By Zachary Gava
Harare, September 21, 2026 (New Ziana) – Zimbabwean research on climate change adaptation and the use of indigenous knowledge to strengthen the resilience of rural communities recently came under the spotlight at a regional research forum convened by the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).
The research was presented during the 12th COMESA Annual Research Forum held virtually from September 16 to 18 under the theme: “Accelerating Regional Integration Through Value Chain Development in Agriculture, Mining, Tourism and Climate Change Adaptation.”
Two of the research papers presented at the three-day forum focused specifically on Zimbabwe, including a study on a climate change adaptation and resilience framework through gender and social integration, and another examining how indigenous knowledge systems can improve climate change adaptation in rural communities in Matabeleland South.
Information from the COMESA website said the Zimbabwe-focused research comes as climate variability continues to pose challenges to agricultural production and rural livelihoods, highlighting the importance of strengthening locally driven approaches to resilience and ensuring communities are incorporated into climate adaptation strategies.
Speaking during the virtual meeting, COMESA Director of Trade and Customs, Dr. Christopher Onyango said the forum provided an opportunity for experts to collectively address challenges affecting the region.
He urged participants to use the platform for collective problem-solving on the crucial issues affecting the region.
The forum brought together policymakers, researchers, private sector representatives and development partners to exchange knowledge and explore evidence-based approaches to sustainable development and deeper regional integration.
Representing the COMESA Secretariat, Director of Industry and Agriculture, Providence Mavubi said climate resilience needed to be incorporated into development planning, with particular attention being paid to groups and communities that are often central to local adaptation efforts.
“As climate change poses risks to our long-term viability, it is critical that our strategy embraces resilience at every level,” Mavubi said.
She stressed the importance of involving women, young people and indigenous communities in the formulation and implementation of development strategies.
“Effective solutions demand the inclusion of women, youth and indigenous communities in planning and decision-making processes,” she said.
The emphasis on indigenous communities is particularly relevant to Zimbabwe, where rural communities have long relied on locally developed knowledge and practices to respond to changing environmental conditions.
The forum also considered the wider implications of climate change for agriculture across the COMESA region.
Mavubi noted that agriculture remained the backbone of regional economies, but was increasingly exposed to climate-related risks, making the strengthening of value chains and adoption of climate-smart practices essential for food security, employment and competitiveness.
The forum also examined opportunities presented by the region’s strategic mineral resources, including copper, cobalt and lithium, with participants stressing the importance of value addition, sustainable practices, harmonized legal frameworks and stronger public-private partnerships.
For Zimbabwe, the discussions are significant given the country’s simultaneous exposure to climate-related agricultural challenges and its growing focus on agricultural value chains and mineral beneficiation.
COMESA said the forum was intended to provide a platform for researchers to present findings and for stakeholders to develop evidence-based solutions capable of supporting sustainable growth and deeper regional integration.
The organization’s emphasis on the inclusion of women, youth and indigenous communities also places local knowledge and participation at the centre of efforts to build climate-resilient economies across the region.
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