The impact of climate change on families in Zimbabwe is undeniable. The recent El Nino induced drought and Cyclone Idai have shown how climate shocks can disrupt the lives and economic well-being of families across the country. The effects of these disasters go beyond just economic performance, as they deeply affect the very existence of families, leading to trauma, loss, and economic despair.

Being an agro-based economy where a large proportion of the population depends on smallholder agriculture for their livelihoods, climate disasters such as droughts hit hard on the productivity levels of family-based farming. This, in turn, has led to negative coping mechanisms such as child marriages and intergenerational, transactional relationships as families struggle to survive the impact of climate-induced poverty and hunger.

The impact of climate change on families in Zimbabwe can lead to a cycle of poverty and deprivation that spans generations, trapping families in a cycle of vulnerability. This not only affects the economic well-being of families but also impacts access to essential resources necessary for the growth and development of children.

Disaster relief efforts in Zimbabwe need to be family-centred and gender-sensitive, taking into account the unique needs of each family member. Mainstreaming gender and family considerations in disaster risk management is vital to ensure that interventions address the economic, psycho-social, health, and reintegration needs of families in a comprehensive manner.

Access to water is a fundamental need for family development, yet erratic rainfall patterns in Zimbabwe have affected the availability of safe water for households, impacting the health and well-being of families. Climate change is a major issue that families in Zimbabwe must adapt to, necessitating the development and strengthening of their capacities to adapt and mitigate the effects of climate change at the household level.

Overall, climate change poses significant challenges for families in Zimbabwe, requiring concerted efforts from government and stakeholders to address the impacts and support families in adapting to a changing climate. The resilience of families in the face of climate change will be key to building a sustainable and secure future for generations to come.