Disaster Management Training and Education Centre for Africa (DiMTEC)

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Browsing Disaster Management Training and Education Centre for Africa (DiMTEC) by Author "Belle, Johannes"

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    An analysis of drought preparedness interventions in Daluka ward, Lupane district, Matabeleland North, Zimbabwe
    (University of the Free State, 2021) Ndlovu, Tobias; Belle, Johannes
    Drought is a natural phenomenon and affects almost all areas of the world. What is important is for those communities at risk to prepare and plan for drought to lessen its impact on their livelihoods. Analysis of drought preparedness, therefore, helps to explain why some communities are hard hit by the effects of drought and some are continuously affected by droughts. This study analysed drought preparedness interventions in Daluka ward of Lupane district in Matabeleland North province of Zimbabwe. The research objectives that guided the research study were to; assess drought preparedness planning interventions; assess the challenges faced by communities when responding and recovering from drought disaster; determine the effectiveness of drought preparedness interventions in Daluka ward and make recommendations concerning relevant drought preparedness interventions for Daluka ward. The researcher used a case study qualitative research method to do an in-depth analysis of drought preparedness. The main findings of the study showed that Daluka ward is not prepared to deal with drought. Lack of preparedness stems from the fact that the frequency and impact of drought seem to be increasing, coupled with underlying poverty and poor soils, the community has failed to respond and fully recover from each drought event. Poverty and the increased frequency of drought have eroded the community’s adaptive and absorptive capitals. The study identified that interventions that are meant to manage drought are reactive and focus on drought response. Most interventions are meant to provide short term relief when drought strikes. The centralised management of drought makes it difficult for the community to participate in the drought preparedness and response role being handed over to the government and NGOs. On the other hand, the government and NGOs have not involved the Daluka community in drought risk assessment, information and early warning systems. Preparedness has not been effective and there is no action even after early warnings are given. Capacity building and training that is provided by the government and NGOs focus mainly on conservation agriculture which focuses on food production ignoring water resources management and other adaptive strategies. The study, therefore, recommends that drought management should be more proactive and increase the participation of community members in resources mobilisation for preparedness and response. Drought planning should thus start at the micro-level (village) and emphasis should be on preparedness and mitigation instead of response. Preparedness will ensure there is an effective drought response.