The Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG) Director, Farai Maguwu, has warned that climate change is stripping away the dignity of vulnerable communities across Zimbabwe, calling for stronger climate-resilient policies, infrastructure, and budgeting from government.
Speaking during a climate dialogue, Maguwu said the impacts of climate change were being felt most severely by poor and rural communities, whose livelihoods and security depend heavily on fragile ecosystems.
“Climate change takes away the dignity of communities,” he said. “We are pushing for climate-resilient communities, not aid-dependent ones. We want policies that help people stay on their feet.”
Maguwu also called for a climate-resilient national budget, saying fiscal planning must reflect the growing threat of climate change.
“We are demanding a climate-resilient budget. The way we allocate our resources must reflect that we are facing a serious climate threat,” he added. “We participate in budget meetings to ensure that climate issues are prioritized.”
The CNRG Director emphasized that true community empowerment lies in resilience and sustainability rather than dependence on humanitarian aid, urging policymakers to adopt long-term solutions that restore both dignity and stability to affected populations.
The Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable management of Zimbabwe’s natural resources. Founded in 2013, CNRG has been a vocal advocate for environmental justice, focusing on the impacts of climate change, mining, and land use on vulnerable communities. The organization regularly engages with policymakers and hosts dialogues to address systemic challenges, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change and support resilient development.
