Green Hut

GREENHUT ATTENDS RENEWABLE ENERGY CONFERENCE IN SOUTH AFRICA

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This week our Greenhut programs manager Nonkanyiso Gumede participated in a strategic meeting hosted by Don’t Gas Africa to discuss the future of renewable energy in Africa. The conference ran from the 5th to the 7th of August and was attended by representatives from over 10 countries from different parts of the continent. . The discussion was led by Don’t Gas Africa, supported by Power Shift Africa. “Don’t Gas Africa” is a campaign aimed at opposing the expansion of gas exploration and extraction in Africa. It advocates for sustainable and renewable energy alternatives instead of relying on fossil fuels, which contribute to climate change. The campaign highlights the potential environmental damage, displacement of communities, and economic pitfalls associated with fossil fuel dependency. It also challenges narratives that position natural gas as a transitional or “clean” energy source, arguing that investments should instead focus on green energy solutions that align with global climate goals. . The event was kick started by a status report from Dean Bhebhe, the Don’t Gas Africa Convenor and Campaigns Lead at Power Shift Africa. Followed by an address from Mohamed Adow who stressed the need for Africa to lead the green charge, “we cannot catch up with the rest of the world if we trudge around in their foot steps”. The opening remarks set the stage for deep thinking and transformational dialogue on what can be done to make Africa a green energy powerhouse.  Left: Dean Bhebhe. Right: Mohamed Adow . Africa’s renewable energy potential is immense. If tapped into, Africa can emerge as a green energy leader. Our continent receives more sunlight than any other region in the world, making solar power a particularly promising resource. Wind, hydro, and geothermal energy also offer significant opportunities for clean energy development. Despite this potential, more than 600 million people in Africa lack access to electricity and many rely on traditional biomass for cooking, leading to health problems and environmental degradation. Africa is also trapped in a cycle of importing fossil fuels.  . Transitioning to renewable energy is not only essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also for achieving broader development goals. Access to reliable and affordable energy is crucial for economic growth, education, healthcare, and poverty reduction. Renewable energy can provide off-grid solutions to rural and remote communities, reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and enhancing energy sovereignty. However, a just transition cannot happen without proper enabling mechanisms. The workshop highlighted the need to ensure African countries have adequate access to public financing from institutions such as the World Bank and the African Development Bank.  . The conference provided a platform for CSOs to collaborate and strategize on how to address the elephant in the room ( fossil fuels) while propelling our communities towards a cleaner greener future. Civil society organizations play a crucial role in the transition to renewable energy by advocating for policies, raising awareness, building community capacity, and holding governments and corporations accountable. It is therefore necessary for movements and organizations across the continent of Africa to combine efforts and speak with one voice in order to foster real change.  The discussions also highlighted the importance of taking a people centered approach. Communities need to be a key priority. From telling African stories and sharing their lived experiences, we can gain a deeper understanding of community needs. Educating communities as well as engaging them in the planning and implementation of renewable energy projects will ensure that these projects meet local needs and gain social acceptance. With access to the right knowledge, communities can also be allies in the quest to hold fossil fuel companies accountable and facilitate the complete phase out of fossil fuels in favor of green energy. . Greenhut programs manager Nonkanyiso Gumede further pointed out the need to ensure that communities in Africa are capacitated with skills across the green energy value chain to reduce reliance on imports. Additionally, it is important to bring in private sector investment by creating a clear value proposition for renewable energy. As a CSO in the climate space, Greenhut Trust has been making strides to capacitate communities to transition to green energy through education, skills training, research and development of renewable technologies. With collaborative action from other organizations across the region of Africa, such efforts can be amplified to accelerate the transition to green energy in our continent. The Don’t Gas Africa strategic conference provided the platform, now the real work truly begins.

