The Zimbabwe Parents for Handicapped Children Association (ZPHCA) Grassroots Women, who are mothers of children with disabilities, have united in a collective effort to address climate change through resilience-building initiatives. These dedicated women have embraced this journey as a way to not only safeguard their communities against the effects of climate change but also to create sustainable livelihoods for themselves and their families.
Through ZPHCA, these grassroots women have made significant strides by initiating various innovative livelihoods projects aimed at fostering both food and income security. Some of the key projects they have spearheaded include kitchen gardening, group gardening, poultry production, peanut butter making, and waste management. These efforts are not just individual pursuits but community-based activities that are transforming the lives of many families. The successful implementation of these projects is enabling the women to achieve food security, ensuring that their families have consistent access to nutritious food. Additionally, they are generating income, improving their economic standing, and enhancing overall well-being at both family and community levels.
The resilience-building efforts of these grassroots women have not gone unnoticed. Agricultural Extension Officers have stepped in to support their projects by providing training on market gardening and small livestock production. This technical assistance has equipped the women with the skills necessary to manage their projects more effectively and increase their yields. Furthermore, traditional leaders have also played a crucial role in the success of these initiatives. They have helped by allocating essential resources such as land and water, which are vital for the women’s agricultural projects. The support from these leaders ensures that the women have access to the tools and resources they need to combat the challenges posed by climate change, such as hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and economic exploitation.
Through their collective efforts and the support from agricultural experts and traditional leaders, the ZPHCA Grassroots Women are not only building resilience against climate change but also empowering themselves and their communities. Their projects are a testament to the power of unity, innovation, and local resourcefulness in overcoming adversity and creating sustainable, thriving communities.