1. Introduction
We, your Shepherds, have reflected on Zimbabwe's 2015/2016 food
security crisis caused by many factors including climate change, our
disregard for the environment and policy deficiency. In the light of the Word
of God and Christian Social Teaching, we provide some guidance, light and
hope in these difficult times.
2. Poverty, hunger and food insecurity
2.1. Approximately 1.5 million Zimbabweans (16% of rural households) may
not be able to meet their food needs during the 2015/2016 hunger season.
2.2. Most of the rural households are finding it difficult to purchase food at
the market, even if available.
2.3. The orphaned, elderly, unemployed, HIV infected and affected, female
and child headed households and other vulnerable groups are getting
poorer due to food scarcity.
3. Climate Change a reality
3.1. In June 2015, Pope Francis issued an Encyclical Letter entitled LAUDATO
SI': Praise Be to You, indicating that climate change is now a reality on which
all need to act from our various levels — whether individual, communal,
national, regional or global. Among some of the most important points
highlighted in the Encyclical are that: Climate change is real and is getting
worse; Human beings are a major contributor to climate change; Climate
change disproportionately affects the poor; We can and must make things
better; and Individuals can help, but politicians must take the lead.
3.2. Pope Francis writes that the environment, “our common home”, is in an
ecological crisis because of “the harm we have inflicted on her by our
irresponsible use and abuse of the goods with which God has endowed her”
(Laudato Si no. 2). The earth is burdened and laid waste, groans in travail
with sickness as evidenced in the soil, in the water, in the air and in all forms
of life. As Zimbabweans we should acknowledge our contribution to the