Harare, (New Ziana) – As the Southern African Development Community (SADC) implements the Regional Climate Resilience Program for Eastern and Southern Africa, Zimbabwe plans to launch a Drought Centre of Excellence (DCE) to enhance the management of water-related climate impacts.
The project proposes a platform for coordinated regional action against climate change challenge, for testing and expanding the use of standardized approaches on emerging good practices across countries and sectors, and for mobilizing co-financing for this agenda.
Addressing delegates at a National Civil Protection Committee meeting in Harare, Civil Protection Department (CPD) deputy director Meliqiniso Sibanda, said Zimbabwe’s DRE will be modelled on the SADC Centre of Excellence in Eswatini, which was launched in September 2025 to tackle climate change.
“The DCE will serve as a hub for research, policy support, and innovation, integrating science and technology with indigenous knowledge. It will be modelled on the SADC Centre of Excellence on drought resilience, which facilitates technical research, policy development, and knowledge exchange, helping Eswatini and its neighbouring countries transition from reactive crisis management to proactive resilience building.
“It also aims to ensure that decisions on drought planning are informed by the realities faced in the environment and communities, increasing disaster risk reduction knowledge through research and policy briefs. Here in Zimbabwe, we will ensure that our DCE focus core areas that include monitoring and early warning, policy and planning support, training and capacity development, and applied research,” she said.
Zimbabwe faces ongoing challenges, including recurrent droughts and food insecurity. These challenges are exacerbated by climate change and the need for sustainable and community-driven solutions.
“The establishment of the DCE will facilitate the development and implementation of innovative strategies to combat drought, such as rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, and climate-smart agriculture. Learning from best practice, the Centre will support the adoption of drought-resistant crops, drip irrigation, and conservation farming techniques that reduce water use while maintaining food security.
“Additionally, the centre would promote the use of digital tools and community-based early warning systems to predict drought impacts and prepare communities in advance, reducing loss and disruption. By providing farmers with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need, the DCE will empower local communities, especially women, to build resilient agricultural systems and ensure long-term food security,” Sibanda added.
The Department of Civil Protection will meet officials from the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development to map the way forward early next year.
New Ziana
