Farming to enable smallholder farmers to grow food within dry, hardy conditions.
With UK support, over a million farmers have been trained in Pfumvudza, an innovative approach that helps to conserve water and improve land use.
The scheme is supported by Aspia Space, a UK company using satellite data and artificial intelligence to help farmers monitor crop performance and plan for the future.
Separately, I met health leaders in Zimbabwe to learn about how they are using data-driven tools to improve care.
The UK-funded Neotree project is a powerful example, bringing together Zimbabwean and UK experts to support doctors in the first hours of a newborn’s life.
In pilot centres, this has helped reduce neonatal deaths by up to 40 percent.
Looking ahead to COP30, it was useful to understand Zimbabwe’s priorities and to see how they align with the UK’s, especially on climate adaptation.
We both look to Brazil to put adaptation at the heart of the agenda, and we must work together to make the most of this opportunity.
I encourage Zimbabwe to keep championing science-based policy – as I also seek to do in the UK — and to share the innovative solutions it develops internationally.
I hope that my visit indicates UK appetite for a deeper, long-term partnership – one built on mutual respect, a shared belief in science and innovation and a commitment to a healthier, more sustainable future.
