Zimbabwe can better withstand climate change by scaling up local solutions that empower women and youth while unlocking opportunities in agriculture, tourism, and value addition, Hon. Joseph Mapiki has said.
Speaking in Parliament, Hon. Joseph Mapiki, ZANU-PF Member of Parliament for Shamva South constituency, said climate action must translate into improved livelihoods, particularly for vulnerable groups already facing the effects of climate shocks.
Women at the Centre
He pointed to government programmes supporting women through climate-smart agriculture, including Pfumvudza and expanding market gardening in both rural and urban areas.
Zimbabwe, he said, should maximise its water resources by reviving underutilised irrigation schemes, drawing lessons from countries like Israel, where efficient systems such as drip irrigation are widely used.
Value Addition and Innovation
Hon. Mapiki called for increased investment in value addition, highlighting the potential of indigenous fruits such as baobab, masawu, and amarula.
He urged collaboration with university innovation hubs to turn these resources into market-ready products that can strengthen local economies.
Beyond Rain-Fed Agriculture
With rainfall becoming less reliable, he encouraged communities to diversify livelihoods, particularly through tourism around areas such as Hwange National Park and Gonarezhou National Park.
“We will not be focusing entirely on agriculture because there will not be much rainfall,” he said.
Climate-Smart Crops and Practices
Hon. Mapiki also advocated for wider adoption of small grains like rapoko, which are more resilient to drought, as well as planting multipurpose trees such as moringa.
He cautioned against water-intensive species like gum trees, which can deplete underground water reserves.
Blending Technology and Local Knowledge
While highlighting the role of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies such as drones, he stressed that Zimbabwe should also rely on its own knowledge systems, including traditional medicine and sustainable practices.
“We must not rush to import solutions… the knowledge we have here can assist us,” he said.
Hon. Mapiki’s remarks underscore a growing emphasis on practical, locally driven climate responses that combine innovation, indigenous resources, and community-led development.
