Elijah Chijokwe, a 78-year-old resident of Marondera, is a dedicated farmer engaged in poultry, cattle keeping, goat production, and subsistence farming.
What has climate change done here?
When we first came here, I came here in 1986. There was a lot of rainfall in this area.Our rivers were full, our wells were full, We would get drinking water but the way we live right now, we are struggling for food… our cattle, the pastures, they would grow perfectly but now they are no more. We can never get those seasons again. Rain does not come until October when we would be farming before, we now have to start farming in November or December, and the water is so little, it won’t even fill up the rivers.
We are now suffering, we have to look for a place to get water for our cattle. Where can our cattle graze, they don’t have enough food, and even the crops that we are growing they are no longer of the same quality as before. Back then, we would get a good harvest but now the quality is low.
We are even struggling to get water to drink. We have to travel long distances just to get water to drink, a long way for our livestock.
What do you think world leaders have to do now to stop things from getting worse and to help us adapt?
We should speak to our leaders or presidents about the importance of honoring the customs practiced by our ancestors. When something was wrong, our ancestors would come together, discuss the issues, and consult with their elders. We believe that our leaders, who often travel around the world, should also listen to the elders of their own countries. Everywhere, there are elders who carry the traditions and wisdom of their land. Our leaders should return home and engage in conversations with these wise elders.
Life expectancy 2023
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