Disaster Management Training and Education Centre for Africa (DiMTEC)

Permanent URI for this community

http://hdl.handle.net/11660/99

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 32

Open Access
A crisis communication plan for municipalities: the case of the Frances Baard district municipality
(Department of Communication Science, University of the Free State, 2013) Kunguma, Olivia; Terblanche, Lydie
A crisis communication plan facilitates the effective flow of information between relevant organisation(s) and a community affected by a crisis. In 2010 the Frances Baard District Municipality, situated in the Northern Cape, commissioned the development of a crisis communication plan for the municipality. It was to be developed in consultation with various stakeholders. Once developed, the plan had to be reviewed and serve as an educational document that could be used by other municipalities. The study found that drafting a crisis communication plan has to include best communication practices for each anticipated problem and effective implementation. Continuous evaluation and updating of the plan are necessary to ensure that critical business functions are not jeopardised in the event of a crisis.
Open Access
An analysis of agricultural development projects as a tool to increase community resilience: a case of Monze district in Zambia
(University of the Free State, 2013-02) Banda, Bowen; Jordaan, Andries J.
The aim of this study was to analyse why social vulnerability was on the increase in Monze District, Southern Province of Zambia despite the many agricultural development projects that were implemented. To understand this phenomenon, the study evaluated the design and implementation of current agricultural development projects in Monze District from two perspectives. The first perspective focused on the user and the second focused on the planners. This evaluation was done to understand how these developmental projects were designed and implemented, and how the projects contributed to enhancing community resilience to reduce social vulnerability among people at risk in two sampled communities in Monze. The two communities had the same weighted magnitude of risk and social vulnerability but different number of agricultural development projects being implemented. From a user perspective, one of the two communities assessed with less project interventions was treated as a control whilst the second with more project interventions was treated as the intervention study area. Thus, the study utilised a mixed design method to undertake field community resilience analysis. It further utilised the sample survey and focused group discussions. The study randomly sampled 74 households to solicit views on their inherent community resilience and how they perceived it to have been increased by agricultural development projects. Views from the community members were collected and analysed using a modified sustainable livelihoods framework. From a planner’s perspective, the projects were analysed using content analysis and personal contacts with some planners, monitoring and evaluation officers including projects officers. Results show three main outcomes. The first outcome is that Keemba Community with seven developmental projects out of twelve being implemented in Monze exhibited less resilience when analysed using the modified sustainable livelihoods model. Nalutanda with three developmental projects exhibited more resilience. The third outcome was that the communities did not attribute their current resilience capacity levels to the effects of the current developmental projects except for hazard early warning awareness. The study expectations were that Keemba should have had more resilience since it had more developmental projects being implemented. In this way the increased and enhanced resilience in Keemba would have been attributed to appropriateness, effectiveness, efficiency, relevancy and sustainability of the many agricultural developmental projects that were being implemented. Since the findings were contrary, the study concluded that the agricultural development projects being implemented were not effective at increasing community resilience in terms of their design, planning and implementation. As such, the projects did not contribute effectively to the reduction of social vulnerability and needed to be redesigned to mainstream disaster risk reduction. The study further discovered that poverty levels were still high in both communities studied despite the interventions. The high poverty levels contributed to the prevailing low resilience and thus to increased social vulnerability in Monze, as well.
