Climate change and economic crisis: A perfect storm in Victoria Falls

BY BRENDA NCUBE

As climate change takes its toll, communities in Victoria Falls are reeling from the devastating impacts of El Nino.

The phenomenon is ravaging livelihoods, leaving thousands facing dire shortages of food, water, and education.

For many families, one meal a day has become the new norm.

Metrina Msipha, a local resident, shared her heartbreaking story. “It’s difficult for me to put food on the table. Sometimes we drink mahewu or tea during the day if we have sugar and only eat sadza in the evening because that’s what I can afford.” The impacts extend beyond affected individuals, also crippling their dependents and relatives in rural areas.

Msipha struggles to support her loved ones. “I’m struggling to send groceries home like I used to because I also need to pay rentals, yet they are looking up to me back home.”

She receives daily calls from her relatives, sometimes shouting, thinking she doesn’t want to help.

Msipha’s struggles extend beyond food. “Our water was disconnected by the city council because we owe huge amounts of money that we don’t have and have no means of sourcing it. We are now relying on neighbors to get water.”

Msipha’s story is echoed by countless others.

“This year is difficult for me compared to other years. I’ve been running a small business to fend for my family, but ended up going broke because people buy on credit and fail to pay back,” she said.

The region’s most vulnerable communities are bearing the brunt of climate change, threatening their survival.

“I’m a widow with five children to fend for. One is still in school, and I owe US$195 in school fees, but I have no means of paying it,” Msipha said, her voice laced with desperation.

El Nino’s toll has exacerbated Zimbabwe’s already crippled economy, with skyrocketing basic commodity prices.

“Prices have gone up, and we still can’t afford basic food items even with the little money we get,” said Martha Moyo, another local resident.

Families are forced to make impossible decisions between school fees and food.

“We end up buying food because we can’t survive without eating,” Moyo said. However, this choice comes with consequences, as schools send debt collectors for unpaid fees.

Msipha and Moyo are hopeful after qualifying for the government’s social welfare aid program.

“We were given NetOne lines to register and wait; they said we might be given money or food hampers,” they said. Msipha urged the government to provide aid to all those struggling. “The government must aid everyone, not just choose, because no one is exempt from these challenges. We’re all suffering.”

According to Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube, 520 524 people in Matebeleland North province struggle to access basic nutrition.