Disability Inclusive Climate Change Adaptation Programs as a key value to Sustainable Development in Zimbabwe: An Analysis of Selected Cities in Zimbabwe

Abstract

Climate change significantly threatens the livelihoods of vulnerable communities worldwide, and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) often experience impacts that more disproportionate. As global warming intensifies, many countries experience prolonged periods of water scarcity with devastating effects on agriculture, ecosystems and human settlements. Zimbabwe is contending aggravating effects of climate change including increased frequency and severity of droughts, floods and extreme food insecurity. Such challenges aggravate existing susceptibilities especially for PWDs who face various encumbrances in participating fully in social and economic development. PWDs are frequently marginalised from climate change adaptation planning, budgeting and practices. This paper used the empowerment theory by Julian Rappaport (1993) to explore the intersection of disability and climate change adaptation in Zimbabwe, advocating for disability-inclusive strategies that include making use of interpreters and linguists in spreading information, involving PWDs in policy development. With document reviews, interviews and observations, the paper sought views from the PWDs and other key stakeholders on how PWDs are affected by climate change and how they can be included in climate adaptation programs. PWDs from Harare and Bulawayo were interviewed through their Organisations of Persons with Disabilities and selected institutions that teach students with disabilities. Ten PWDs were interviewed, five from Harare and five from Bulawayo. The findings of the study show that exclusion still exists and PWDs continue to be more vulnerable and excluded from major climate change adaptation and sustainable development initiatives. The study gives recommendations to include disability-friendly early warning systems, inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction planning, inclusive infrastructure, disability-friendly policy frameworks and disability friendly environmental clubs can help to foster inclusive climate-resilient sustainable development. It concludes by presenting possible solutions which can be used to achieve this.