From October 7 to 10, 2024, the African Climate Justice Collective (ACJC) convened over a hundred participants in Saly, Senegal, for the inaugural African People’s Counter COP (APCC). Themed “Africa United Against Systematic Oppression and Climate Injustice,” this event marked a pivotal moment for African voices, often marginalized in international climate discussions dominated by Global North states and corporations.
The COP process itself has increasingly become a question of legitimacy, where the voices of marginalized communities are systematically excluded from decision-making.
This exclusion leads to a disconnect between policy and the lived realities of those on the frontlines of climate change, making the need for grassroots movements more vital than ever.
The APCC highlighted the exclusion of African perspectives from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of Parties (UNFCCC COP).
Here, the interests of Global North nations often overshadow the voices of those most affected by climate change.
The APCC provided a platform to denounce this systemic exclusion, spotlighting the severe impacts of climate change on African communities through knowledge sharing and grassroots activism.
Participants shared poignant stories of climate-induced challenges, including droughts, floods, and coastal erosion, which have led to displacement, loss of lives, and attacks on activists defending their territories.
The APCC served as a vital space for these marginalized voices, contrasting sharply with the COP, where they are often disregarded.
Grassroots movements play a crucial role in the fight against climate injustice, serving as the backbone of advocacy and action within communities.
These movements are often led by local activists who possess an intimate understanding of the challenges their communities face.
They provide a platform for sharing knowledge, fostering resilience, and advocating for sustainable practices that prioritise the needs of the most vulnerable.
The APCC highlighted how grassroots organisations are not only essential for amplifying local voices but also for crafting solutions that are relevant and effective.
These movements bridge the gap between policy and practice, ensuring that the experiences and wisdom of those affected by climate change are central to the discourse.
As the COP continues to prioritise corporate interests and global politics, grassroots movements stand firm as a testament to the power of community-driven change.
Furthermore, these movements foster solidarity among diverse groups, from women and youth to indigenous peoples, creating a united front against the systemic injustices perpetuated by climate change.
They emphasise the importance of collective action and resilience. In Zimbabwe, the urgency of tracking nationally determined contributions is paramount as the country grapples with severe climate impacts, including prolonged droughts and erratic rainfall patterns.
These conditions directly affect agriculture, which is the backbone of Zimbabwe’s economy and the primary source of livelihood for many communities.
Smallholder farmers who make up a significant portion of the agricultural sector, are particularly vulnerable to these changes. For example, the 2019-2020 drought led to a 50% drop in maize production, exacerbating food insecurity and poverty across the nation.
Monitoring and updating our NDCs is essential to ensure that they reflect the realities on the ground and the needs of the most vulnerable populations.
Effective tracking can help Zimbabwe secure international climate finance while fostering accountability in implementing climate actions.
For instance, by aligning local initiatives with national commitments, Zimbabwe can better address the challenges posed by climate change and enhance community resilience.
Real change often begins at the community level, where local knowledge can lead to effective adaptation strategies. In Zimbabwe, several grassroots initiatives exemplify this principle:
1.Community seed banks: In areas like the Gokwe region, community seed banks have been established to preserve indigenous seeds and promote food sovereignty.
These seed banks not only safeguard biodiversity but also empower farmers to adapt to changing climatic conditions by selecting seeds that are better suited to local environments.
The success of these initiatives demonstrates how local actions can align with national agricultural policies aimed at improving food security.
2.Water harvesting techniques: In semi-arid regions, communities have adopted rainwater harvesting techniques to mitigate the impacts of erratic rainfall. These practices have been shown to increase crop yields and reduce dependence on unpredictable rainfall patterns, showcasing how local solutions can address broader climate challenges.
3.Agroecological practices: Many communities are turning to agroecological methods, which emphasize sustainable farming practices that work in harmony with nature. For example, farmers in the Masvingo Province have implemented crop rotation and intercropping techniques to improve soil health and resilience against pests and diseases. These practices not only enhance food security but also contribute to soil carbon sequestration, aligning with Zimbabwe’s NDC goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Community-based disaster risk management: Local communities have also mobilised to create disaster risk management plans that incorporate traditional knowledge and practices.
For instance, in the Nyanga district, community members have developed early warning systems for floods and droughts, enabling them to prepare and respond more effectively.
This proactive approach demonstrates how local engagement can lead to more resilient communities capable of navigating climate-related challenges.
For grassroots initiatives to be effective, inclusivity in decision-making is crucial. Engaging women, youth, and marginalized groups helps capture diverse perspectives and solutions.
Empowering women farmers, for instance, can provide invaluable traditional knowledge for adapting to climate change. By empowering these voices, Zimbabwe can create holistic strategies that benefit all community members.
In summary, Zimbabwe’s challenges in tracking its NDCs amidst severe climate impacts underline the necessity of community involvement in climate action.
By fostering local initiatives that address the specific needs of vulnerable populations, Zimbabwe can enhance its resilience to climate change while securing international support.
These community-driven solutions not only contribute to national climate goals but also exemplify the transformative potential of grassroots movements in the fight against climate injustice. As we move forward, recognising and amplifying these local efforts will be essential for creating a sustainable and equitable future for all Zimbabweans.
The African People’s Counter COP serves as a powerful reminder that the fight for climate justice is intricately linked to struggles against systemic oppression.
As the Global South, particularly Africa, we must advocate for equitable solutions to the climate crisis.
The APCC has laid out a roadmap that prioritises the voices and rights of those most affected, ensuring future climate dialogues are just and inclusive.
Together, we can dismantle the structures that perpetuate injustice and pave the way for a sustainable future for all.