Open Access
Assessing non-governmental organizations (NGOS) drought risk management strategies in Gwanda District, Zimbabwe
(University of the Free State, 2014) Bhebe, Babra Ontibile; Jordaan, Andries
Drought represents a major constraint on agricultural production in Zimbabwe. Every year, NGOs intervene in drought affected areas to alleviate hunger and starvation. According to the Zimbabwe VuLnerability Assessment Committee (ZimVAC) (2012) approximately 1 million people (12 per cent of the population) required food assistance at the peak of the 2011/2012 dry season. It is argued that, this number increased in 2013 to 1.6 million - which accounted to nearly one in five rural people in Zimbabwe (ZimVAC, 2012). Drought has had wide ranging effects to communities including; widespread malnutrition, deaths of livestock, loss of income, declining environmental health standards and massive migration. Amongst the factors that worsen drought impact in Zimbabwe are HIV/AIDS, massive dependence on rain fed agriculture and climate change. Past studies have focused on coping strategies adopted by drought distressed communities covering different case studies. Although this has been useful in understanding the survival strategies of communities, researchers have not studied the drought problem and how non- governmental organizations have contributed in mitigating it. This thesis therefore contributes new and unique evidence on the approaches employed by NGOs in mitigating drought in Zimbabwe. The study is specifically based on a case study which was conducted in Masholomoshe village located in Ward 1 of Gwanda rural district. Through the use of both secondary and documented evidence and primary data the study found out that, most NGO drought interventions are short term relief measures and do not focus on preparedness, prevention, or mitigation aspects of drought management. This thesis also reveals the need to promote proactive drought risk reduction strategies and activities to address community vulnerabilities to drought rather than relying solely on emergency response measures. This entails a 'transition from crisis management' to 'drought risk management'. The conclusions from this large and original dataset are placed within the context of the wider academic debates. The need for new, relevant and more diverse samples is emphasized to advance discussions on the effectiveness of NGO strategies in drought risk management in Gwanda.
Open Access
Impact of floods on rural livelihoods of people residing in flood prone areas: the case of Luhonono community in the Zambezi region of Namibia
(University of the Free State, 2015) Mashebe, Mashebe Percy; Jordaan, Andries
This study examined the impact of floods on the livelihoods of the community of the Luhonono area, formerly Schuckmannsburg, in the Kabbe constituency in the Zambezi region of Namibia. The problem identified is the persistent flooding in the Luhonono area, giving rise to the need to examine the impact of floods on the livelihoods of the local community. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative approaches, utilising both descriptive and exploratory designs. The target population for the study was all the heads of hou eholds, community leaders and political counci llors of government in Luhonono area. The study applied both purposive sampling and simple random sampling techn iques. Purposive sampling was used to select three, in formation-rich key info rmants; the area Headman, the Councillor and the Community Development Committee member (CDC). A simple random sampling technique was used to choose a sample of 169 participants from a total of 800 households in the area. Structured questionnaires and an interview guide were used as research instruments to collect the data from the sample. The data collected was computed using the Excel computer program and the data was analysed by both qualitative and quantitative techniques. Chi Square tests were carried out to determine the association of villages and severity of the flooding to the respondents. Hypotheses to test this association were examined using the Chi Square method. It was established that there is no association between the villages and the overall severity of the floods in the Luhonono area. This implies that all the villages were equally affected by the flood. On the other hand, the results of the study showed that floods impacted more severely on one or more of the crops, livestock, water quality, child education, livelihoods and dwellings. The results have shown that crops and child education were the most affected. The study further recommended that the Government of the Republic of Namibia should step up the relocation drives (considering the willingness of the affected people), linked to positive incentives which would be a longterm solution, unlike the temporary provision of utilities during times of flooding.
Open Access
An optimised model for the regulatory management of human-induced health and safety risks associated with hazardous facilities in South Africa
(University of the Free State, 2016-11) Niemand, Alfonso; Jordaan, A. J.; Minnaar, H. F. B.
The society we live in is becoming more complex by the day as a result of a multitude of factors, such as economic development, wars, terrorist attacks, technological innovation and societal demands for wealth creation. Human populations are rapidly growing to extremes, where the sustainable utilisation of natural and man-made resources is stretched to the limit. The regulation of major hazard installations near densely populated areas in South Africa and worldwide has consequently become critical. South African legislation on the health and safety of people in and around hazardous facilities does not cover an exogenous, outward-focused approach by which communities around the hazardous installation are assessed to determine their vulnerability to a major disastrous incident. This legislation is largely based on legislation developed in the United Kingdom under the guidance of their Health and Safety Executive (HSE), and is fragmented and spread across several government departments. An optimised model was developed in this study for the regulatory management of human-induced health and safety risks associated with hazardous facilities in South Africa. The model is based on a systems approach, with three open and interactive domains or spheres where the hazardous facility has an influence: environment, community and the hazardous facility itself. The model further contains the concept of disaster vulnerability, not only as regards the employees at the hazardous facility and the communities around the facility, but also the organisation that houses the hazardous facility. The concepts of the social and economic sustainability of communities at and around the hazardous facility are also introduced in the model, as well as the sustainability of the organisation and business continuity, as critical parts of the regulatory management process. The model has been verified against 21 critical success factors for effective legislation in health and safety, three relevant case studies from South Africa, India and England, the South African disaster regulatory framework as well as 14 local Acts and Regulations relevant to the governance of the health and safety of people.
