CLIMATE CHANGE

CLIMATE CHANGE

Hope for a Child in Christ (HOCIC) is at the forefront of climate change adaptation efforts in Zimbabwe, working tirelessly to ensure that the best interests of children are protected in the face of a changing climate. Through its partnerships with Swedish International Development Agency, Irish Aid, OXFAM, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and other organizations, HOCIC has implemented comprehensive interventions in Bulilima District, Matobo, Bulawayo Metropolitan, Umguza, and Umzingwane Districts.

One of our key achievements within the 2020-2025 strategic plan is reaching over 10,000 households with climate change adaptation strategies. These interventions have empowered communities to build resilience and mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change on children’s lives. By addressing issues such as food insecurity, fragmented disaster response mechanism, climate change knowledge gaps, limited Climate Smart Agriculture technologies, inept sustainable natural resource management strategies, water scarcity, and natural disasters, we are ensuring that children have access to essential resources and services.

Among our current flagship interventions is the Climate Adaptation for Rural Livelihood in Zimbabwe-CARL 2 project, funded by SIDA and OXFAM. To date, the 36-month project has directly benefited 4,473 households in Bulilima District, Matabeleland South, providing them with the context specific tools and knowledge to adapt to changing climatic conditions. HOCIC has promoted the adoption of smallsmall livestock with improved genetics, improved varieties of small grain seeds through Farmer Field Schools and micro irrigations, provided water and food production infrastructure, trained over 2000 women and youth in livelihood diversification skills.

In Matobo District, HOCIC’s 60 months Building Resilient and Inclusive Communities in Zimbabwe project employs a triple nexus approach, focusing on Disaster Response, Gender Justice, and Humanitarian response at both sub-national and village levels. This approach ensures that more than 2000 households are reached with climate adaptation efforts that are inclusive and address the specific needs of vulnerable groups, particularly women, youth and children.

In Bulawayo, the Urban Climate Change Resilience and Livelihoods Project is equipping government institutions and farmer groups with the capacity to build urban resilience. This initiative is crucial in addressing the unique challenges faced by more than 4000 urban households in the context of climate change. The project has been instrumental in establishing WASH and agriculture infrastructure, provision of climate adaptive livestock to enhance farmer groups’ income, capacity building of farmer groups with green skills, market and micro finance linkages. Strategically, the project is establishing Climate Change Clubs in Schools and communities. Climate Change Clubs have been formed in communities and school to avert the potential impacts of climate change through increasing knowledge levels and addressing the conduct of humanity towards the environment. The intended outcome is increased knowledge levels and enhanced resilience to climate change related shocks and impacts at urban household and community level.

Our current work and its compliment of Sustainable Development Goals

We have made significant strides in complementing the Government of Zimbabwe’s efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
SDG 1: No Poverty: Our current work in Bulilima, Matobo, Bulawayo, Umguza and Umzingwane has focused on improving livelihoods and reducing poverty among urban and rural communities. By providing access to training, resources, and market opportunities, the interventions have empowered individuals and households to increase their income and improve their living standards.

SDG 2: Zero Hunger: Our Current work has supported rural and urban agriculture initiatives, such as community gardens, to enhance food security and reduce hunger. By providing training on sustainable farming practices and access to inputs, the interventions have enabled rural and urban households to grow their own food and supplement their diets.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: Our work promotes sustainable urban development by focusing on climate resilience, disaster risk reduction, and inclusive urban planning.

SDG 13: Climate Action: Our vast work has directly addressed climate change by implementing adaptation measures and promoting sustainable practices.