Climate
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Government accelerates efforts to de-risk and climate proof agriculture sector
By Elvis Dumba Mt Darwin – As the country celebrates 43 years of independence, the government has made tremendous strides towards economic development in various sectors such as health, mining, education, and agriculture. President Emmerson Mnangagwa said the country’s own people are responsible for nation-building through peaceful hard work. Speaking during the 43rd Independence celebrations…
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Leveraging Climate Change as an Investment Opportunity
The Role of African Central Banks in Promoting Sustainable Financing for Youth Climate Action By Dr. Richard Munang As the global community faces the urgent need to mitigate climate change and its impacts, green finance and sustainability initiatives are becoming increasingly important. By leveraging financial services, we can develop and implement innovative solutions that promote…
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Agricultural sector players ready for 2023-24 farming season
By Elvis Dumba Banket – Various businesses have partnered with the government in the success stories in the agriculture sector with climate-proof agricultural practices – The Pfumvudza/Intwasa geared to improve household food security. The Pfumvudza/Intwasa program has seen the country able to export maize for humanitarian purposes after tonnes of grain were donated to Malawi…
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Zimbabwe’s business sector responds to Malawi’s devastating Tropical Cyclone Freddy disaster
By Wallace Mawire Touched by the devastating Tropical Cyclone Freddy which ravaged Malawi and killed many nationals of the Southern African country, including maiming many, Zimbabwe’s business sector is joining the rest of the global well-wishers to offer help and support to the troubled communities of the country. According to authorities as of 21 March…
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Indigenous crops underutilised as climate change threatens food systems
Elizabeth Njoroge recounts her poverty-stricken upbringing in Ting’ang’a village in the Central part of Kenya, growing up on a diet heavy on Amaranth and pumpkin. The 45-year-old speaks about the shame of neighbours finding out the frequency with which her family consumed foods associated with poor and extremely food-insecure households. “Terere (Amaranth) grew just like weed.…
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Climate change: Reflection on African position on COP27, planning for COP28
A climate change expert has said COP 27 was unable to agree on the inclusion on the special needs and circumstances of Africa with the main challenge being that other developing nations are arguing on similarly being recognized for their special needs and priorities, mostly from Latin America. These were the sentiments of Dr. Mithika…
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Restoring The Water Cycle: Understanding The Basics And Taking Action
By John Wilson I am writing this on World Water Day, March 22nd. The UN’s tagline for the day is ‘Be the change. Every drop counts.’ This is very true. If we are going to return water cycles everywhere to what they used to be, then it will start with each one of us understanding…
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International Year of Millets: Nutritional and health benefits of millets
By Patrice Talla – FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa and FAO Representative in Zimbabwe, Eswatini and Lesotho This year we are celebrating the International Year of Millets. The year was endorsed by Members of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and its Governing Bodies and declared at the 75th Session…
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Climate change impacting biodiversity, threatening development of traditional medicine
Climate change is impacting biodiversity and threatening the development of traditional medicine, Dr. Mithika Mwenda, the Executive Director of the Pan-African Climate Justice Alliance has said. He was addressing a sitting of committees of the Pan-African Parliament at the precinct of the African Union’s lawmaking organ in Midrand South Africa that ran from the 6th…
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Pan African Parliament working on model law on sustainable soil management
The Pan African Parliament (PAP)’s Committee on Rural Economy, Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment yesterday held deliberations on contributions from stakeholders on coming up with a model law on soil management. Hon Didier Molisho Sadi led the deliberations at the PAP Precincts in Midrand, South Africa where the legislative body is holding its Permanent Committee…
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Zimbabwe, Germany cooperate on environmental management
Hon Mangaliso Ndlovu, the Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism, and Hospitality Industry yesterday met with the Secretary of State in the German Federal Ministry of Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety, and Consumer Protection, Mr. Stefan Tidow at his offices in Berlin as part of the engagement and re-engagement drive. The Minister was accompanied by the…
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Climate change a threat to animal health
