Climate Change Impacts on Agriculture and Livelihoods in South East Lowveld, Zimbabwe. Chiredzi District
The undoubted impacts of climate change reveal in Chiredzi District in the South East Lowveld, Zimbabwe. Due to the low altitude, the area ordinarily has a higher temperature and is regarded dry. However with the advent impact of climate change the area has begun to experience higher temperatures even reaching 44degrees celcius, which have never been recorded before, occurrence of erratic rainfall patterns associated with sudden down pours leading to flooding, destruction of crops, livestock and infrastructure, prolonged dry spells leading to crop and livestock failures and some years experience rainfall below 100mm/year. This ultimately leads to total crop failure and death to livestock on a larger scale, increased human and wildlife conflict. However in periods like these those with access to irrigation water rely on production of irrigated crops. However the majority and most vulnerable populations have no access. If coherent planning and organisation is implemented there is great potential for adaptation and resilience to climate change in this area.