EXAMINING THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON RURAL LIVELIHOODS AND FOOD SECURITY: EVIDENCE FROM SANYATI DISTRICT IN MASHONALAND WEST, ZIMBABWE.

Abstract

Climate change is an unbearable reality because climate has changed, is changing and will continue to change. As of now, the global village is just beginning to understand the potential magnitude and severity of climate change impacts on food security, not just now but for future generations.  Some of the symptoms of climate change include global warming, loss of crops due to over extensive periods of drought, unpredictable rainfall patterns, melting glaciers, displaced populations seeking refuge after floods, or entire villages  devastated by the implacable force of cyclones and hurricanes. It is disheartening to note that the poorest, the most vulnerable countries of the world are the hardest hit. In Zimbabwe, just like any other sub-Saharan African country agriculture as the backbone of food security depends almost entirely on rainfall, a situation which may result in it being vulnerable to climate change. This study analyses the impact of climate change induced disasters on rural livelihoods with specific focus on food security, agricultural production and coping mechanisms in semi-arid areas of Zimbabwe. The methods used in this study include focus group discussions (FGDs), key informant interviews, household surveys and field observations. Furthermore, the paper also dwelt on issues that interrogate why climatic phenomenon may come to be regarded as a hazard and why some people become vulnerable. Examples are extracted from Sanyati district in Mashonaland West province, North-West Zimbabwe primarily because it is the region that is hard hit by unfavourable weather conditions.