Urban Climate Change and the Realities of the Poor: Perceptions, Risks and Responses in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Urban areas, particularly those inhabited by marginalized populations, face many challenges in promoting sustainable livelihoods and enhancing well-being. These challenges are further exacerbated by the direct and indirect consequences of climate change, amplifying pre-existing socioeconomic vulnerability and entrenching inequalities. A comprehensive understanding of the intricate relationships between urban poverty, climate-induced vulnerabilities, and adaptive capacities is critical for addressing these compounded difficulties. This qualitative case study interrogates the intersection of climate change and urban poverty in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, by examining how climate impact exacerbates the precarious conditions of disadvantaged urban dwellers. Utilizing a multi-methodological approach, this study explored the specific barriers faced by these populations, elucidated how climate change intensifies these struggles, and analyzed the adaptive strategies employed by individuals and communities in response to escalating environmental stressors. Furthermore, this study assesses the efficacy of existing institutional and community-based mechanisms that aim to mitigate the climate-related vulnerabilities of the urban poor. These findings underscore that residents of economically marginalized urban areas are subject to a constellation of vulnerabilities, including overcrowded informality, inadequate and deteriorating infrastructure, limited access to essential services, and poor health and nutritional outcomes. These factors collectively heighten the exposure of poor urban populations to climate risks such as heat waves, flooding, and water scarcity. In response, households engage in adaptive strategies such as migration and income diversification, yet these short-term solutions frequently fail to address the deeper structural drivers of vulnerability. This study argues for an integrated framework of climate adaptation and poverty reduction that simultaneously addresses the economic and spatial inequities faced by marginalized urban populations. Effective interventions must incorporate a forward-looking perspective that addresses the current and anticipated climate risks by improving housing conditions, infrastructure, and access to basic services. Focusing on the nexus between urban poverty, climate change, and resilience, this study contributes to a more nuanced understanding of urban adaptation and advocates for policies that foster long-term, inclusive, and sustainable urban development.