Zimbabwe has been urged to move away from a fragmented approach to climate change and adopt a more coordinated, locally driven framework that reflects realities on the ground.
Honourable Sam Matema, who is the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Environment, Climate, and Wildlife, raised concern that the current climate efforts are too “scattered and fragmented,” warning that this weakens the country’s ability to respond effectively to growing climate shocks.
Honourable Matema’s remarks come as Parliament is in the process of considering the Climate Change Management Bill, which is expected among other things to guide mitigation and adaptation efforts across various sectors of the economy.
Call for a Domesticated Framework
The Buhera Central legislator (Honourable Matema) emphasized the need for a “homemade” climate framework, one that is tailored to Zimbabwe’s specific environmental, social, and economic conditions.
Such an approach, he said, should ensure inclusivity and coordination across all sectors, given that climate change cuts across every aspect of society.
“We need to take everyone on board, leaving no one and no place behind,” he said, underscoring the need for a unified national response.
Blending Technology with Indigenous Knowledge
A central theme in his submission was the importance of combining modern science with indigenous knowledge systems.
Honourable Matema highlighted the role of artificial intelligence in predicting future climate risks and shaping adaptation strategies. At the same time, he stressed that traditional knowledge, what he termed “village science” has long played a critical role in preserving ecosystems such as wetlands and forests.
“Once upon a time, our very key and sensitive ecosystems were preserved on account of village wisdom,” he noted, calling for greater involvement of traditional leaders in environmental stewardship.
Climate Change as Both Threat and Opportunity
While climate change continues to pose serious risks, particularly to food security and resilience, Honourable Matema urged policymakers to also recognise emerging opportunities, pointing to the carbon market as one area Zimbabwe could leverage to support sustainable development and economic growth.
The challenge, he said, is to balance these risks and opportunities in a way that benefits the country as it advances its development goals.
Honourable Matema also connected climate policy to Zimbabwe’s broader development agenda, particularly the transition from National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) to NDS2.
He highlighted the importance of environmental management, resilience, and food security, warning that climate change threatens progress in all three areas.
The legislator called for stronger national ownership of climate action, urging stakeholders to focus inward and develop solutions that are practical, inclusive, and sustainable.
His remarks reinforce the growing call for Zimbabwe to prioritise coordinated, locally grounded climate strategies that bring together technology, policy, and indigenous knowledge in the face of an escalating climate crisis.