By Aaron Charungwa Moyo Climate change has proved to be a hazard to animal health in Zimbabwe, Director of Veterinary Field Services, Dr. Jairus Machakwa has said. “Climate change is distorting the epidemiological picture of January disease as this disease used to be confined to high rainfall regions”, This sentiment is a testament to the…
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Researchers seek climate-resilient rice as part of USDA grant
Scientists at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s Rice Research and Extension Center seek to develop rice that is more resilient in the face of climate change and usable water depletion. Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station scientists Nick Bateman, associate professor and extension entomologist, and Stan De Guzman, assistant professor and rice breeder, have…
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AHAIC 2023: Driving agenda for equitable health access, addressing climate change
The biennial conference will convene African stakeholders in health, climate, and development to foster regional collaboration and create a unified position on climate action and health system resilience ahead of UNGA 78 and COP 28. When stakeholders in health, development, and climate convene in Kigali, Rwanda, for the fifth edition of The Africa Health Agenda…
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Land pollution reduction through sustainable waste management urged
By Elvis Dumba The Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism, and Hospitality Industry, Hon Nomangiliso Ndlovu has called for the reduction of land pollution through sustainable waste management strategies Minister Ndlovu made the remarks during a press briefing on the commemoration of Africa Environment Day in Harare. “As Africa, we stand united, in an endeavour to…
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UNDP Energy offer investor forum roars to life
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Energy offer investor forum has roared to life in Harare today with stakeholders from various stakeholders converging to discuss the important issue. In his keynote address, while officially opening the forum, Hon Zhemu Soda, the Minister of Energy and Power Development, said the event gives is a platform where…
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Enhance education to increase participation of women and girls in science
By Nhau Mangirazi Sometime in March last year, a climate change advocacy group set foot in the rural outskirts of Tongogara Refugee Camp in Chipinge within Manicaland province. The refugee camp is situated about 420 km southeast of the capital Harare and was established in 1984. All for Climate Action, an organization that promotes action…
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Zimbabwe taps into carbon credits
By Elvis Dumba Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Zimbabwe is completing the development of its national carbon credit framework which is expected to guide businesses, benefit communities and protect investors who wish to establish businesses in the country. Zimbabwe has vast opportunities for carbon trading in the energy sector through investments in solar, wind, mini-hydro, and…
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Government committed to implementing road safety: Minister Mhona
Zimbabwe is committed to cooperation under the United Nations System, and to the adoption of international good practices and standards on road safety, Hon Felix Mhona, the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Development has said. He made the remarks on the occasion of the Inland Transport Committee (ITC) Forum for Road Safety High-Level Event held…
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Cyclone Freddy: PTUZ urges evacuation of students in risky areas
The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) has taken note of the warnings issued by the Met Department and the Government’s Civil Protection Unit in relation to Cyclone Freddy, expected to hit the country today, and is warning authorities to evacuate students in risky areas. Although the cyclone has currently been downgraded to an overland…
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Cyclone Freddy: ZETDC cautions the public
As strong winds due to Severe Tropical Storm Freddy are anticipated in Chipinge and Chimanimani before spreading to Chiredzi, Bikita, Mwenezi as well as Beitbridge beginning this morning, the Zimbabwe Electricity and Distribution Company (ZETDC) is giving some precautionary measures to the public. Reports from the Meteorological Officer suggest that the weather will get progressively…
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Care International, partners implements USAID-funded programme to improve food security
By Wallace Mawire CARE International has launched its partnership with the Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resources Analysis Network (FANRPAN), in collaboration with its Zimbabwe Country Node Hosting Institution, the Agriculture Research Council (ARC), to implement activities under the Takunda program. Takunda seeks to promote sustainable, equitable, and resilient food, nutrition, and income security for the…
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Regional Conference proffers solutions to challenges on water availability, access
The regional conference bringing African leaders together in Zimbabwe for the first FAO regional workshop on National Water Roadmaps is meant to proffer solutions to the challenges of water availability and access. In his address read on his behalf by Dr. Anxious Masuku, the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, President Emmerson…
