Disproportionate Climate Financing and Social Cohesion in Climate Shock-Prone Communities in Zimbabwe: Evidence from Chivi District, Masvingo Province, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Climate finance is becoming more and more important to support adaptation and resilience to climate change in poor communities. Despite the increasing international commitment to climate adaptation financing, the distribution of such resources is still uneven, especially in rural areas of developing countries. This study considered the effects of unequal access to climate financing on social cohesion in Chivi District, a drought-prone area located in Masvingo Province, Zimbabwe. The study was done in a mixed-methods mode based on the pragmatic research paradigm. The quantitative data were gathered from 200 household respondents and qualitative data were gathered through focus group discussions and community leaders and development stakeholders interviews. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used for the analysis of the data. The findings indicate that access to climate finance in Chivi District is very uneven. Those who have a higher level of growth and where there is a higher level of institutional presence have access to more adaptation resources while other wards are not getting as much as they would like. Poor application procedures, lack of information, and lack of technical capacity also limited access for the most vulnerable families. The study found that these disparities have contributed to declining trust in institutions, increased perceptions of exclusion, reduced collective action, and weakened social cohesion. The study concludes that climate finance is not merely an economic resource but also a social and institutional process that influences community relationships and resilience. Equitable distribution mechanisms, participatory governance structures, and transparent funding processes are therefore essential for strengthening both climate adaptation and social cohesion in drought-prone communities. The study contributes empirical evidence to emerging debates on climate justice and rural adaptation financing in Southern Africa.