Dialogue on Shelter: Slum Dwellers International Affiliate - Zimbabwe

Empowering Informal Settlements to Combat Climate Change 🌱  This week, Dialogue on Shelter and Zimbabwe Homeless People's federation facilitated a collaborative workshop bringing together representatives from 10 informal settlements in Harare (Boko Haram, Stoneridge, Churu Farm, Caledonia, Chizhanje, Tafara, Bhagi, Budiriro, Hopely, and Crowborough Paddocks) with academics from the University of Zimbabwe and Chinhoyi University of Technology. Together, we embarked on developing a practical Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment Tool tailored to the realities of informal settlements. This innovative approach centres on community insights and lived experiences to identify vulnerabilities and inform climate policies that genuinely work for the most vulnerable communities.  This initiative is part of the Informal Settlements Climate Change Action Project, supported by the African Cities Research Consortium. It represents a significant step in ensuring grassroots driven solutions are at the heart of climate adaptation and resilience efforts.  By integrating academic knowledge with the invaluable perspectives of communities, we are co-creating tools and strategies that empower informal settlements to not only adapt to but also lead in addressing climate challenges.  💡Real change begins with the people most affected. Let’s continue building partnerships that amplify marginalized voices and drive inclusive solutions.  SDI. (Slum Dwellers International) Jeremiah Mushosho, PhD. Dr. George Masimba Shiela Prisca Muganyi Nozipho Marere Thomas Karakadzai Godknows nyakujara Climate Newsroom #ClimateAction #CommunityLedDevelopment #CommunityKnowledge #InformalSettlements #Harare #DialogueOnShelter #ResilientCities

#COP29 I Cities Alliance together with Slum Dwellers International (SDI) and IIED, is hosting a COP29 virtual side event this Wednesday, 20 November 2024 at 5:00pm Baku time / 4:00pm EAT / 2:00pm CET / 3:00pm SAST / 2:00pm WAT The event, Community-led Climate Adaptation and Action in Informal Settlements will showcase locally-led climate adaptation and sustainable construction initiatives featured at a recent learning exchange with SDI federations from Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. To register on Zoom, please click on this link:  🔗https://bit.ly/4ftDYjN For more information about the event, please visit: 🔗https://lnkd.in/dG9Zy77q Dr. George Masimba Shiela Prisca Muganyi Jeremiah Mushosho, PhD. Godknows nyakujara Nozipho Marere Oneil Nyamunama SDI. (Slum Dwellers International)

READ 📰 I “Africa’s rapid urbanisation outpaces housing supply, leading to informal settlements lacking secure tenure and basic services. These face inadequate water, sanitation, and waste management, necessitating urgent access to clean supplies and sanitation”, says Shiela Prisca Muganyi , a member of Dialogue on Shelter: Slum Dwellers International Affiliate - Zimbabwe Her organisation is part of the SDI. (Slum Dwellers International) network, with whom she came to this edition of the #WUF12Egypt to highlight the struggles of those left out by urban development projects. She has led community research alongside the African Cities Research Consortium, and states that other pressing issues have to do with employment shortages, poor waste management and unpreparedness to some environmental challenges as climate change hits the continent more strongly than elsewhere. “For urbanisation to be effective, equitable, genuine participatory and systems-thinking approaches are essential,” she stresses. Given that in Sub-Saharan Africa, 70% of the population are under the age of 30, young people and their employment prospects will be central to Africa’s urbanisation story this century. “African youth are significantly engaged in shaping the future of their continent. The continent has the youngest population in the world and this makes its demographic a powerful force for change,” Muganyi says. Young Africans are highly concerned about the environmental challenges that new cities face. A 2021 study from the World Economic Forum found that around 70% of Africa’s youth are concerned about climate change and 85% said their governments should be more proactive in addressing it. Engaged youth-led groups are offering lessons for integrating environmental considerations into urban planning. “Sustainability is a key focus for continental groups and organisations shaping Africa’s urban future, reflecting the deep-rooted African values of harmony with nature and community well-being,” Muganyi says. To read the full article, please click on the link: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eWvdFJQ7 Joe Muturi Beth Chitekwe-Biti #MakingSlumsVisible #DignifiedUrbanLife

