Conservation Agriculture and Climate Resilience: The Case of Christian Care, Gutu District, Zimbabwe 

Food security remains the greatest challenge in poverty alleviation debates in most developing countries. This has prompted a lot of interventions from various institutions. The sustainability and resilience of the strategies is key to sustainable development. The effects of climate change are greatly felt in agricultural sectors and these manifest through changes in soil moisture, temperature, evapotranspiration and rainfall patterns. The impact of climate change is mainly felt by poor households in rural areas who largely rely on rainfed agriculture for their survival. The study is focused on Gutu, a dry southeastern region found in the Masvingo Province of Zimbabwe. The aim of the study is to assess the contribution of the Christian Care conservation programme to food security and its impact on poverty reduction in Zimbabwe. The researcher adopted a qualitative research approach. Data was collected through a desk review of journal articles and reports. Furthermore, in-depth interviews of relevant stakeholders and beneficiaries were conducted. A thematic content analysis was used to present and analyse results. The study concluded that conservation agriculture is an effective climate resilience strategy to fight food insecurity in Ward 14, Gutu. Conservation farming optimises water retention and maintains soil nutrient levels, resulting in increased yields. However, as aridity increases, there is need to develop more mechanised conservation systems in order to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Therefore, the researcher recommends increased education, and dissemination of information and awareness to promote the adoption of the practice.