Traditional beliefs overshadow community understanding of climatic change

BY ARTWELL CHINGWARA SITHOLE

DESPITE the Government and Meteorological Services Department of Zimbabwe giving timely awareness of El Nino induced droughts, some communities are still putting the blame on witchcraft and traditional curses.

In an interview with Robson Mtetwa of Ward 11 in Chipinge South, he said the drought that has affected the district was caused by a traditional curse.

“Christianity has overridden our cultural values. Anhu aachabiki makoto, Azhinji avachanasi kuteedza chianhu chinodiwa chakhona ndosaka mvura isingachanayi.” (People are no longer following traditional rites such as rainmaking ceremonies that is why rains are failing).”

Mbuya Simango echoed the same sentiments and went to say there is now high prevalence on witchcraft in communities. “Urombwa hwowanda mumiganga ndosakeyi mvura isingachanayi.” she lamented. (Black magic is too rife in communities, that is why rains are erratic).

The discovery of a sack full of women undergarments in ward 22 has also made some residents in the ward to point that as a cause of the looming drought.

“We saw a sack full of women undergarments under a tree and informed the village head. The village head consulted a traditional healer who pointed to it as the cause of lack of rains in the village,” said Mr Dube.

The disinformation and misinformation around the drought has caused people to be reluctant to understand climatic changes and the types of crops that suit the changes.

Platform for Youth and Community Development lands and livelihoods desk has been playing a major role in debunking disinformation and misinformation around the drought so that the communities has a better appreciation of the new dynamics.