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Earthquake Disaster: TRNC Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu visits Türkiye
In response to the earthquake disaster, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC)’s Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu, who is in Ankara, came together with his Turkish counterpart Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu on 9 February 2023. Following the meeting, a joint press conference was held. Emphasizing that the devastation and suffering are above all considerations, Ertuğruloğlu said, “We are…
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Climate Change Central at Africa Health Agenda International Conference (AHAIC)
Political leaders, policymakers, civil society, health, and climate leaders convene in Kigali, Rwanda, to discuss health policies for Africa against a backdrop of global challenges, including climate change, food insecurity, conflict, and economic recession Stakeholders in health and development from all over the world will, from 5-8 March, assemble in Kigali, Rwanda, for the fifth…
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EMA upscales vehicle emission monitoring to champion a clean environment
By Elvis Dumba Chinhoyi – Threats emanating from global warming are affecting weather patterns across the globe as they are being exacerbated by environmental polluters. Modernisation and technology have also contributed to environmental damage through pollution with vehicles being among the most pollution drivers. In its quest to ensure that vehicles on the country’s roads…
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UN Environment Programme Senior Official Sonja Leighton to Visit Zimbabwe
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Acting Deputy Executive Director, and Director of Corporate Services Ms. Sonja Leighton-Kone will visit Zimbabwe from 06 to 11 February 2023. During her visit, Ms. Leighton-Kone will meet with His Excellency President E.D. Mnangagwa; and other senior Government officials including Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade; Minister of…
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Vehicles handover bridges mobility gaps in agriculture ministry
A handover of vehicles to the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development by the European Union (EU) under the Zimbabwe Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Services (ZAKIS) project will bridge mobility gaps in the sector. In his speech, read today by Chief Director for Irrigation for the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water…
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Climate Change and Food Sovereignty defining issues of our time
By Charles Dhewa That Climate Change and Food Sovereignty are defining issues of our time is no longer debatable. It follows wherever elections are done across the world, from local councilor to President, leaders should be voted on the basis of their plans to tackle climate change and food sovereignty. It is good that climate…
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African scientists trained in cutting-edge technology to adapt agriculture to climate change
Climate change is making it harder to grow enough nutritious food, but a unique programme is training African scientists in harnessing cutting-edge breeding tools to adapt agriculture to new threats. The African Plant Breeding Academy, a programme for top plant breeders to upgrade their skills in advanced crop breeding, is training 11 doctorate-level scientists from…
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CIFOR-ICRAF scientists caution not to abandon forest carbon offsets
Carbon offsetting is a popular strategy for individuals and companies looking to offset their carbon footprint and mitigate the effects of climate change. One way to do this is through planting forests or trees. While this approach has its benefits, it also has its drawbacks Forest carbon offsets and REDD+ can help reduce deforestation and…
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Africa Supports Sultan Al Jaber as the Right Leader for COP28 in Abu Dhabi
By NJ Ayukn (Executive Director, African Energy Chamber) The renewable energy company that Al Jaber leads, Masdar, is a model of the important role the petroleum industry can take in moving the world closer to widespread renewable energy usage The backlash in recent days about the selection of Sultan Al Jaber, chief executive of the…
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2023 Ashden Awards: prize seeks African organisations powering a fairer future
Entries are open for the 2023 Ashden Awards. The eight awards announced today will supercharge climate innovation creating a fairer future, particularly widening access to clean energy. The awards are seeking trailblazing, empowering initiatives in low-income countries and the UK. There are five awards open to African organisations, with one focused purely on solutions from the…
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Nescafé́ Plan 2030 to help drive regenerative agriculture
Nestlé has unveiled the Nescafé́ Plan 2030 to help drive regenerative agriculture, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve farmer livelihoods. Every year, Nescafé supports around 100,000 coffee farmers and buys more than 800,000 metric tons of green coffee – that’s more than 13 million bags from more than 20 countries. This carefully measured feat would…
