CLIMATE anxiety is an increasingly recognised mental health concern. It can simply be defined as the chronic fear or worry related to climate change and environmental instability.
For many people living in vulnerable regions, the unpredictability of weather patterns, extreme climate events, and the lack of reliable information about these phenomena exacerbate these feelings.
In Zimbabwe, climate anxiety is a lived reality for millions, particularly among rural farmers and urban residents, who feel powerless in the face of growing environmental challenges.
While climate change cannot be reversed overnight, increased data-based weather tracking offers a practical, actionable solution to address the anxiety.
By empowering individuals within communities with accurate, timely, and localised weather information, we can reduce uncertainty, improve decision-making, and foster a sense of control in an uncertain climate.
Understanding climate anxiety
Zimbabwe’s climate challenges are not abstract — they manifest daily in ways that disrupt lives and livelihoods.
Over the past few decades, the country has experienced rising temperatures — with the most recent one being in the last part of 2024 with temperatures rising beyond 31°C, shifting rainfall patterns, and an increase in extreme weather events such as droughts — twice before this season and floods.
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The effects of these changes are particularly devastating in a nation where agriculture accounts for approximately 20% of the GDP and supports over 70% of the population. Around 70% of a population of around 13 million people is approximately 9,1 million people.
For rural farmers, erratic rainfall and prolonged dry spells have made it increasingly difficult to plan planting and harvesting seasons.
This, coupled with inadequate access to irrigation infrastructure and financial resources, leaves them exposed to nature, has become increasingly unpredictable each year. The uncertainty breeds climate anxiety and it has ripple social effects.
Data-based weather tracking. How?
Data-based weather tracking involves collecting, packaging and processing existing data on the climate to better predict and inform interested parties to help improve decision-making and preparedness.
For Zimbabwe, creating a publicly accessible database of climate phenomena can transformatively enable private players to create predictive analysis that fills in the information divide.
Earlier in 2024, I took on the daunting task to talk about the 2024 — 25 season weather outlooks with esteemed journalist Ruvimbo Nyikadzino on NRTV.
I called on three sources of information — a renowned and reliable Seed Co agronomist, Tadios Hafe, the Meteorological Department and of course open-source Artificial Intelligence.
It is interesting that we all missed the extreme heat wave but agreed on a sense of La Nina to influence normal to above normal rainfall. Can a more inquisitive analysis of the zeros and ones of our weather since 2000 perhaps fill in this small gap.
I, for a moment in 2024, looked at the sky and shook my head on when the La Nina spell would really kick in and save my reputation and validity of opinion in future conversations.
I almost swore when the extreme heat wave kicked in, that I would try to avoid weighing in on nature’s plans. It was only consoling as we entered 2025 and almost all the country descended into a wet spell that settled not only my nerves but those of the communities I often interact with.
Of indigenous knowledge systems
The anxiety experienced by farmers and other vulnerable groups is often rooted in the lack of predictability. Traditional methods of weather forecasting, such as relying on indigenous knowledge or historical patterns, are becoming less reliable as climate change alters weather systems — sometimes totally upsetting even calculated predictions.
What is climate data tracking?
I recently took on a data analysis course to try and stay in touch with emerging decision-making systems globally and quickly sensed a need for a deeper database on climate trends for the past 20 or so years in any country or region that is trying to figure out the next 20 or so years in terms of climate change.
I will argue that a publicly available database for climate trends in any country could be a huge starting point for data analysis and predictive analysis.
I stumbled, fell and stood, tested but not out from the Excel approach of creating reliable data-based predictions around existing problems — climate change being just one of those.
Accessible technology
One of the most significant benefits of data-based weather tracking is its potential for widespread dissemination. Advances in technology mean that weather data can now be shared through various platforms, including SMS alerts, mobile apps, community radio, and agricultural extension services.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations has been stepping up these initiatives recently.
Last year, we put up a mobile application on Google Play, which works mostly offline with free mushroom and bee-keeping notes and most of the criticism came in the form of the question — how many mobile application users exist in rural Zimbabwe.
I got the numbers recently at a Built Different event, and it is a staggering 912 million, probably a billion by this date. If we can reach 1 000 of these — perfect!
Enabling long-term adaptation
Beyond immediate benefits, data-based weather tracking can support long-term adaptation strategies. Historical weather data and predictive modelling allow policymakers, researchers, and communities to identify trends and design interventions that enhance resilience.
For example, data on rainfall patterns can inform decisions about where to invest in irrigation infrastructure or which crops to promote in specific regions.
In addition, governments and non-governmental organisations can use weather data to allocate resources more effectively, ensuring aid reaches those who need it most during times of crisis.
Real-life applications
Zimbabwe has already taken steps to harness the power of data-based weather tracking, with promising results. The Zimbabwe Meteorological Services Department provides seasonal forecasts that help farmers and other stakeholders make informed decisions.
Private initiatives such as EcoFarmer, a weather insurance and advisory service, have also demonstrated the value of accessible weather data for smallholder farmers.
EcoFarmer has huge potential since it provides SMSs services, which is the simplest mobile interaction possible. However the issue of subscription needs to be reviewed given its target users’ status.
Socialism? Not even. Call it corporate social responsibility maybe. I have seen cotton farmers in Bikita looking up to EcoFarmer despite often failing to make subscriptions each time.
Addressing barriers to adoption
Limited infrastructure: Many rural areas lack the weather stations and connectivity needed to collect and share data effectively;
Low technological access: Not all farmers and residents have access to advanced mobile phones or internet services. SMSs are a good start;
Awareness gaps: Some communities are unaware of existing of weather tracking services, leading to underutilisation; and
Financial constraints: Developing and maintaining weather tracking systems requires significant investment, which can be a barrier in resource-constrained settings.
Building hope through action
At its core, climate anxiety stems from a feeling of powerlessness in the face of a global crisis. Data-based weather tracking offers a pathway to transform this anxiety into action.
For a farmer in Zimbabwe, receiving a forecast about an impending drought is not just information — it is a chance to plan, adapt, and protect their livelihood.
- Mafa is an agricultural economist and voluntary coordinator at Rima Africa Trust Zimbabwe. These New Perspectives columns are coordinated by Lovemore Kadenge, an independent consultant, managing consultant of Zawale Consultants (Pvt) Ltd, past president of the Zimbabwe Economics Society and the Chartered Governance & Accountancy Institute in Zimbabwe. — [email protected] or mobile: +263 772 382 852
