Locally led Indigenous Nature-based Solutions for Climate Change Adaptation in Zimbabwe (LINCZ) by Mennonite Central Committee

The LINCZ project will help vulnerable people adapt to climate change and improve biodiversity in semi-arid and dry tropical forests, wetlands, and agro-ecosystems in three districts of Zimbabwe – Binga, Gwanda and Mwenezi. All three districts are highly impacted by climate change due to increased frequency of drought and unpredictable weather patterns. Lack of rainfall reduces crop yields threatening food security and rural livelihoods. Biodiversity and ecosystem loss due to climate change and unsustainable use of natural resources impacts the ability of communities (especially women and girls) to access clean water, firewood for cooking, and other essential resources.

The overall objective of the LINCZ project is to improve climate change adaptation while also enhancing biodiversity in target ecosystems (forest, agricultural, and freshwater wetlands).

The LINCZ project aims to address climate change impacts in highly affected communities by:

1. Increasing adoption of gender-responsive nature-based solutions that integrate Indigenous knowledge systems through community engagement in policy development, knowledge mobilization, and implementation of conservation agriculture, environmental restoration and other nature-based solutions.
2. Enhancing climate resilient livelihoods and gender equality through increased access and skills – particularly for women – in sustainable agricultural production, non-timber forest products, and sustainable value chains and market linkages.

Project activities include:

• A Learning and Research Hub, established in collaboration with Canadian Mennonite University and other technical partners to provide a platform to engage academic and international development communities and share project learnings. Researchers from technical partners will engage in field research to investigate and produce knowledge on the project’s objectives and promote the emergence of supporting policy, governance and knowledge networks in Zimbabwe and Canada;
• Nature-based solutions such as reforestation, wetland rehabilitation, contouring, gully rehabilitation and other soil erosion control measures, and promotion of conservation agriculture and related practices;
• Promotion and training in alternative livelihoods based on sustainable use of biodiversity including harvesting of non-timber forest products and apiculture, along with value-addition and agricultural marketing;
• Increasing gender equality through community dialogues, promotion of livelihood opportunities for women, and addressing key practical needs for improved access to water and energy saving or alternative energy technologies.