Climate
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Africa has potential to achieve food security and sustainable development
Writes Wellington Madumira Youth Dialogue around food systems, climate change, and actions towards zero hunger in the face of a crisis on food insecurity; A Side event during the 12th Africa Green Waste and Energy Expo 2023 Africa, with its rich and diverse natural resources, has the potential to be a global powerhouse in agriculture…
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BUPUSACOM for shared watercourse promotes sustainable development
The Buzi, Pungwe, and Save Watercourses Commission (BUPUSACOM) was launched in Beira, Mozambique, on 19 July 2023, following the signing of the BUPUSA Water Courses Commission Establishment Agreement in Harare, Zimbabwe on 17 May 2023. The tri-basin institution will have oversight on the planning, development, and management of the water resources within the Buzi, Pungwe,…
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World Ranger Day: Adventurer Holly Budge sheds light into experiences of rangers
Holly Budge I’m no stranger to nail-biting adventures, having summited Everest and being the first woman to skydive Everest, but patrolling with female rangers across Africa has been a whole different beast. These women are bold, changing the game and paving the way for women to stand alongside men at the forefront of conservation, but…
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Recently Inaugurated Zimbabwe Carbon Association Seeks to Contribute to Climate Mitigation and Adaption
The recently inaugurated Zimbabwe Carbon Association, representing many of the major investments in carbon project development in the country, welcomes the Government of Zimbabwe’s effort to bring transparency and accountability to carbon trading in the country and position Zimbabwe as a credible, attractive destination for green financing. The Zimbabwe Carbon Credit Framework, which the Government…
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AfDB, UNEP partner to implement Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework in Africa
The African Development Bank and UNEP will partner to establish an Expert Group on Biodiversity Finance, which will provide African countries with knowledge and technical assistance The African Development Bank (http://www.AfDB.org) is joining forces with the United Nations Environment Programme to advance the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework in Africa (KMGBF). The framework…
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Origin Digital’s Predictive Analytics Fosters Financial Inclusion, Greater Productivity to Farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa
South Africa’s largest agricultural lender, ABSA, says new technology has huge potential to unlock capital for smallholder farmers and SMEs who have previously had limited access to finance Pioneering ag-tech company Origin Digital is poised to help lenders revolutionise the agricultural credit landscape in Sub-Saharan Africa and drive growth in the sector. Providing credit to the smallholder…
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Carbon financing critical for addressing climate change
Driven by the need to halve emissions within the next decade to become a net-zero world by 2050 and avoid climate change, carbon financing plays a critical role in achieving this objective. This came out during a half-day workshop organised by the Business Council for Sustainable Development Zimbabwe (BCSDZ) held in Harare today to unpack…
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Campaigners call for global carbon tax to fund worldwide Universal Basic Income scheme
A new report by global justice organisation Equal Right and economists at independent think tank Autonomy has proposed a new global ‘cap and share’ system that taxes carbon at source and redistributes the proceeds worldwide through a Universal Basic Income scheme. The system aims to simultaneously halt further fossil fuel-induced climate change, redistribute resources in…
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Hakwata Village Pioneers Single Largest Biogas Undertaking in Zimbabwe
In an ambitious endeavour to bring clean cooking energy to rural communities, the largest initiative of biogas in Zimbabwe and Southern Africa has commenced in Hakwata village, Chipinge District, on the edges of Zimbabwe’s border with Mozambique. A total of 150 biogas digesters will be installed, benefiting 90 households in Hakwata, 30 in Gororo, Masvingo…
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Water Changemaker Innovation Awards 2023 launched
The Water Changemaker Innovation Awards 2023 have officially been launched during the kick-off of the largest gathering on water in Asia, the International Asian Water Week in South Korea. The Water Changemaker Awards is a global initiative that recognizes high-level commitment and leadership for climate-resilient water investments and showcases investment-ready climate-resilient innovations with the greatest…
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Tourism minister drives engagement and re-engagement for sustainable development
Under the Second Republic, Zimbabwe’s foreign policy is premised on the engagement and re-engagement drive, and it has stood out as a key pillar of National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1). On the 5th of July 2023, the World Food Programme Representative to Zimbabwe Ms Francesca Erdelmann and the Japanese Ambassador to Zimbabwe His Excellency Satoshi…