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MultiChoice opens nominations for the prestigious Earthshot Prize
The Earthshot Prize, a global environmental prize to discover, accelerate, and scale ground-breaking solutions to repair and regenerate the planet, has begun its 2023 search for breakthrough solutions to solve the globe’s biggest environmental challenges. MultiChoice (www.MultiChoice.com), the official African broadcast partner and member of The Earthshot Prize Global Alliance, is issuing a call for…
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Mia Seppo’s immense contribution to UNDP Zimbabwe lauded
The outgoing United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Zimbabwe Resident Representative Ms Mia Seppo yesterday bade farewell to the Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Hon Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndhlovu in Harare. The Minister appreciated the support that the UNDP Zimbabwe country office gave during the time of Ms Mia Seppo on various national development…
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First Lady urges investment in waste recycling, environmental management
By Elvis Dumba Nyabira, Zvimba – The First Lady, Dr. Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa has called for investment in waste management to ensure a cleaner environment. The First Lady, who is the country’s patron for the environment, was in Nyabira for the monthly national clean-up day where she led a waste cleaning and tree planting exercise.…
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Youth farmer champions agro-ecology in her community
By Nomatter Mubhawu (29) My name is Nomatter Mubhawu. I am 29 years old and I’m from Chinyika village in Gutu district in Masvingo province. Farming is something I have always enjoyed from a tender age. When I completed my studies I stayed home to farm. I didn’t chase other dreams or leave my home…
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ZELA urges environmental stewardship in festive season message
By Mutuso Dhliwayo (ZELA Executive Director) 22 December 2022 Dear Partners, Stakeholders, and Donors RE: Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association Executive Director’s End-of-Year Message As 2022 comes to an end, we would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your support. The success of the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) is based…
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2022 Africa SDG Report: Most countries far from achieving targets
By Baboloki Semele It is no doubt, the coronavirus pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and climate change have all hampered Africa’s progress toward meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Reports indicate that with 2030 less than 8 years away, most African countries are struggling to meet the SDG targets, and without renewed efforts, nearly 492…
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COP15: Minister Ndhlovu urges action to stem biodiversity loss
The 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is currently underway in Montreal Quebec, Canada. This is an international meeting bringing together governments from around the world focusing on protecting nature and halting biodiversity loss around the world. The Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism, and Hospitality Industry Hon Nqobizitha…
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Study calls for urgent attention and increased investment in Africa’s biodiversity
The African Development Bank (www.AFDB.org) and the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF), have launched a regional report on the performance of African countries under the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 (https://bit.ly/3Wi56by). The report highlights the important role that multilateral development banks can play in meeting biodiversity targets by providing advisory services, capacity building, market research, and linkages with…
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Private Sector Financing central to achieving climate change mitigation and adaptation
Central to achieving climate change mitigation and adaptation is the issue of access to climate finance from the private sector, stakeholders at the Common Market for East and Southern Africa (COMESA) meeting reckon. The sentiments came to the fore today during the COMESA Regional Meeting on Private Sector Climate Finance Investment Mobilization in Harare today.…
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Sprout Women Empowerment Trust hosts successful seed fair
The Sprout Women Empowerment Trust (SWET) hosted a successful Food, Seed, and Cultural Fair with the support of the Fambidzanai Permaculture Centre on Monday. Caroline Mutimbanyoka, the Director of SWET told Spiked Online Media that the seed fair had many benefits for women who constitute the majority of the labour force in the agricultural sector.…
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COMESA promotes climate-smart agriculture best practices in the region
The Common Market for East and Southern Africa (COMESA) is implementing 5 Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) pilot projects in the Kingdom of Eswatini, Madagascar, Seychelles, Uganda, and Zimbabwe with funding from the European Union (EU) under the Intra-ACP (Organisation of Africa, Caribbean, and Pacific Group of States) and the Global Climate Change Alliance Plus (GCCA+)…