Open Access
Understanding resilience pathways to climate change in a changing rangeland environment amongst pastoral societies of Afar Region, Ethiopia
(University of the Free State, 2017) Fenta, Muluken Mekuyie; Jordaan, Andries; Melka, Yoseph
Change in climate and climate extremes are increasingly being acknowledged as a vital challenge to pastoral production systems. The resilience of pastoral households to climate-induced shocks depends on the knowledge, skills of households and assets. The present study was conducted in the Southern Afar region in Ethiopia to understand the resilience of pastoralists to climate change and variability in a changing rangeland environment. This study used the Mann-Kendall statistical test, the Sen’s slope estimator test and the Standardised Precipitation Index to analyse the trends of climate change and variability and the annual and seasonal anomalies of rainfall, and assess the severity of droughts in the study area. A household questionnaire survey and focus group discussion were employed to collect primary data at household level. A total of 250 pastoral households were sampled using stratified random sampling. The data obtained were analysed using descriptive statistics, principal component analysis and linear regression, as well as Tobit models. In addition, satellite image analysis and field observation were used to analyse the land-use/land-cover changes in the Southern Afar region. The results indicated a significant declining and increasing trend of Sugum (spring) season and Karma (summer) season rainfall, respectively in the study area. However, significant trend was not observed for long-term annual rainfall. The coefficient of variation of seasonal rainfall ranged from 25.2 to 42.7, indicating the strong variability of rainfall among the seasons. Precipitation Concentration Index values also indicated a strong, irregular distribution of rainfall in the study area which was more irregular in the Gewane than in the Amibara district. Analysis of the Standardised Precipitation Index indicated that the total percentage of dry years (negative anomalies of rainfall) ranged from 53.3% (at Amibara) to 43.3% (at Gewane), implying more drought periods in the Amibara than the Gewane district for the observation periods. However, the percentages of extreme drought years were from 6.7% (at Amibara) to 10% (at Gewane). The research has confirmed a significant increasing trend of monthly, seasonal and annual temperatures for the period 1983–2014. The results also indicated that the mean annual temperature of the Southern Afar has increased by 0.67 °C dec–1which is almost twice the national increase. Due to the unreliability and erratic nature of rainfall and recurrent droughts in the region, pasture and water availability became scarce and livestock assets and productivity reduced to a high degree, the income and asset ownership of households declined and the market price of livestock decreased, while the price of grain food increased. Due to deepening of poverty in the Southern Afar region, the informal safety net/mutual support system was eroded and individualism was increased. Furthermore, the pastoral households pursued different strategies to adapt/cope with climate-induced shocks and stresses. The most important strategies deployed by the local people included mixing livestock–crop farming, mobility, changing herd species composition and herd splitting, reduced consumption, remittance, cash-forwork, charcoal burning and firewood selling and food aid. The indigenous early warning system and mutual support among the extended families, neighbours and community were still significant to enhance the resilience of the pastoral households, though the indigenous early warning system was not integrated into the formal early warning system and the informal safety nets were eroded. The results further indicated that agro-pastoral households were more resilient than pastoral households to climate-induced shock. Furthermore, households in the Gewane district were more resilient than those in the Amibara district. In addition, female-headed households were less resilient than male-headed households. The findings further indicated that irrigation crop farming, livestock ownership, education level, per capita income, mobility and herd splitting, herd composition change, labour, remittance, food aid, access to credit, market and formal early warning information had a significant impact on the resilience of households to climate-induced shocks and stresses. The findings of the household vulnerability analysis indicated that 28.8%, 53.6% and 17.6% of pastoralists were highly vulnerable, moderately vulnerable and less vulnerable, respectively, to climate-induced shocks and stresses. The most important drivers that determine the vulnerability level of households were gender, age and