Empowering Informal Markets: Building Governance & Business Skills in Glenview 8 Furniture Complex This week, Dialogue on Shelter hosted an impactful 2-day workshop with the leadership of the Glenview 8 Furniture Complex in Harare. As one of the city's vibrant informal markets, this complex is a vital hub for livelihoods, contributing significantly to the survival and resilience of many families. Day 1: Focused on strengthening governance, we equipped leaders with the skills to enhance their decision-making, accountability, and organizational structures. Day 2: Centered on business skills development, traders were trained in financial literacy, marketing strategies, and operational efficiency to boost their enterprises. Informal markets like Glenview 8 are more than just economic spaces—they are lifelines for countless households. At Dialogue on Shelter, we remain committed to fostering sustainable development by empowering communities with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive. Together, we are transforming challenges into opportunities! 💡 African Cities Research Consortium Dr. George Masimba #Governance #InformalMarkets #Livelihoods #SustainableDevelopment

Strengthening Climate Resilience in Harare’s Informal Settlements. Informal settlements in Harare, such as Tafara Fed-Land, Budiriro 5B Extension, and Hopley, face significant climate vulnerabilities from disease outbreaks to flooding and water shortages. The 2021-2022 rainy season floods alone disrupted countless households, revealing the urgent need for more robust climate resilience initiatives. At Dialogue on Shelter, we are committed to addressing these challenges head-on. Through our partnership with the African Cities Research Consortium (ACRC), we’re enhancing the resilience of Harare’s informal settlements by creating a platform for community-led action and innovative climate solutions. Together, we aim to bridge gaps in climate data, support urban resilience initiatives, and develop locally relevant adaptation strategies that work for communities. Today we held an ISCC Inception Meeting which was a powerful first step. Community members, Researchers and practitioners came together to: ✅ Develop a comprehensive implementation plan ✅ Co-create a risk management framework ✅ Map out stakeholders critical to success ✅ Draft a communication plan for seamless coordination This initiative is not just about policy it's about putting communities at the center. By combining local insights with institutional support, we are working to ensure that the people most affected by climate change have the resources, voice, and recognition they need to drive impactful change. Stay tuned as we continue to build a resilient future for Harare’s informal settlements, together! SDI. (Slum Dwellers International) Dr. George Masimba Teurai Anna Nyamangara Thomas Karakadzai Shiela Prisca Muganyi #ClimateResilience #UrbanResilience #CommunityLedSolutions #DialogueOnShelter #InformalSettlements #ClimateAction

🌍 Exploring Resilience: Disaster Management Strategies in Urban Markets Seminar in Harare, Zimbabwe 🌍 Today, Dialogue on Shelter Trust, in collaboration with University of Zimbabwe , Development Governance Institute, Shelter Homage, Zimbabwe Homeless People’s Federation, and the Zimbabwe Young People's Federation, hosted a critical Policy Seminar focused on Exploring Disaster Management Strategies in Urban Markets. Urban markets are the heartbeat of Zimbabwe's economy, providing vital livelihoods and economic opportunities. Yet, they face mounting vulnerabilities—from natural hazards like floods to human-made crises and health pandemics. These disruptions, without the right infrastructure, preparedness, or insurance, can devastate market operators, leaving them in precarious situations. The seminar brought together private sector actors, civil society, academia, and government representatives across national, provincial, and local levels, including the Civil Protection Unit, the City of Harare, and the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Together, we discussed practical approaches to building resilient urban markets in Zimbabwe, focusing on: 1. Understanding Local Disaster Experiences: Market operators shared firsthand experiences with recent crises and coping mechanisms that highlighted the urgent need for robust disaster management systems. 2. Exploring Policy Frameworks and Strategies: We examined existing policies and best practices, aiming to draw actionable insights that strengthen disaster preparedness in urban markets. 3. Charting a Way Forward: Through collaboration, we hope to pave the way for policies that ensure our urban markets are resilient, inclusive, and better prepared for future shocks. Thank you to all participants for contributing to this timely discussion. We are one step closer to building safer, more resilient economic spaces that support the livelihoods of thousands in Zimbabwe. African Cities Research Consortium SDI. (Slum Dwellers International) Dr. George Masimba #UrbanResilience #DisasterManagement #ZimbabweEconomy #SustainableDevelopment #CommunityResilience #PolicyInsights

