The Development & Utilisation of the Zambezi River Basin

The international community convened under the auspices of COP-21 and 23 Summits in response to the ever increasing threat posed by climate change. The effects of climate change have translated into massive loss of lives particularly for vulnerable groups such as children and women. Climate change has also exacerbated a pervasive refugee crisis which has caused turmoil in the bottom billion citizens of Sub-Saharan Africa. Conflicts are at a rise due to drought hunger diseases and water scarcity caused by climate change. It is one’s argument in this article that violent conflicts in the region can be attributed to climate change. It is of utmost importance to establish the intrinsic connection between climate change and development in the Zambezi basin given the existential threat both variables impose. The writer will rely on desktop research and shall employ both qualitative and quantitative data analysis. Secondary and primary sources of data will also be used. In light of the renewed opportunities proffered by COP-23 it is the aim of this paper to recommend sustainable solutions to the challenge of climate change.