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Power Up: energy campaign to boost sustainable growth, prepare for climate dangers
A new campaign is calling for government action to widen access to clean, affordable energy – unlocking sustainable growth, and preparing Kenya for climate risk such as extreme weather. The Kenyan branch of Power Up – a global campaign unlocking investment in energy access – launched in Nairobi on July 5, presenting nine policy recommendations for national government.…
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53rd SADC PF Assembly focuses on modernising agriculture for food security, employment creation
The 53rd Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) Assembly has roared to life in Tanzania and will focus on the Theme “Modernising Agriculture to Address Food Insecurity and Youth Unemployment in the SADC Region: The Role of Parliaments” and is running from 2 to 8 July 2023. In his presentation at the meeting,…
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Urban Resilience Project gives Epworth a lifeline
Writes Tafadzwa Muranganwa The ravaging Covid-19 virus caught many countries off-guard and Zimbabwe is no exception. In this country, disaster risk management and preparedness were put to the test as thousands of people lost their jobs and incomes. Urban hunger and many other hazards rose, especially among peri-urban settlements like Epworth. To help in building…
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Infra for Africa Forum: Landmark Asset Recycling agreement between Togo and Africa50 signed
The Africa50 Infra for Africa Forum kicked off this morning in Lomé, Togo, with a landmark signing of an asset recycling agreement. Asset Recycling is an innovative initiative led by Africa50 for governments to monetize existing infrastructure assets through a concession to the private sector with funds received being reinvested in other priority projects. The…
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Government intensifies climate proof agriculture, targets 700 000 hectares for small grains production
Writes Elvis Dumba Banket – The government is strengthening efforts to climate-proof the agriculture sector from the effects of climate change through supporting initiatives towards increased production of small traditional grains. The government has set a target of 700 000 hectares for traditional small grains under the Presidential Climate Proof Agriculture Scheme locally known as…
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Wetlands conservation, sustainable use of biodiversity stimulate development
As a Party to the Ramsar Convention which seeks to ensure the conservation and wise use of all wetlands through local and national actions and international cooperation as well as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), Zimbabwe remains committed to ensuring the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity as well as fair and equitable sharing…
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WHO, multilateral development banks launch Climate Health Fund
Own Correspondent Paris, France – In a landmark development aimed at investing in and strengthening essential, climate, and crisis-resilient primary health care (PHC) services in the global south, three multilateral development banks have joined with WHO to launch a new Health Investment Platform. The Platform launched during the Summit for a New Global Financing Pact…
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Paris finance summit: world leaders urged to address debt and climate crises
World leaders attending a summit in Paris today must ensure that wealthier nations commit to comprehensive debt relief for lower-income nations, including the cancellation of loans and the scaling up of international assistance to vulnerable states, Amnesty International said today. Amnesty International is calling on the Summit for a New Global Financing Pact (PACT) to…
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Japan helps boost community resilience in Zimbabwe’s rural areas
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has rolled out resilience-building activities with the support of the Government of Japan to boost food security and improve the livelihoods of nearly 9,000 people in Chiredzi district, in southern Zimbabwe. The funding, a US$ 900,000 contribution coming at a critical time, will help WFP to provide food…
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Sanyati involves schools and communities in environmental management
Writes Chimeno Azriel Kadoma’s Sanyati District joined millions of people around the world to celebrate World Environmental Day.The District enfolded the theme “#Beat Plastic Pollution” to draw attention to this insistent environmental concern and how schools and Communities can improve the quality of the environment. The commemorations were held at Odyssey Hotel in Kadoma. Government…
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Plastic pollution: women urged to proffer solutions
Writes Elvis Dumba Chinhoyi – Women who constitute at least sixty percent of the country’s population have been challenged to take a leading role in offering solutions to plastic pollution. This was said by Tecla Mupandaguta, the Humanitarian Cluster Chairperson of Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe, Mashonalnd West during a belated Provincial World Environment Day commemorations…
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Mozambique and Zimbabwe collaborate on managing shared water resources
