The unseen toll of climate change in Zimbabwe: Gender, displacement, and conflict

By Mandlenkosi Maphosa; Grascious Maviza; Thea Synnestvedt; Giulia Caroli; Joram Tarusarira & Siyaxola Gadu

In the remote villages of Zimbabwe, where the earth is parched, and the horizon seems endless, the unrelenting grip of climate change is not just altering the landscape—it’s uprooting lives, deepening gender divides, and fuelling conflict.

Imagine a mother of seven, forced to abandon her barren farm and venture into dangerous, male-dominated mining camps, where the price of survival is high. This is not a distant crisis; it’s a daily reality for countless Zimbabweans. Women and children bear the brunt, but men, too, are caught in the storm as climate change exacerbates vulnerabilities and triggers a cascade of displacement and violence. This is a story of a nation on its knees, where climate change is not just a threat but a merciless executioner of dreams. This narrative unfolds through the voices of diverse stakeholders in Zimbabwe who gathered at the Monomotapa Hotel in Harare, where a workshop themed “Towards a Common Vision of Climate, Peace, Security and Migration in Zimbabwe” took place. From day one, it was strikingly evident: the impacts of climate change are profoundly gendered.

The gendered face of climate change

Climate change is a universal threat in Zimbabwe, yet its repercussions are gender-specific. Both women and men are adversely affected, but in ways that magnify pre-existing inequalities. Women and girls bear the brunt of climate-induced hardships due to entrenched societal roles and limited access to resources. As droughts and floods devastate crops and livestock, and undermine agricultural production, many women and men are forced to seek alternative livelihoods. This often leads them to perilous environments, such as artisanal mining sectors, where women face exploitation and abuse, and men face violence. For women, their displacement from rural to urban areas or mining camps strips them of community support structures, leaving them vulnerable to gender-based violence and economic exploitation.

Peeking through the gendered lives in the countryside

In rural Zimbabwe, women are primarily responsible for agricultural production, fetching water, and gathering firewood. These roles place women and girls at a frontline in response to impacts of climate change, and the tasks associated with these roles become significantly harder during periods of drought or floods. The daily trek for water becomes longer and more dangerous, and the burden of food insecurity falls heavily on their shoulders. When crops fail, the family’s food supply diminishes, and women must find alternative ways to feed their families. This often means taking on more laborious and less secure work or irregular migration to neighbouring countries, which can lead to health issues and increased exposure to violence.

Men also face significant challenges as a result of climate change. In rural Zimbabwe, men are often seen as the primary breadwinners, responsible for providing for their families through farming or livestock rearing. When crops fail or livestock perish due to extreme weather events, the pressure on men to support their families increases. This can lead to mental health issues, including stress and depression, and in some cases, result in substance abuse. The loss of traditional livelihoods can also drive men to migrate to urban areas or neighbouring countries in search of work, which disrupts family structures and community cohesion.

From the frying pan to the fire: Rural Flight, Urban Agony

Urban immigration, driven by the search for better opportunities, exposes women to new forms of exploitation. In cities, informal settlements swell with climate migrants, and the lack of adequate housing, sanitation, and security exacerbates their vulnerability. Many women find work as domestic workers or in the informal sector, often without legal protections, making them susceptible to abuse and exploitation. The absence of social safety nets and supportive community structures in urban settings leaves these women isolated and more prone to gender-based violence. Those who fail to get these ‘decent’ options of work fall into prostitution driven by the need to provide for themselves and their families.

The compounded effects of climate change and socio-economic factors have led to a significant increase in both voluntary and forced displacements. Cyclones like Idai and Kenneth have left thousands internally displaced and struggling with inadequate access to basic needs such as food, water, and shelter. These displacements not only disrupt lives but also strain the already scarce resources in host communities, leading to heightened competition and social tensions.

Internal Displacement Camps

In displacement camps, conditions are often dire. Overcrowding, poor sanitation, and inadequate access to healthcare are common issues. Both men and women in these camps are at heightened risk of violence. For men, the loss of traditional roles and the inability to provide for their families can lead to feelings of helplessness and frustration, sometimes resulting in domestic violence. For women and girls, the lack of privacy and security makes it difficult to maintain safety, increasing their risk of sexual and gender-based violence. Additionally, the disruption of children’s education in these settings can have long-term impacts on their development and future opportunities.

Conflict over Scarce Resources

As the climate crisis intensifies, so does the competition for dwindling resources. Water, arable land, and food become precious commodities, igniting conflicts between and among communities. The influx of displaced individuals often leads to clashes over these essential but scarce resources, exacerbating social tensions and sometimes resulting in violence. In regions like Matabeleland, resource scarcity has led to heightened tensions between local communities and seasonal migrants over the exploitation of amacimbi (Mopani worm), a local delicacy. In urban areas, the arrival of displaced populations adds pressure to already overburdened social services and infrastructure, decreasing socio-economic conditions and social cohesions.    

Therefore, struggles over scarce resources such as water and arable land due to climate change can ignite and exacerbate conflicts in Zimbabwe. In regions where livelihoods are closely tied to the environment, climate change compounds and intensifies existing disputes and creating new flashpoints. The competition over diminishing resources can lead to inter-community violence and strain already fragile peace and security dynamics with notable gendered effects.

Building Resilience

Addressing the complex challenges posed by climate change in Zimbabwe requires a comprehensive and multi-sectoral approach. Empowering women is essential to building resilience at the community level as women are largely at the forefront of food, land and water management. This includes providing women with access to land, credit, and agricultural training, as well as strengthening their role in decision-making processes.

Investing in early warning systems, disaster preparedness, and social protection programmes can help to mitigate the impacts of climate-related shocks and protect vulnerable populations. Diversifying livelihoods and promoting sustainable agriculture can also enhance resilience to climate variability.

The climate crisis in Zimbabwe is a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic factors. By recognising the gendered dimensions of this crisis and taking targeted actions, we can work towards a more just and sustainable future for all.