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A Triumph in Climate Leadership: Cinderella Ndlovu’s Success Story and the Promise of Global Collaboration

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At Green Hut Trust, we take immense pride in celebrating the remarkable achievements of our founder and Executive Director, Cinderella Ndlovu. Her recent selection for the prestigious Mandela Washington Fellowship is not just a personal victory but a testament to the transformative potential of visionary leadership in environmental sustainability. Forging a Path in Environmental Sustainability Cinderella Ndlovu, a dedicated environmental engineer from Zimbabwe, has always been at the forefront of climate action. As the founder and Executive Director of Green Hut Trust, her leadership has driven innovative initiatives to combat climate change and promote environmental stewardship across Zimbabwe. Her unwavering commitment has positioned Green Hut Trust as a beacon of hope and action in the field of environmental sustainability and climate action. In addition to her role at Green Hut Trust, Cinderella’s active involvement with the Rotaract Club of Matopos and her recent appointment to the Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group (ESRAG) board further illustrate her dedication to advancing global environmental goals. Her work with ESRAG highlights her commitment to leveraging international networks and resources to amplify the impact of her initiatives. Achieving Excellence: Mandela Washington Fellowship This year, Cinderella’s exceptional leadership and vision were recognized on a grand scale when she was selected for the Mandela Washington Fellowship, a distinguished program administered by IREX and supported by the U.S. Department of State. Out of over 40,000 applicants from across sub-Saharan Africa, Cinderella was among the 700 fellows chosen, with only 42 from Zimbabwe. The Fellowship offers an immersive six-week leadership curriculum at Florida Gulf Coast University, designed to refine leadership skills and provide innovative strategies for scaling impactful initiatives. Cinderella’s selection underscores the high regard in which her work is held and the significant potential for growth and influence through this esteemed program. Expanding Horizons: Professional Development and Global Impact Beyond the leadership training, Cinderella’s journey includes a professional development opportunity with the University of Minnesota Extension Regional Sustainable Development program. This experience will allow her to engage deeply with areas such as clean energy, agri-food systems, and climate change, equipping her with advanced skills and knowledge to enhance her work at Green Hut Trust. This international exposure presents a unique chance for Cinderella to integrate global best practices with local initiatives. It opens up exciting possibilities for regional and international collaborations, paving the way for innovative solutions to climate challenges that can be adapted and scaled across borders. Embracing Collaboration for a Sustainable Future Cinderella Ndlovu’s success story is more than an individual achievement; it represents a powerful opportunity for regional and international collaboration. The Mandela Washington Fellowship has not only recognized her exceptional leadership but also positioned her to foster partnerships and share insights with a global network of change-makers. At Green Hut Trust, we are enthusiastic about the potential for expanded collaboration that Cinderella’s fellowship experience brings. By connecting with global leaders, experts, and organizations, we can drive forward impactful climate solutions and share knowledge that transcends geographic boundaries. This aligns with our mission to create a sustainable future through innovation, collaboration, and leadership. Cinderella’s journey is a shining example of how investment in leadership and international exchange can elevate local initiatives to achieve global impact. As we celebrate her accomplishments, we look forward to the new opportunities for collaboration and growth that her fellowship experience will undoubtedly bring. In closing, Cinderella Ndlovu’s story is a testament to the power of visionary leadership and the potential for global collaboration to advance environmental sustainability. As we continue to support and celebrate her achievements, we are excited about the future possibilities that lie ahead for Green Hut Trust and our partners in the global effort to combat climate change.

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The Green Hut Monthly newsletter is back !

Leave a Comment / Environmental Education and Awareness /

The revival of the Green Hut monthly newsletter has given our team a fresh burst of energy and renewed purpose. It is through these leaflets that we share pertinent insights on different environment and climate issues that our communities are grappling with. The newsletter also provides a platform to share success stories at a time when all hope seems lost in the face of the climate crisis. We set the relaunch of the newsletter symbolically on this day, 5 June where we commemorate World Environment Day. We believe that WED is a very important day that puts the spotlight on our planet’s most pressing challenges with the hope to inspire action. The theme for World Environment Day 2024 focuses on land restoration, desertification and drought resilience. Drought and desertification are environmental challenges that pose significant threats to ecosystems, human livelihoods, and global food security. This theme is especially relevant to our region which is currently experiencing persistent droughts that are affecting communities across the country. Click the here to read more on this and other articles on our June 2024 Newsletter.

