The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is grappling with a dire environmental crisis as climate change intensifies drought conditions across the region. Under the banner of the SADC People’s Summit, held in Harare, Zimbabwe, on August 15-16, 2024, over 500 delegates from diverse backgrounds converged to address the impacts of climate change, prioritize people’s development and reclaim agency for marginalized communities.
Countries within the SADC region, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Malawi, have been severely affected by persistent drought conditions linked to climate change. These challenges jeopardize food security, threaten livelihoods and heighten economic disparities. For instance, southern Zambia has reported significant crop failures due to extended dry spells, while South Africa faces water shortages affecting both urban and rural areas. Zimbabwe has dealt with substantial agricultural declines, leading to food insecurity and economic hardships.
The People’s Summit: A Unified Voice for Change
At the summit, participants articulated the urgent need for systemic change. The theme, “Reclaiming SADC for Peoples Development: Building People Power, Voice and Agency towards Democracy and Inclusion,” emphasized solidarity among marginalized groups including mining communities, youth, women’s rights organizations, and human rights defenders who are disproportionately impacted by climate change.
Addressing Climate Change and Drought
The Harare Summit underscored several critical steps that the SADC Heads of State and Government must take to combat the impacts of climate change:
1. Enhanced Climate Resilience: Acknowledging the need for greater support in building resilience against climate-induced challenges, the summit called for the SADC Secretariat to prioritize the development and implementation of climate adaptation strategies that align with regional needs.
2. Funding Mechanisms: A proposal for quantitative assessments of climate-induced losses was made to advocate for grant-based funding from developed nations, aiming to alleviate the debt burden on SADC countries and enhance their climate mitigation efforts.
3. Investment in Renewable Energy: A shift towards renewable energy sources—such as solar, wind, and hydropower—was deemed crucial to lessen reliance on fossil fuels and transition towards sustainable energy systems.
4. Ecofeminist Approaches: By adopting ecofeminist strategies, participants emphasized the integration of gender rights in climate discourse, fostering community engagement on resource management, and empowering women in leadership roles concerning environmental initiatives.
5. Community Involvement and Education: Highlighting the importance of local knowledge and involvement, the summit called for community-centered approaches to resource management and increased educational efforts to promote sustainability and resilience.
A Collective Commitment Towards Action
The resolutions made at the SADC People’s Summit resonate particularly during these times of uncertainty and ecological crises. Recognizing both the urgency and the interconnectedness of regional challenges—spanning climate change, economic disparity, and social injustices—participants committed to engaging actively with SADC governments to advocate for policies that uplift the most vulnerable demographics affected by neoliberal policies.
The participation of diverse groups at the SADC People’s Summit signals a strong collective will to confront the pressing issues surrounding climate change and drought in Southern Africa. Only through unified efforts and committed partnerships can the region hope to build a sustainable future, reclaim agency, and ensure dignity for all its people. As Southern Africa navigates the complexities of climate resilience, the voices of its citizens will remain essential in shaping effective, inclusive policies that can withstand the test of time.