By A Correspondent – Chipinge, Zimbabwe – Heavy rains triggered by Cyclone Gezani, which made landfall along Mozambique’s Inhambane coast, have caused significant destruction in Chipinge, sparking fears of food shortages in 2026.

Vast maize fields have been flattened across the district, placing harvests at risk and worsening the vulnerability of rural families already struggling with recurring climate shocks.

Village Head Muwango outlined the scale of the damage at Batanai Hub, a key community development centre. He said powerful winds destroyed a 500m² greenhouse and damaged two 550-watt solar panels that powered the facility.

“This is a major drawback for our village,” he said. “The hub supported the livelihoods of 80 women and five men, and its water system not only sustained the hub but also provided clean water to 83 households.

We urgently appeal to government, partners, and well-wishers to help us rebuild, because without this infrastructure, our community faces a very uncertain future.”

For women who depend on the hub, the losses are devastating. “We had just planted tomatoes in the greenhouse, hoping to sell them at the market to pay school fees for my children,” said Mrs. Diana Mhlanga, one of the beneficiaries.

“Now everything is gone, and I don’t know how we will survive. We are asking for support to restore the hub so that women can continue to provide for their families.”
Another farmer, Ms. Rudo Nyowani, said the hub had transformed their prospects.

“The hub gave us hope. We had water, we had solar power, and we were beginning to see real change. Losing it feels like losing our future. We call on authorities and partners to stand with us so that women do not lose the progress we have made.”

Mr. Blessing Matasva, Director of Green Institute Trust, which funded the hub’s development, confirmed the damage and stressed its impact on women’s empowerment.

“The hub had begun transforming lives, especially for women who were realizing tangible benefits. This destruction undermines their progress and threatens their livelihoods,” he said.
The disaster highlights the increasing frequency and severity of climate-related events in Zimbabwe.

The Climate Action Coalition of Zimbabwe has called on authorities to strengthen disaster preparedness and early warning systems, while also investing in resilient rural infrastructure.

The coalition warned that without forward-looking measures, communities such as Chipinge will remain exposed to the harsh effects of climate change.

As the aftermath of Cyclone Gezani continues to unfold, women farmers say rebuilding is not only about restoring infrastructure but also about protecting livelihoods, dignity, and the future of families across Zimbabwe.