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Closing the gaps in the GAP, championing gender mainstreaming in climate change

Leave a Comment / Environmental Education and Awareness /

More often than not, gender and climate change are discussed in separate rooms leading to gender blind policies that fail to recognise the interlinkages between the two.A common misconception is how gender is perceived as  a “women” issue which is not the case. Gender issues include all aspects and concerns related to women’s and men’s lives and situation in society, to the way they interrelate, their differences in access to and use of resources, their activities, and how they react to changes, interventions and policies. Looking at gender and the economy, 80% of rural women live in communal areas and provide 70% of the labour in Agriculture and 60% of women directly produce agricultural commodities thus directly contributing to the economy. Due to the socially constructed roles, more women depend on the environment to execute their gendered roles and are more vulnerable to climate change shocks. Additionally women have limited access to productive resources such as land. They also have very low representation in climate change decision making processes rendering them less influential in policies, programs that influence their lives. Various impacts of climate change disproportionately affect women than men, increasing their burden of work e.g water scarcity means women have  to spend more hours looking for water. As part of efforts to facilitate gender mainstreaming, the Zimbabwe Gender Action plan (GAP) makes reference to trainings and workshops as crucial instruments in building the capacities of women to partake in decision making processes. In line with the International Women’s day theme ‘Inspire inclusion’ , Green Hut with support from the Youth Empowerment and Transformation Trust (YETT) conducted a gender-climate workshop which sought to raise awareness on the importance of gender mainstreaming in climate change. The workshop highlighted the objectives, prorities and activities stipulated in the GAP and other regional and international gender- climate related policies such as the the Convention on Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), Beijing platform for Action (2000), declaration of gender equality in Africa (2004), SADC protocol on Gender and development , African Union on Gender Policy (2013) and others related policies with the aim of sensitising the participants on the governance issues. During a lively panel discussion , Mthokozisi Moyo, the Climate smart water solutions developer at Green Hut mentioned the need for inclusivity in the water sector with innovations and technologies that address the needs of women and girls. Ashelee Nhliziyo, from Lunia Center for Youth highlighted how climate change is exercebating the abuse of women and girls giving case studies of water scarcity where some girls and women are asked for sexual favours in exchange for water. Kholekile Ndlovu who works with the Unemployed and Vulnerable Foundation Trust emphasized equity issues especially for persons with disabilities that are often excluded from partcipating in climate change yet they are also highly vulnerable. Mr Justice Zvaita from the Zimbabwe Climate Change Coalition called for collaborative action among different stakeholders to address gender issues. As part of the oganisation’s commitment to championing gender mainstreaming, the Green Hut team carefully selected 25 participants to join a cohort of gender-climate champions that will undergo vigorous training and skills development through out the year. Although there are numerous policies supporting gender mainstreaming in climate, closing the gender gap is a great task at hand which calls for collaborative work

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Urban Futures Project launches in Bulawayo

