Assessing the Impact of Climate Change-Induced Heat Waves on Rural Learners with Albinism in Zimbabwe – An Exploration of Vulnerabilities and Adaptive Strategies

Patrick Mweli ORCID iD & Munyaradzi Chidarikire ORCID iD

Issue: Vol.6 No.14 Article 21 pp.3683 – 3697
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.202561421 | Published online 30th December, 2025
© 2025 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

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This qualitative study investigates the impact of climate change-induced heat waves on rural learners with albinism in Zimbabwe, focusing on their vulnerabilities and adaptive strategies. Utilizing a case study research design, the research engaged fifteen purposively selected participants, including learners, teachers, and community officials, to provide diverse perspectives on challenges faced by this marginalized group. Data was gathered through two focus group discussions, enabling nuanced insights into the experiences of learners and the broader societal context affecting their educational environment. Thematic analysis revealed significant vulnerabilities related to health, education, and social stigma, exacerbated by increasing temperatures. Participants articulated various adaptive strategies, such as community support and personal resilience, to navigate these challenges. Ethical considerations were strictly adhered to, ensuring informed consent and confidentiality. One of the findings of this study is that learners with albinism reported increased health issues during heat waves, including skin damage and fatigue, which hindered their educational participation. It is recommended that stakeholders implement community-based awareness programs to educate families and schools about protective measures and support systems for learners with albinism during extreme heat events. This study contributes to scholarship by providing empirical insights into the vulnerabilities of rural learners with albinism affected by climate change in Zimbabwe. It highlights the intersection of disability and environmental challenges, thus broadening the discourse on climate resilience. Additionally, the exploration of adaptive strategies offers valuable lessons for educators and policymakers in supporting marginalized groups. Overall, it advocates for inclusive policies that address both climate adaptation and disability in educational contexts.

Keywords: Albinism, Climate Change, Education, Heat Waves, Resilience, Vulnerabilities

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Dr. Patrick Mweli is a lecturer in the Department of Educational Foundations at the University of the Free State, specializing in Educational Psychology.

Dr. Munyaradzi Chidarikire is a senior lecturer at Great Zimbabwe University in Zimbabwe and a former postdoctoral research fellow at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. Dr. Chidarikire has authored two academic books, published over 40 academic articles, contributed to several book chapters, and presented papers at both local and international conferences.

Mweli, Patrick , and Munyaradzi Chidarikire “Assessing the Impact of Climate Change-Induced Heat Waves on Rural Learners with Albinism in Zimbabwe – An Exploration of Vulnerabilities and Adaptive Strategies.” E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences 6, no. 14 (2025): 3683 – 3697, https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.202561421

© 2025 The Author(s). Published and Maintained by Noyam Journals. This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

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