Climate Change Awareness in Rural Zimbabwe: Insights from a Vulnerable Community

Climate change is a global reality, yet awareness in Africa, particularly Zimbabwe, remains critically low, hindering effective mitigation and adaptation. This study assessed climate change awareness among 200 purposively selected rural residents in Ward 33, Buhera South District, Zimbabwe, examining awareness levels and their influencing factors. Employing a mixed-method approach integrating both qualitative and quantitative techniques, a survey explored residents' knowledge of climate change causes, impacts, mitigation strategies, and perceptions. A Climate Change Awareness Index (CCAI) was constructed to quantify understanding. Results revealed a significantly low average CCAI score, indicating knowledge gaps despite some demonstrated awareness. Statistical analysis demonstrated that demographic characteristics, (age, gender, and education level) significantly influenced awareness, with older, male, and more educated residents exhibiting higher levels. However, overall understanding remained limited. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions. The study recommends that the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change implement comprehensive awareness campaigns and capacity-building programs. These initiatives should include community workshops designed to educate rural populations about climate change causes, impacts, and mitigation strategies. Furthermore, the development and distribution of accessible educational materials are crucial for disseminating accurate information. By empowering rural communities with knowledge, they can actively participate in climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts, thereby enhancing their resilience to the impacts of a changing climate.