The governments of Mozambique and Zimbabwe have established a tri-basin institution to manage the Buzi, Pungwe, and Save River Basins’ water resources, which have, over the years, suffered from extreme climate effects such as floods, droughts, and cyclones. The Buzi, Pungwe, and Save (BUPUSA) Watercourse Commission culminated from the signing of the Save Water Sharing…
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Women urged to play a critical role in protecting the environment
Writes Clayton Masekesa Women in Zimbabwe have been urged to continuously play a critical role in sustaining a protected environment and promoting natural resource governance. This came out during the commemorations of the World Environment Day held in Mutare on Monday, organized by the Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCOZ) and its partners, where various women…
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Involving children in managing plastic pollution pertinent: UNICEF
Writes Elvis Dumba Harare – The participation of children in waste management strategies, including strategies meant to address plastic pollution, is of paramount importance as they are not spared from the menace. The remarks were made by UNICEF Country Representative to Zimbabwe, Dr Tajudeen Oyewale during the World Environment Day Commemoration held in Harare. The…
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Tighten laws regulating reduced use of plastic: ActionAid urges government
ActionAid Zimbabwe (AAZ) has joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Environment Day (WED) that is running the theme “Solutions to Plastic Pollution” with Zimbabwe’s celebrations dubbed #BeatPlasticPollutionZim, bringing attention to issues of plastic pollution and exploring alternatives to reduce plastic use to aid the fight against climate change. Observed annually on 5…
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Zimbabwe gears up for carbon trading
Writes Elvis Dumba Harare – As the world continues to grapple with the effects of climate change-induced weather pattern challenges, Zimbabwe has joined the carbon trading sector as it gears up its efforts in mitigating the phenomenon. Zimbabwe recently developed and adopted a national carbon credit framework that is expected to guide businesses, benefit communities,…
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European and Pan-African parliaments agree on funding climate change
In a collaborative effort, the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) Permanent Committee on Rural Economy, Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment, and the Committee on Monetary and Financial Affairs have unanimously agreed to support the European Parliament’s Financial Transaction Tax on Climate Action (FTTCA) law. Their resolution further calls upon member countries of the European Union to adopt…
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Green Governance Zimbabwe Trust interrogates climate governance and just energy transition
The Green Governance Zimbabwe Trust is spearheading a platform allowing dialogue, information sharing, engagement, and identification of solutions to climate governance and just energy transition in the country while promoting movement building and improving coordination and consolidated advocacy on climate issues by various actors. This emerged at the National Youth and Climate Change Action Symposium…
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‘How is the Weather?’ play interrogates climate change through theatre
Theatre in the Park will on Wednesday this week host an international climate change-focused theatre play titled ‘How is the Weather?’ played by the popular Inkululeko Yabatsha School of Arts (IYASA) and German’s Theatre Strahl. Speaking to Spiked Online Media, Mr. Daves Guzha, the Director of Theatre in the Park promised audiences exhilarating entertainment through…
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AUDA-NEPAD spearheading genome editing to optimise agricultural production
The African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) through its Centre of Excellence in Science, Technology, and Innovation is running the Genome Editing (GEd) project meant to foster a broader understanding of modern biotechnology focusing on GEd among different stakeholder groups through communication and advocacy for enhanced uptake of the tool to optimize agriculture in Africa. This…
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Zambia and Zimbabwe commit to Mana Pools protection
By Elvis Dumba Harare – Zambia and Zimbabwe have committed to strengthening cooperation that will improve protection for the environment and natural resources. The two countries signed a memorandum of agreement on the Lower Zambezi Mana Pools (LOZAMAP) Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA). The signing ceremony was held in Harare a day after the continent celebrated…
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Stakeholders convene to address land degradation, desertification
Zimbabwe and the Drylands Sustainable Landscapes – Impact Programme (DSL-IP) Southern Africa Regional Workshop is convening to find ways to respond to Southern Africa’s environmental challenges particularly desertification, land degradation, and the impacts of drought. Addressing stakeholders during the official workshop running from 22 to 26 May 2023 in Harare, Ambassador Raphael Tayerera Faranisi, the…
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WFP supports government’s e-extension services
… as it donates tablets to extension workers By Tafadzwa Muranganwa Realising the immense benefits of digitizing extension services in Zimbabwe, the humanitarian agency, World Food Programme has donated high-end tablets to some government extension workers. Speaking at the official handover of the 635 tablets to the Agricultural Rural Development and Advisory Service (ARDAS) on…
