By Godwin Mandioma | Bulilima/Mberengwa– For years, drought has defined life in Zimbabwe’s southern drylands.
In Bulilima and Mberengwa districts, families have watched crops wither under scorching temperatures, livestock die as grazing lands disappeared, and water sources dry up. What was once an occasional hardship has become a recurring crisis driven by increasingly unpredictable rainfall patterns.
For Naome Saungweme, a mother from Bulilima, climate change has transformed daily life into a struggle for survival.
“Rainfall has become unreliable. We lose crops and livestock almost every year,” she said.
“I wake up before sunrise to search for water for my family. Sometimes we walk long distances because nearby water sources have dried up.”
Her experience reflects that of many households across the two districts, where agriculture remains the primary source of livelihood.
Baba Rejoice, another resident, said repeated droughts have left families increasingly vulnerable.
“Our crops fail, livestock die and food shortages continue to worsen. Many families now depend on buying grain from distant areas or food aid,” he said.
A US$5 Million Climate Adaptation Intervention
Against this backdrop, a US$5 million climate finance project was introduced to help communities adapt to worsening climate conditions.
The initiative aims to strengthen resilience in Bulilima and Mberengwa through climate-smart agriculture, water development, infrastructure improvements and livelihood support.
Project National Coordinator Tawanda Chinogwenya said the intervention was designed to help vulnerable households move from merely surviving drought to adapting to it.
“The project focuses on strengthening local capacity to withstand climate shocks while improving livelihoods and community infrastructure,” he said.
Rainfall Data Shows Persistent Drought Conditions
Historical rainfall data from the two districts illustrates the scale of the challenge.
Year Expected Rainfall (mm) Actual Rainfall (mm) Deficit (mm)
2021 450 310 -140
2022 460 295 -165
2023 455 340 -115
2024 470 300 -170
2025 465 355 -110
2026 480 320 -160
Source: Project rainfall assessments for Bulilima and Mberengwa districts.
The data shows persistent rainfall deficits of between 110mm and 170mm annually, confirming chronic drought conditions across both districts.
These recurring shortages have contributed to crop failures, livestock losses, water scarcity and rising food insecurity, creating the conditions that prompted the climate finance intervention.
How the US$5 Million is Being Allocated
According to project officials, the funding has been divided across several key areas:
• US$400,000 – Livelihood projects including nutrition gardens and livestock programmes.
• US$2 million – Climate mitigation initiatives such as irrigation schemes, borehole drilling and tree planting.
• US$400,000 – Maintenance of climate adaptation infrastructure over five years.
• US$200,000 – Direct livelihood support for vulnerable households.
• US$2 million – Infrastructure development, including roads, schools and community services.
The largest share of funding is directed toward infrastructure development and climate mitigation, while a smaller portion targets direct household support and livelihood activities.
While many residents have welcomed the programme, some community members say they were left out.
Owen Muringani, a farmer from the area, said he expected broader participation.
“We thought everyone affected by drought would benefit. Many farmers are struggling and were hoping to be included,” he said.
Project Allocation Officer Daiton Nhukarume said beneficiary selection focused on the most vulnerable households.
“We started with vulnerable families, particularly women, youths and children, because they are often the hardest hit by climate shocks,” he said.
According to project officials, the programme initially targeted households identified through community databases, with beneficiaries grouped into livelihood, agricultural and infrastructure-related projects.
Officials said women, youths and children’s groups were prioritised in project activities, while other community members may be included in future phases.
Early Signs of Impact
Although the project is still being implemented, some residents say they are beginning to see positive changes.
Community leader Amos Mutero said livelihood conditions have started to improve.
“We are beginning to witness some recovery in livestock numbers and improved crop production in some areas,” he said.
“People are no longer migrating at the rate we saw during previous drought periods.”
Project officials also point to climate-smart agriculture initiatives, nutrition gardens, irrigation development and village savings and lending schemes as early interventions intended to strengthen resilience.
However, comprehensive data on the number of households reached, infrastructure completed and long-term outcomes has not yet been publicly released.
Accountability Questions Remain
Despite optimism surrounding the project, concerns about transparency and distribution persist.
Some villagers questioned how funding decisions were made and whether resources were being distributed fairly.
“We are still waiting to see clear results from some of the infrastructure projects,” said one villager.
“There is concern that some beneficiaries may be receiving preferential treatment.”
These concerns remain allegations made by community members. At the time of reporting, project officials maintained that beneficiary selection followed established vulnerability criteria.
Independent analyst Joel Nyikadzino said climate adaptation programmes require both transparency and community participation to achieve lasting success.
“Climate adaptation is a collective effort. Communities, government and development partners must all play a role,” he said.
“Sustainability and accountability are critical if these interventions are to deliver long-term benefits.”
What Remains Unresolved
The US$5 million climate finance intervention is beginning to reshape livelihoods in Bulilima and Mberengwa. For many families, it offers hope in regions increasingly affected by drought and climate uncertainty.
However, important questions remain about transparency, beneficiary selection and long-term sustainability.
Without clearer accountability mechanisms and publicly available impact data, concerns will persist over whether climate adaptation funding is reaching those most at risk.
As drought continues to threaten Zimbabwe’s drylands, the ultimate measure of success will not be the amount of money spent, but whether vulnerable communities emerge more resilient than before.
