A systematic review of the impact of climate-related displacements on food and water security in Mozambique and Zimbabwe

Abstract

Climate-related displacements in Southern Africa have escalated because of an increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events, particularly cyclones, floods and droughts. Mozambique and Zimbabwe are among the most affected countries, where repeated climate shocks have displaced communities and disrupted critical livelihood systems. However, evidence on how these displacement processes specifically influence food and water security remains insufficiently synthesised. This study examines this gap through a systematic review guided by the question: How do climate-related displacement events affect food and water security among populations in Mozambique and Zimbabwe? Following the PRISMA framework, 32 peer-reviewed studies published between 2010 and 2024 were identified using PICO-derived search terms. Studies were included if they explicitly examined displacement and its implications for food and water security. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was used to assess methodological quality, and a Most Similar Systems Design (MSSD) approach enabled comparison of governance responses shaping outcomes for displaced populations. Findings indicate that climate-related displacement intensifies socio-economic vulnerabilities, reduces access to land and safe water, and heightens resource competition in receiving areas. These pressures undermine household food availability, dietary diversity and water reliability, while increasing exposure to protection risks. Weak institutional capacity and inconsistent policy frameworks further constrain sustainable recovery. This review advances knowledge by synthesising dispersed evidence and identifying critical gaps in governance, planning and service provision.
Contribution: It emphasises the need for integrated, human-security-oriented interventions that strengthen resilience, safeguard essential resources and ensure displaced populations are effectively included in national adaptation and disaster-risk-reduction strategies.