Calling on all those working to advance #ResilientHousing, particularly informally-built housing in the Global South, please join the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC)'s Adaptation Hub upcoming Brainstorming Sessions to help us advance adaptation and resilience in the built environment for those most vulnerable to climate change impacts. Click on the article below for more info & to register! Reall Habitat for Humanity International Dialogue on Shelter: Slum Dwellers International Affiliate - Zimbabwe Cities Alliance Alexandre Apsan Frediani Arne Georg Janssen Naa Ayeleysa Quaynor-Mettle Amanda Entrikin

Dialogue on Shelter recently conducted a workshop focused on greening businesses for youth entrepreneurs living in informal settlements in Harare. Youth from Hatclife and Epworth pariticipated The workshop had the following key objectives: - Identifying opportunities to integrate green components into existing business enterprises. - Informing the process of co-designing, developing, and implementing strategies for green practices. - Enhancing the understanding of climate change issues within the business context among youth. - Building the capacity of young entrepreneurs to adopt and implement green practices. Youth businesses play a crucial role in economic development and innovation. Through the SAIC project funded by Plan International, Dialogue on Shelter is driving Outcome 3, which centers on youth economic empowerment. This project not only emphasizes financial success but also focuses on ensuring that youth-led businesses are sustainable and environmentally friendly, which is vital for long-term growth and ecological balance. The primary goal for Outcome 3 is to ensure that “Young women and men are empowered through decent income opportunities.” This workshop marks a significant step towards embedding sustainability and environmental considerations into youth businesses. Discussions covered green practices, promoting eco-friendly business models, and ensuring that young entrepreneurs adopt practices that minimize adverse environmental impacts. Plan International SDI. (Slum Dwellers International) Rumbidzai Takawira Dr. George Masimba

The growth of informal settlements has worsened urbanization challenges, leading to an increase in climate change-related risks for those living in these settlements. As a result, informal settlements have been associated with negative connotations, and authorities have been constantly deciding on demolition strategies, which further creates conditions for marginalization and exclusion. Without adequate access to basic infrastructure, supportive economies, and policies, climate change presents the biggest challenge to informal settlements. Extreme meteorological conditions are magnifying the impacts of climate change through increased frequency, intensity, and magnitude of climatic hazards. This implies that the effects of climate change are far-reaching in informal settlements, and their vulnerability is further exacerbated by weak policies, exclusionary and inappropriate responses to the climate emergency. SDI affiliates have been undertaking basic climate change response actions, with some gradually elevating these responses to be more systemic and mainstream. Given the different geographies, policy contexts, climatic conditions, and environmental sensitivities, SDI affiliates have generated varying capacities and expertise. Some affiliates have been fortunate to be part of global climate funding and generated a wealth of lessons and experiences as part of these programs. For example, Kenya, Zambia, and Indonesia are part of the Voices of Climate Action program. Some affiliates, like Zimbabwe, have locally sourced resources for climate actions using internal resources and focusing on generating knowledge products aimed at influencing climate change programming. Additionally, both Kenya and Zimbabwe are actively engaging with IIED, focusing specifically on climate change actions and documentation of experiences. From this background, Kenya and Zimbabwe have decided to organize a virtual exchange aimed at sharing experiences. The Virtual discussion Kenya and Zimbabwe today is having a virtual exchange, The exchange is being used to establish a baseline for future discussions, which is focusing on climate change challenges and how the affiliates are addressing them. Specifically, the exchange is discussing Locally Led Adaptation (LLA) and how to continue scaling up efforts to address these challenges International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) SDI. (Slum Dwellers International) Dr. George Masimba

"Bringing together youths living informal settlements and stakeholders is crucial for improving access to SR sexual and reproductive health services in their areas which are burdened by lack of health facilities. Through this dialogue, youths can voice their needs and challenges in accessing SRH services, while stakeholders can share an overview of their services. Today, Dialogue on Shelter held a Sexual and Reproductive Health Dialogue Session for youths from Hatcliffe, Epworth, and Stoneridge under the Safe and Inclusive Cities project funded by Plan International. Young people are discussing the challenges and issues they are facing in accessing SRHR services to the service providers. This youth-centered project aims to create safe spaces and empower the younger generation" SDI. (Slum Dwellers International) Dr. George Masimba Plan International