AEDS’ team led by Dr Nelson Chanza worked as part of a multidisciplinary team of researchers under the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) of Zimbabwe (2018-2019), supporting the implementation of participatory mapping and environmental vulnerability assessments in selected climate- and environmentally stressed areas of the country.

The assignment focused on identifying and analysing adaptation barriers associated with environmental stress, including land degradation, water scarcity, ecosystem degradation, and climate variability. Using participatory tools, the study involved the documentation of community-defined risk landscapes, exposure pathways, and spatial patterns of vulnerability, integrating local knowledge with environmental and socio-economic data.

The assessment examined how environmental stressors interact with livelihoods, natural resource use, and institutional factors to constrain adaptive capacity at community level. Particular attention was given to identifying structural, social, and ecological barriers to adaptation, as well as opportunities for improving ecosystem resilience through sustainable land and natural resource management practices.

Outputs from the participatory mapping and vulnerability assessment informed the identification of priority adaptation actions, location-specific interventions, and policy-relevant recommendations for addressing environmental stress and strengthening resilience.

Reference: Aaron Chigona, Director General, Environmental Management Agency, Email:

aaron.chigona@ema.co.zw