Godfrey Mtimba
Masvingo—Local human rights organisations have raised alarm over a growing exodus of young people, some of them of school-going age, from Mwenezi and Chiredzi districts to neighbouring South Africa, as climate change–induced food insecurity tightens its grip on vulnerable households.
Youth and rights groups told NewsHub that there has been a sharp increase in the number of young people aged between 14 and 25 leaving their homes in search of menial work in South Africa.
Many families, they said, are facing severe food shortages due to recurrent droughts and are no longer able to provide for their children.
The migration trend has also contributed to rising school dropout rates, particularly at secondary school level, as learners abandon their studies to seek work across the border.
Some cross illegally through the crocodile-infested Limpopo River, exposing themselves to life-threatening dangers.
Recurring droughts, poor harvests, and the collapse of livestock production have driven widespread food insecurity in the region over the past several years. Areas traditionally known for cattle ranching have been hit hard by dwindling pastures, drying water sources, and increased livestock losses.
A recent survey by the Community Tolerance, Reconciliation and Development (COTRAD) organisation revealed a worrying surge in high school dropout rates in Mwenezi and Chiredzi districts.
COTRAD programmes manager, Brighton Ramusi, said the research, conducted using community score cards, highlighted urgent challenges threatening the future of young learners.
“COTRAD compared enrolment and completion rates and found that fewer than half of learners who start Form One complete Form Four. Absenteeism averages between 20 and 30 percent per term, undermining learning continuity. Only six in ten learners advance without interruption, with high repetition rates,” the findings showed.
Social Economic Action Transformation (SEATH) director, Tendai Mafuka, said climate change effects were being compounded by Zimbabwe’s harsh economic environment.
“Young people are deserting their homes to look for work. Climate change is a major factor, but economic challenges—especially unemployment—are also forcing them to migrate so they can support their families back home,” Mafuka said.
The permanent secretary in the Masvingo minister of State’s office, Addmore Pazvakavambwa, said government was rolling out climate resilience and mitigation programmes targeting young people.
“We are providing youth groups with mechanised equipment such as tractors, harrows, ploughs, harvesters, irrigation equipment, and agricultural inputs. These programmes are meant to build resilience and discourage young people from leaving the country,” Pazvakavambwa said.
COTRAD’s research underscored how climate change has intensified the crisis.
“Low rainfall and drying dams have devastated crop yields and animal pastures. Livestock deaths from disease—worsened by erratic dipping and vaccination services—have stripped families of income. With livelihoods collapsing, households cannot afford school fees, pushing children out of classrooms,” part of the report read.
The proximity of Mwenezi and Chiredzi districts to South Africa has further fuelled cross-border youth migration.
Traditional leaders have also expressed concern.
Headman Chimbani Magudu, born Cover Mugwadi, urged young people to remain patient and take advantage of local development initiatives.
“We are worried that some of those leaving are too young and should still be in school. We encourage them to complete their education and benefit from government programmes we support as traditional leaders, such as Zunde raMambo and small grains production under Pfumvudza,” said Headman Magudu.
According to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), an August 2024 report identified drought (27 percent), job or income loss (24 percent), and health challenges (23 percent) as the main shocks affecting people residing in Zimbabwe.
The report noted that most Zimbabwean migrants affected by drought originated from Mwenezi district (51 percent), followed by Chiredzi (12 percent) and Gutu (9 percent).
During the reporting period, a total of 30,709 movements were recorded, comprising 55 percent males and 45 percent females. The movements included 449 pregnant women, 240 unaccompanied children, and 31 persons with disabilities.