Lupane villagers struggle to adapt

Residents of Lupane district are facing severe hardships as climate change continues to undermine traditional farming practices, leaving communities struggling to adapt.

This year, drought linked to the El Nino phenomenon has devastated harvests, forcing many households to shift from maize to more drought-tolerant crops like sorghum and millet. Even these adaptations, however, have not guaranteed food security.

"We used to plant maize, but now we've had to shift to small grains because the rains are no longer reliable," said Sithembile Ncube, a villager from Gwai resettlement.

For others, failed crops have led to dependence on purchased grains, often from distant markets such as Harare. Shelter Vengesai Mpofu explained: "Since 2023, we've been buying grains because our harvests fail. It makes it very hard to prepare for the coming year."

A lack of reliable climate information has worsened the situation. Villager Thandekile Sibanda said, "We plant in November and are caught off guard when the rains don't come. Humanitarian aid and social welfare support have also stopped, leaving us with no help."

Beyond agriculture, local economies are also under strain. Coster Nyoni, a potter from Gwai Pottery Village, noted that demand for his crafts has collapsed due to the broader economic and climate pressures.

Conservation groups warn that protecting natural resources is critical for long-term resilience. Painted Dog Conservation recently hosted the Wildlife Ranger Challenge at Gwai Valley Primary School, a 21-kilometre run highlighting the role of rangers in safeguarding ecosystems. David Kuvawoga, Operations Director at Painted Dog Conservation, said, "We want wildlife to flourish not just for us, but for our children and grandchildren."

Traditional leaders have echoed these calls. Headman Doctor Ncube, representing Chief Nelukoba-Dingane, urged communities to balance resource use with conservation, noting that protecting wildlife and wetlands can mitigate the impacts of drought.

The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has warned that weather conditions remain unpredictable. Northern Matabeleland may face continued dry spells, while tropical cyclones could hit flood-prone areas during the 2025–2026 rainy season.

Forecasts from the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (Fews Net) suggest a weak La Niña may bring normal to above-normal rainfall across Zimbabwe between October 2025 and March 2026, offering a glimmer of hope for struggling farmers.