Women inclusion key in fighting climate change:CARE International in Zimbabwe Country
Director.
Zimbabwe is fighting the issue of climate change with Government working with public-private
partnerships to mitigate its effects.Women constitute more the 52% of the country’s population
according to the recent census therefore it is important for women to fully involvement in ways to
combat climate since they dominate in the country’s total population.
Speaking during the launch of partnership between Takunda, a CARE-led and USAID-Funded
Resilience Food Security Activity (RFSA), and Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resources
Analysis Network (FANRPAN),CARE International in Zimbabwe Country Director Mr Patrick
Sikana said women participation on climate change is important since the country is heavily
affected.
“Let us put women first as we are committed to counter the effects of climate change that have
adversely affected the agrarian systems in the country through inconsistencies in seasonal weather
patterns as the climate grows more erratic resulting in serious floods and droughts,”said Sikana.
“The range of programmes introduced by Takunda through its partners USAID,CARE
International Zimbabwe to ensure women can continue to earn ever-better incomes while
producing enough food for the country and their own families that is empowering young women
and girls,”added Sikana.
CARE International Director said he is pleased with the government’s efforts through various
partners in fighting the effects of climate change.Programmes include National Enhanced
Agricultural Productivity Scheme, introducton of pfumvudza and also the construction of dams
and other ways to boost agriculture in the country.
“It is now high time to move away from rain-fed agriculture and develop more irrigation so that
we can ensure that our farmers are safe. Even if a dry spell prolongs, farmers can supplement with
irrigation,” he said.
The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development is working with
women on master plans to counterbalance the effects of climate change through acquisition of
equipment for irrigation schemes in line with Vision 2030 of ensuring that Zimbabwe moves into
an upper-middle income society, leaving no one and no place behind.
The Ministry is working with the private sector to empower women through various agricultural
inputs schemes and providing loans for agriculture to women in a bid to combat the effects of
climate change in the country.
Women should be be included in seed selection which is also important as they improve
production. Farmers in areas like Chivi ,Zaka in Masvingo Province should choose improved seed
varieties that can withstand harsh conditions and adapt to the existing weather conditions such as
sorghum,millet ,and other traditional small grains.
Article by: Shepy Masunda
WATER FOR LIFE FOUNDATION