degradation of our environment mainly through wanton cutting down of
trees, veld fires, pollution, siltation of rivers and disregard for wetlands.
New and old mines continue to pollute our air, water and soil as they fail to
fulfill legislation on the disposal of residues, fumes, chemicals, etc., posing a
health hazard for many. We are literally turning our beautiful country into a
desert. Contrary to our ancient traditions of maintaining a healthy
ecological balance, we have come to see ourselves as the lords and masters
of the earth, entitled to plunder her at will (Laudato Si no. 2). We inherited a
wholesome country from our forefathers, we have a similar obligation to
future generations.
3.3. Climate change has led to multidimensional problems with serious
social and economic implications. Zimbabwe for instance, has experienced
climate change through extreme weather conditions events such as
frequent droughts, erratic and too much rainfall. This has affected
agriculture production where more than half of the country's population
derive their livelihoods. Many fail to till their land, secure inputs and plant
on time. Persistent poverty, hunger and food insecurity have therefore
become common. We all need to make an effort to take care of nature and
climate by avoiding veld fires, cutting down of trees, water and air pollution.
“Human beings, while capable of the worst, are also capable of rising above
themselves, choosing again what is good, and making a new start” (Laudato
Si no. 205).
4. Well Written Policies
4.1. Zimbabwe has some of the best agriculture, and even economic policies
on the continent that seek to address poverty, hunger and climate change.
4.2. The Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation
(ZimASSET) provides that Food Security and Nutrition revolve around the
country's food producing and processing capabilities. It is the ultimate goal
of the ZimASSET in this regard to restore Zimbabwe's bread basket status
producing food enough to sustain not only the country but the whole region
of Southern Africa. The ZimASSET anticipated some of the goals of the newly
adopted global Sustainable Development Goals.
4.3. The Zero Hunger Challenge Strategy brings together different