International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR) ISSN (Online): 2319-7064 Index Copernicus Value (2013): 6.14 | Impact Factor (2014): 5.611 Volume 5 Issue 1, January 2016 www.ijsr.net Licensed Under Creative Commons Attribution CC BY Climate Change Adaptation in Zimbabwe‟s Agricultural Sector W. Muzari 1 , G. B. Nyamushamba 2 , G. Soropa 1 1, 3 Chinhoyi University of Technology, P. Bag 7724, Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe 2 Women‟s University in Africa, P.O. Box MP 1222 Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe Abstract: The aim of this paper is to discuss, with evidence from literature, the options, potential and constraints to climate change adaptation in Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector. The desk research was conducted in Zimbabwe, and took place in July 2014. A multi- pronged approach was adopted to identify relevant literature. A web- and e-mail based search for documentation and a desktop review of printed literature was used to enable analysis of secondary data on adaptation to climate change in the agricultural sector in Zimbabwe. Sources consulted included government and international reports, state and non-state agency development and climate change response plans, public research organizations’ reports, and academic and scientific literature. Zimbabwe is particularly susceptible to climate change because the livelihoods of the majority of its residents are dependent on rain-fed agriculture. Household level vulnerability in Zimbabwe is influenced by conflict and insecurity, inequitable land distribution, low education, poor infrastructure, gender inequality, dependence on climate-sensitive resources, poor health status, and HIV/AIDS. The ability of individuals, households and communities to adapt is shaped by their access to and control over natural, human, social, physical and financial resources. Agro-ecological approaches that build resilience to climate change include complex systems, use of local genetic diversity, soil organic matter enhancement, multiple cropping or polyculture systems, and agro-forestry systems and mulching. There is no comprehensive, specific national policy and legislative framework for climate change adaptation. Instead, legislative and programmatic adaptation responses are found in a plethora of development policies, strategies and action plans of various government sectors. The fact that adaptation strategies are inherent in the existing gamut of policy documents, but without much coordination, means a fragmented adaptation response is likely. Some of the current policies and programmes in Zimbabwe actually constrain climate change adaptation. There is a need to harmonize uncoordinated and fragmented pieces of legislation and strategies aimed at enabling and enhancing an adaptive response to climate change. Keywords: climate change, adaptation, agriculture, drought, floods, livelihoods 1. Introduction Increasing temperatures and variations in rainfall patterns over time, coupled with frequent mid season droughts and occasional cyclones, are clear evidence that the climate is changing in Zimbabwe [1]. Smallholder farming is the chief source of livelihood in the rural sector, but the rain-fed agriculture is highly vulnerable to the vagaries of climate change. Responding to climate change through mitigation will take time and therefore adaptation becomes critical particularly where the ability to adapt is low [1]. Negative impacts of climate change can be reduced through adaptation, which requires involvement of the local community. Climate change adaptation is an adjustment in natural and human systems in response to actual or expected climatic stimuli or their effects, which moderates harmful effects or exploits beneficial opportunities [2]. Adaptation can prevent future risks, it can reduce present adverse effects and it can refer to individual or collective action [3]. Adaptation implies capacity building (including skills, technologies, building stronger institutions and promoting social equity) and strengthening livelihoods for poverty reduction [4]. Climate change adaptation needs to take account of uncertainty by ensuring that livelihoods (and therefore also ecosystems) maintain and enhance the ability to ride out or respond to unexpected events. Addressing the risks and vulnerabilities of the poor who live in insecure places and need to build their resilience to cope with climatic fluctuations are among the most important challenges in adapting to increasing climate variability and climate change [5]. Zimbabwe is particularly susceptible to climate change because the livelihoods of the majority of Zimbabweans are dependent on rain-fed agriculture. In addition, the heavily agro-based economy makes the major sectors of the economy highly sensitive to climate change [6]. The United Nations Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) recognizes the need to adapt to climate change and to assist those countries least able to adapt [6]. Zimbabwe‟s climate is mostly semi-arid. The country lies in a region with limited and unreliable rainfall patterns, and has a national mean rainfall of 655 mm. Mean annual rainfall ranges from 300 mm in the low-lying Limpopo Valley in the South to over 3 000 mm per annum in some high mountain areas to the east. The rainy season extends from November to March with a peak in January, during which time rainfall exceeds 100 mm over most of the country. The rainfall regime is predominantly free convectional associated with the Inter- Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). Inter-annual variability in rainfall is relatively high, ranging from 16% on the northern plateau to 48% in the Limpopo River Valley [7] On average, one to three droughts occur every ten years [6]. The mean annual temperature varies from 18 o C in the Highveld to 23 o C in the lowveld. By the end of the twentieth century, Zimbabwe was a warmer and drier country than it was at the beginning. Annual mean temperatures had increased by about 0.4 o C since 1900, and rainfall had declined by nearly 5 % across Paper ID: 23011602 1762