Zimbabwe Drought: Innovative Solutions & Resilience
- In Zimbabwe, communities are increasingly turning to rainwater harvesting as a solution to combat severe drought conditions.
- Last year, Hwange National Park culled elephants to feed drought-stricken villagers.
- President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared a state of disaster due to drought last April.
Facing a deepening drought, Zimbabwe champions rainwater harvesting as a vital measure for survival. This proactive approach is bolstering food security and building community resilience against the harsh realities of climate change. Rainwater harvesting, embraced by communities like Mabale, offers a durable solution to water scarcity, fostering self-sufficiency through innovative techniques. President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared a state of disaster, underscoring the urgency in the face of El Niño’s impacts. From the construction of jar tanks to climate-smart agriculture initiatives,Zimbabwe is tackling water challenges head-on. Learn how communities, with support from organizations like the Soft Foot Alliance, are transforming their lives. For more valuable insights, News Directory 3 offers comprehensive coverage on these critical developments.Discover what’s next for Zimbabwe’s fight against drought.
Zimbabwe Turns to Rainwater Harvesting Amidst Worsening Drought
Updated june 08, 2025
In Zimbabwe, communities are increasingly turning to rainwater harvesting as a solution to combat severe drought conditions. The initiative aims to improve food security and build resilience against the impacts of climate change, which have become a harsh reality for many.
Last year, Hwange National Park culled elephants to feed drought-stricken villagers. Now, the Mabale community is focusing on long-term solutions, employing simple technologies like chicken wire, canvas, and cement to harvest rainwater.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared a state of disaster due to drought last April. climate experts warn that extreme weather events will likely intensify. Mattias Soderberg, global climate lead at DanChurchAid, emphasized Zimbabwe’s vulnerability, stating, “Zimbabwe is a country highly affected by climate change, and looking ahead, science tells us that the situation is highly likely to become worse.”
The drought of 2024, the worst in 40 years for southern Africa, decimated harvests and depleted water reserves.This is especially critical in a nation where 70% of the population depends on subsistence agriculture. El Niño, amplified by climate change, exacerbated the crisis.
Layiza Mudima, a mother from Mapholisa village, described the “severe water challenge” facing her community. Boreholes and waterholes around hwange dried up, impacting both wildlife and residents. Despite recent normal rainfall, the effects of the previous drought linger.
“Despite this year’s rains, we had to close one of our boreholes,” Ms. Mudima said, explaining how water table levels were still very low.
To address these challenges, communities are constructing rainwater tanks with support from the Soft Foot Alliance. Constance Ndaba, a resident of Masikili Village 2, said the system saves her from walking over a mile to fetch water. “for a family of seven, drinking water from the rainwater tank lasts us up to three months. I’m not sure when I last went to fetch water from a borehole.”
Austin Nkomo,a jar tank builder in Hwange,explained the construction process: “We use chicken wire,plain wire,four bags of cement,and 24 buckets of river sand,which is locally available. To build the jar tank takes four days, and it can collect up to five drums of water, which can last up to three months.”
Chipo mpofu-Zuze, manager for the Environmental Management Agency in Matabeleland North province, noted that deforestation, poor farming methods, and pollution also contribute to water scarcity.
Simba guzha, with Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) Zimbabwe, trains farmers in climate-smart agriculture. ”Most of the farmers who have been trained on infiltration pits, earth dams, and rooftop water harvesting systems are now using these systems even without any foreign support,” Guzha said.
What’s next
With continued support and community engagement, rainwater harvesting offers a promising path toward greater water security and resilience in the face of ongoing climate challenges in Zimbabwe.