In the wake of the devastating El-Nino induced drought that gripped the entirety of Southern Africa, Zimbabwean communities are beginning to be proactive in terms of improving their adaptation to climate change.

A combined initiative between the Meteorological Services Department and a non-governmental organisation, HOCIC (Hope of a Child In Christ) saw the installation of ten standard rain gauges in Bulilima District from 29th of July to the 2nd of August 2024.

This is a milestone achievement by the MSD to increase their station network, as they are working towards one rain gauge per ward in every district.

The 10 rain gauges installed by MSD are additional to more than 810 rain gauges that the department has installed throughout the country. The additional 10 stations were installed under the CARL 2 project and are going to read and record rainfall data and submit it to the MSD head office on a monthly basis. The Climate Adaptation for Rural Livelihoods in Zimbabwe (CARL) Phase 2 project is a comprehensive initiative aimed at enhancing the resilience of rural communities in Bulilima district to the impacts of climate change.

By focusing on climate-smart agricultural practices, improved water management, and strengthened disaster preparedness, CARL 2 targets 4473 smallholder farmers in 6 wards using what is referred to as the micro watershed approach( households dependent on rivers: Tjankwa, Tjehanga, Maitengwe, Moza, and Thekwane). This is a 36-month project that commenced in September 2022 and is set to end in August 2025.

In Bulilima, this brings the total of rain gauges installed by the CARL project to 20 stations (10 installed during CARL 1 and 10 in CARL 2). The MSD team comprised of two Met Technicians, Mrs. A. Chirenje and Mr. B. Manyonga from Harare, accompanied by Provincial Chief (Mat South) Mr. R. Munyira, based in Gwanda. They carried out on-the-spot training for the Agritex staff and participants in those wards to measure, record, and send the rainfall returns at the end of each month.