Chimanimani Community Resilience and Recovery Initiative
In 2019, Cyclone Idai caused widespread destruction in eastern Zimbabwe, particularly in Chimanimani and Chipinge district. Homes were destroyed, roads and bridges were washed away, crops and livestock were lost and many families were displaced. In response, local communities organized a community-based recovery initiative that reflected strong cultural values of unity, solidarity and collective responsibility.
The project was rooted in community values such as Ubuntu, where members worked together to rebuild homes for vulnerable elderly, widows and orphaned children. Traditional leaders, church representatives, women and youth participated in burring the dead together and decision-making for progress.
Communities established temporary shelters and schools also temporary community gardens for food production and repaired local footbridges to reconnect isolated villages. Local health workers and volunteers also provided psychosocial support to affected families
Community members identified high-risk households and mapped flood-prone and landslide areas. This helped prioritize assistance to those most in need. When conflicts arose over aid distribution and relocation, community leaders and chiefs facilitated dialogue and mediation, ensuring transparency and fairness.
Importantly, the project strengthened the community’s adaptive capacity. Training in disaster preparedness, early warning systems, climate-smart agriculture and environmental conservation helped reduce future risks.