Climate change and water resources planning, development, and management in Zimbabwe

The Zimbabwe Water Forum provides a platform for Government and Development Partners to share international best practices in the water sector between Zimbabwe and other countries. The forum was formed through a partnership between the Ministry of Environment, Water and Climate, the Multi-Donor Trust Fund and the World Bank and is hosted by the World Bank’s Zimbabwe Country Office and the Urban WSS Thematic Group. This policy note summarizes the issues paper on Climate Change and Water Resources Planning, Development and Management prepared at the request of the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Climate of Zimbabwe. The issues paper was intended to help highlight the potential impacts of climate change on the hydrological cycle and to strengthen the water-related aspects of the National Climate Change Response Strategy (NCCRS). Climate change has already had an impact on water resources in Zimbabwe, and the effects are projected to become more severe over the next century. Overall, decreases in precipitation will lead to proportionate decreases in groundwater recharge, but this effect is likely to be different in the geologically different aquifers in Zimbabwe. The impacts of the reduced precipitation and increased temperatures expected under climate change on the economy of Zimbabwe could be severe, particularly in the agricultural and energy sectors. Adapting to climate change will require coordination between water managers at every level of government. This study illustrates the need for better scientific information if Zimbabwe is to develop a comprehensive strategy for climate change adaptation in the water sector. This includes:(i) better data on climate and water resources gathered through comprehensive monitoring programs; better understanding of groundwater resources and use; predictive models of surface and groundwater systems; (ii) accurate assessment of current and future uses of water; and (iii) a more comprehensive exercise to model the potential impact of climate change on water resources than was possible here. This study recommends the development of a comprehensive Climate Change Adaptation Strategy for the water sector based on better information and modeling in order to implement some of the adaptation opportunities identified in this report.