The Climate Migration Nexus in Lupane, Zimbabwe: Adapting to Change or Fleeing a Crisis?

This study explores the impact of climate change on migration decisions in Ward 19 of Lupane District, Zimbabwe, using qualitative methods, such as key informant interviews, focus groups, and in-depth discussions. Findings indicate that increasing climate variability, especially prolonged droughts, erratic rainfall, and declining water resources, has severely disrupted agriculture, prompting households to adopt migration, both internal and cross-border, as a coping mechanism. Although migration can provide temporary relief through remittances and livelihood diversification, it also often creates new challenges. These include family separation, reduced rural labour, and heightened strain on infrastructure. Women are particularly affected as they take on expanded roles in managing farms and households in the absence of migrating men, often without adequate resources or institutional support. The study concludes that while migration can enhance resilience for some households, it also deepens existing vulnerabilities, especially among poorer households. Addressing climate-induced migration effectively requires integrated multidimensional strategies. Key policy recommendations include investing in community-based adaptation, adopting gender-sensitive interventions, and formally recognizing migration as a legitimate climate adaptation strategy. Embedding these approaches into local and national policy frameworks is crucial for building resilience and minimizing the adverse effects of climate-driven displacement.