2 Comments / Sustainable Development /

The Urban Futures Project supported by Hivos and the Botnar Foundation spanning across 10 cities in 3 continents seeks to build climate resilient urban food systems where young people are motivated and empowered to collaborate in influencing policies and decision making as well seizing economic opportunities within the food sector. Additionally the project seeks to ensure that food value chains are shorter, sustainable and provide halthier, affordable and accesible food for all. In Zimbabwe the project is being implemented in Bulawayo and Mutare together with a consortium of organisations that include: Green Hut Trust, Bulawayo Vendors and Traders Association, Unemployed and Vulnerable Foundation and African Food Revolution for the Bulawayo Consortium and Green Governance Trust, Manica Youth Assembly (MAYA) and National Association of Youth Organisations (NAYO) for the Mutare Consortium. On the 13th of March 2024, the project was officially launched in Bulawayo with a number of stakeholders include youth organisations, development partners, Government ministries and City Council officials from both Bulawayo and Mutare. Giving his remarks as the Guest of Honor, Mr Leonard Mutinima who is the Chief Director in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development highlighted how the project’s vision is in line with government efforts to promote sustainable agriulture across the country and the willingless of his ministry to work with all to achieve the set goals. Giving his speech on behalf of the Mayor of Bulawayo, ward Councillor Mpumelelo Moyo highlighted how the urban futures project is very relevant to Bulawayo which is currently undergoing one of the worst droughts in history. Part of the proceeding of the day included a lively panel discussion on green livelihoods in food systems for youths in Zimbabwe and their role in strengthening food security and supporting climate resilient livelihoods. One of the panellists, Mthokozisi Moyo passionately known as the water guy indicated the need for investing in waste water treatment infrastructure to facilitate water reuse in the city. Other discussants included Dr Z Sibanda from Lenara Foods, Mgcini Mazula from Lupane Veggie Guys , Gwenneth Makulumo from Tsikuma Gardens , Lovemore Sibanda from Lodith Private Limited and Pamhidzai Sanganza from Farm to Table. Some of the issues highlighted during the discussion included the need to build the capacity of youths to run successful enterprises within the food value chains through knowledge sharing of best practices and the creation of an enabling environment for them to participate especially in the production stage of the value chain. With the majority of the population of Zimbabwe being youths, the project presents an opportunity for the empowerment of young people in the advent of climate change. Of note was the inclusion of the deaf community with a sign language enterpreter relaying the information during the launch to some of the participants with hearing impediments . Persons living with disabilities are often left out of such initiatives yet they are also feeling the impacts of climate change and food insecurity. The Urban Futures project will be running until 2027.

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Amplifying Youths in Climate Action: Insights from the Zim Youth Voices in Climate Action survey report.

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In December 2023, a groundbreaking survey report titled “Zimbabwean Youth Voices in Climate Action” was unveiled at COP 28, spearheaded by dedicated youth advocates and organizations in Zimbabwe. Led by figures such as Elizabeth Gulugulu Machache (African Youth Initiative on Climate Change Zim (AYICCZim)), Eric Morgen Moyo (Community Climate Action Trust), Cinderella Ndlovu (Green Hut Trust), and Lisa Chitura (Environmental Rights advocacy Trust) , this youth-driven initiative aimed to capture the perspectives, challenges, and aspirations of Zimbabwean youth in the sector of climate change and environmental stewardship. The report’s findings paint a vivid picture of the stark realities faced by children and young people grappling with the tangible impacts of climate change, underscoring the urgent need for decisive action in adaptation, mitigation, and resilience-building efforts. Noteworthy is the poignant recognition by young participants of the intricate links between climate change and critical issues like water scarcity, poverty, food insecurity, drought, and unemployment, amplifying their vulnerability in the face of environmental shifts. Despite their susceptibility to the ravages of climate change, Zimbabwean youth are resolute in asserting their pivotal roles as leaders in the fight against climate change. The survey outcomes underscore the unwavering commitment of young individuals to climate activism and their eagerness to drive positive change in their communities and beyond. The recommendations outlined in this comprehensive report serve as a valuable roadmap for stakeholders seeking to engage and empower young people in climate change initiatives in Zimbabwe. By amplifying the voices and perspectives of youth in environmental discourse, we can foster a more inclusive and impactful approach to addressing the complex challenges posed by climate change. This youth-driven initiative stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and solidarity in tackling global environmental issues, showcasing the immense potential of young leaders to effect positive change in their communities and pave the way for a more sustainable future. click here to download full report

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