As climate change exacerbates the challenges of food security in Zimbabwe, many are turning to the fertile Eastern Highlands in search of better opportunities. This fertile region, characterized by rich soils and reliable rainfall, has become a sanctuary for those migrating from drought-stricken areas, but the Zimbabwean government is intensifying its crackdown on these so-called “illegal settlers.” This ongoing struggle underscores the urgent need for solutions that recognize the realities of climate-induced migration rather than merely enforcing traditional land-use laws.
Mutare, Zimbabwe – New homesteads are nestled within the slopes of Zimbabwe’s Eastern Highlands, a region renowned for its agricultural potential and now increasingly sought after by people fleeing the devastating impacts of drought across the country. This fertile mountain landscape serves as a crucial refuge for many who arrived hoping to build new lives amidst deteriorating conditions in their previous home areas. However, as the government steps up its enforcement actions against illegal settlements, these individuals face an uncertain future.
Lloyd Gweshengwe, a long-term migrant residing in the Eastern Highlands, reflects the resilience of many who relocated in search of arable land. “I came here 18 years ago and have been living here ever since. We don’t have anywhere else to go,” he stated, expressing hope for the current farming season despite the looming threat of eviction. Gweshengwe proudly showcased his substantial maize harvest, anticipating it would sustain his family for an entire year and provide surplus for sale.
Recently, during a stakeholder meeting in Mutare, the Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Misheck Mugadza, announced stricter measures to address illegal settlements. He called on police and prosecuting authorities to act against traditional leaders, middlemen, and government officials involved in unauthorized land allocations. Mugadza emphasized a commitment to combat corruption and uphold environmental protections in ecologically sensitive areas, stating, “There is zero tolerance for corruption.”
For many families living in the Eastern Highlands, the pressure to relocate has not stemmed from greed or speculation but from increasingly harsh climatic conditions that undermine their ability to farm sustainable crops. Gweshengwe, originally from a drought-prone area, epitomizes the plight of those who move to seek viable agricultural land. His neighbor, Simon Chanakira, faced similar struggles, relocating in hopes of finding a better life and more reliable food sources.
Researcher Trymore Maganga underscores the situation’s complexity, suggesting that these illegal settlements have emerged as a necessary coping mechanism for those impacted by climate variability. While they offer short-term respite, these encroachments often lead to conflicts over land rights and exacerbate environmental degradation, highlighting the need for comprehensive approaches that address the root causes of migration.
Human rights lawyer Blessing Nyamaropa points out the lack of a dedicated policy framework for climate-induced migration in Zimbabwe. He notes that many migrants settle without following the formal process, creating a precarious legal landscape. Nyamaropa emphasizes that mere enforcement of laws will not resolve this crisis, urging collaboration among stakeholders to create more sustainable and inclusive solutions for those affected by climate change.
As the situation unfolds, Gweshengwe continues to cultivate his fields, anxiously awaiting clarity about his future. “We don’t have anywhere else to go,” he laments, a sentiment shared by many who call the Eastern Highlands home as they navigate the complexities of climate migration and governmental policies that affect their lives.
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