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Addressing climate change critical for Africa’s development: President Ruto
The single most important priority commitment that will propel Africa to lasting security, sustainable stability and shared prosperity is an opportunity-oriented focus on climate action, said the President of the Republic of Kenya and Chair of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC) H.E Dr. William Samoei Ruto President Ruto delivered…
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Beyond traditional surveys – the value of continuous listening to the market
By Charles Dhewa Periodic surveys like crop and livestock assessments have become a common feature in most African agriculture-driven economies. These surveys are often conducted during and after the planting season. While surveys like vulnerability assessments are important, in a changing climate characterized by mid-season droughts and disruptions in market supplies, periodic surveys should be…
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Pan-African Parliament Summit spotlights importance of Climate Policy and Equity
The Pan- African Parliamentarians from countries all over Africa and beyond are convening in Midrand, South Africa for the third Pan-African Parliamentarian Summit from 16 to 17 May 2023. The first day of the Summit called for expedited action in implementing the commitments made under United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the…
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African Union Commission Youth Envoy tours Madagascar
By Reginald Tapfumaneyi in Antananarivo African Union Commission Youth Envoy, H.E. Ms. Chido Cleopatra Mpemba is on a whirlwind trip to the African Island of the Indian Ocean, Madagascar’s capital, Antananarivo. Mpemba is set to make the most of her maiden tour. Killing two birds with one stone, she is hosting both a listening tour…
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President of Kenya visits GCA Headquarters to mobilise action ahead of Africa Climate Action Summit
His Excellency William S. Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, visited the floating headquarters of the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) in Rotterdam yesterday to participate in a Strategic Dialogue at the Africa Climate Action Summit. The Africa Climate Action Summit is being co-hosted by the Government of Kenya and the African Union Commission…
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Food systems innovations to lower methane emissions in livestock, waste, and rice cultivation.
Agriculture has been a fundamental aspect of human civilization since ancient times, playing a critical role in providing food and other essential resources necessary for human survival. The sector has been a driver of economic growth, food security and employment for many people, particularly in developing countries, where a significant portion of the population relies…
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PAP to host 3rd African Parliamentarians Summit on Climate Policy and Equity
The Pan-African Parliament will host the 3rd African Parliamentarians Summit on Climate Policy and Equity scheduled to take place on May 16 – 17 on the sidelines of the Second Ordinary Session of the Sixth Parliament of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP). The Session is scheduled to hold from 15 May to 02 June 2023 at…
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AfCFTA, climate change on the agenda as PAP President meets H.E. William Ruto
The President of the Republic of Kenya, H.E. William Ruto has called on the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) to be the continent’s standard-bearer on issues affecting African citizens. These include issues related to intra-African trade, climate change, democracy, and good governance. The call was made during an audience accorded to the President of the Pan-African Parliament,…
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Enriching Climate Change discourses with indigenous knowledge perspectives
By Charles Dhewa The relationship between climate change and indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) can be understood better if discussed from a historical perspective. This approach can show pathways and trends through which indigenous knowledge was an integral driver of how African communities dealt with a changing climate using their knowledge, values, intuitions, and experiences. Historical…
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Agriculture Insurance – a farming success component
By Elvis Dumba Banket – Climate change has affected weather patterns around the world, thereby affecting many sectors, which include agriculture. Tropical cyclones and other climate change-induced weather patterns have contributed to droughts due to lack of rain and excessive rains in different areas with catastrophic consequences in some places where the loss of property…
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Zimbabwe farmers reaping bumper harvests by adopting climate change
Recognising climate change as a serious threat to social and economic development, Zimbabwe has been prioritizing adaptation in recent years. In 2015, a National Climate Change Response Strategy was passed. Two years later, the country’s first National Climate Policy was adopted, providing an overarching framework for climate action programming. With UNDP support, a comprehensive National Adaptation…