An Afrocentric approach to climate change adaptation: indigenous seasonal predictors among Ndau people in Chimanimani in Zimbabwe

Purpose The effectiveness of scientific seasonal weather forecasts as a tool to help rural communities in Zimbabwe make decisions is under continuous debate. This persists due to rural communities' ongoing difficulty accessing scientific weather forecasts, early warning systems and remote sensing technologies. As a result, rural people continue to rely on the repository of their indigenous knowledge systems for decision-making, seasonal prediction tools and weather change measurement. This study employs Afrocentric lenses to explore the indigenous seasonal predictors used in rural Zimbabwe to forecast seasonal changes and weather patterns, as well as the climatic variations that these predictors can explain. Design/methodology/approach The study employed Afrocentric data generation tools such as transect walks and talking cycles. Thematic content analysis was used to analyze data. Findings The study identifies indigenous practices of naming months, typologizing rainfalls and weather forecasting based on fauna and flora, and discusses how climate change has been perceived by drawing on these practices. Moreover, the seasonal predictors were closely intertwined with food production and overall resilience in the face of changing climate. The paper concludes that both research and practical support for climate resilience should start with indigenous ideas and practices related to responding to changing climate conditions, along with scientific meteorological knowledge. Originality/value This study underscores the importance of Indigenous knowledge in addressing climate risks. It emphasizes the value of indigenous weather predictions, which predate modern weather stations and have long benefited rural communities. Integrating this knowledge into adaptation policies and practices can lead to more effective and resilient responses to climate change.