The effects of the changing climate pose a threat to agriculture and food security, particularly in many of the agriculture-based communities. The diocese’s program trains farmers in climate-smart agriculture and assists with seeds, land preparation and water management to enable households to grow a variety of nutritious food. In some areas, clusters of households organize themselves to grow vegetables on a rotating basis to ensure year-round food availability that can withstand future droughts. Extra produce is sold at local markets, providing a source of income. A community revolving-assets fund gives communities the opportunity to save money and fund small businesses. A pilot watershed development program is aimed at improving drought resilience.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Diocese of Matabeleland adapted its programming with physical distancing and other precautions to reduce the potential spread of the coronavirus. The diocese also instituted a messaging platform to distribute information to vulnerable farmers to improve emergency preparedness and response capacities.
