Climate Change and Structural Vulnerability of Drystone Walled Heritage Sites in Zimbabwe: Evidence from Danamombe and Naletale

Heritage sites are increasingly threatened by the impacts of climate change, yet the specific structural vulnerabilities of sites such as Naletale and Danamombe in Zimbabwe remain poorly documented. Drawing on field observations and existing conservation literature, this article examines the effects of climate change on the structural integrity of the drystone-walled heritage sites of Danamombe and Naletale, to understand how climate change elements, such as changing rainfall patterns, temperature fluctuations, and extreme weather events, are contributing to the structural damage of the sites. The findings reveal that climate-related environmental stressors are accelerating structural instability at both sites, increasing the risk of partial collapse and irreversible damage. The article argues that existing conservation approaches must move beyond conventional preservation practices to incorporate climate-responsive and site-specific strategies tailored to protect the wholeness of the site and the local environment.