Building Resilience Amid Climate Extremes: World Vision Eswatini Engages Affected Families in Mhlangatane

As communities across Eswatini continue to grapple with the effects of extreme and unpredictable weather, World Vision Eswatini is strengthening its focus on long-term solutions that go beyond immediate emergency relief.

In line with this commitment, World Vision Eswatini National Director, Amos Zaindi, visited two families affected by recent heavy rains in Mhlangatane. He was joined by the Humanitarian Emergency Affairs team to deliver essential relief supplies, including mattresses, food, and other basic necessities, while also gaining firsthand insight into the scale and impact of the damage caused by the disaster.

Beyond the distribution of emergency assistance, the visit provided an important opportunity for engagement. The National Director met with affected families and local authorities to better understand the challenges on the ground and to discuss medium- to long-term solutions aimed at reducing vulnerability and strengthening community resilience. Without such interventions, families risk being trapped in a cycle of loss each time a climate-related shock occurs.

Local authorities shared concerns about increasingly harsh and unpredictable weather patterns. They explained that prolonged rains had destroyed much of the community’s crops, wiping out livelihoods dependent on agriculture. Efforts by families to replant were soon undermined as the rains abruptly ceased, giving way to scorching heat that is now damaging what remains in the fields. This rapid shift has heightened fears of food insecurity in households already living in fragile conditions.

In response to these concerns, Mr Zaindi reaffirmed World Vision Eswatini’s commitment to continue supporting government efforts and to work collaboratively with all relevant stakeholders in exploring sustainable, medium- to long-term interventions. These include approaches that build resilience, protect livelihoods, and mitigate the impact of future climate-related shocks.

World Vision Eswatini remains dedicated to ensuring that emergency response is matched with long-term development solutions, helping communities not only recover from disasters, but also withstand future challenges with greater strength, dignity, and hope.