marital status of the household, household size, educational level, extension services, farming experience, early warning information, livestock asset, irrigation farming, non-farm income, livestock mobility, radio ownership, distance to market and veterinary clinic, access to credit and agricultural inputs, the number of sick family members, the number of months with food shortages during the normal season of the year and number of dependents in the household. The results also indicated that substantial loss of grassland cover (64.5%), moderate decline of cultivated land (24%) and a dramatic increment of shrub and bushland cover (114.3%) occurred between 1985 and 2015. Consequently, access to rangeland resources and farmlands for pastoralists was highly restricted, putting the pastoral communities under increasing threat. The identified drivers of land use/cover changes in the order of decreasing influence were the invasion of Prosopis juliflora, climate change, and variability, government intervention, and population growth. If enhancing the resilience of pastoral households is the final aim, the government and other partner organisations should focus more on long-term strategic livelihood interventions than on emergency relief interventions by equipping the local people with the capability to manage and respond to climate-induced shocks and stresses in the early stage of the crisis. Furthermore, the decision makers should develop a policy for controlling P. juliflora and ensuring accessibility of the rangeland to grazing and strengthening of the customary institution for effective management of rangeland resources.
Open Access
The socio-economic coping and adaptation mechanisms employed by African migrant women in South Africa
(University of the Free State, 2017-07) Ncube, Alice; Jordaan, A. J.; Bahta, Y. T.
𝑬𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒉 The main aim of this study was to explore the socio-economic coping and adaptation mechanisms employed by African migrant women in South Africa. The conceptualisation of the social capital theory and its relationship with the six livelihood capitals drawn from the Sustainable Livelihood Framework and elaborated by the Community Capitals Framework formed the basis of the exploration of the multiple variables that African migrant women employed to devise coping and adaptation mechanisms in South Africa. A paralleled mixed method design was utilised in the study whereby both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection were applied. The multiple stage sampling technique was employed for purposively selecting four out of the nine provinces in South Africa, namely Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape. The ballot selection of the metropolitan cities in the provinces, namely Bloemfontein (Free State), Johannesburg, Pretoria and Ekurhuleni (Gauteng), Durban (KwaZulu-Natal) and Cape Town (Western Cape) followed by the random sample selection of 332 African migrant women from 23 sub-Saharan countries. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect both qualitative and quantitative data that was done simultaneously with informal observations and interviews. The data included the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the migrant women which were critical in exploring the coping and adaptation mechanisms they employed in South Africa. The migrant women’s initial and long-term survival mechanisms and the type of networks they had in the country were also explored in order to find out how these impacted on their coping and adaptation mechanisms. The livelihood capitals and the various identified livelihood capital factors were also evaluated, correlated, ranked and scored, using multi-attribute contingent ratings, Kendall’s coefficient of concordance and Pearson’s chi-square test to come up with the socio-economic coping mechanisms employed by the migrant women. The study explored the importance of the pre-migration, transition period and post-migration capacities, capabilities and livelihood capitals and factors possessed by migrant women in the host country. The demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the migrant women played a significant role in the coping and adaptation mechanisms employed by migrant women. The human, social, economic, physical, political and cultural capitals were the broad livelihood capitals of coping and adaptation. Being in the productive age group, possessing marriage, economic power, education potential, strong linguistic capabilities, especially English and local languages, residence statuses, entrepreneurial capabilities, and innovative aptitudes, made migrant women cope and adapt in South Africa. Support systems such as family and humanitarian support enabled the migrant women to cope and adapt on arrival in South Africa, and in the long term they utilised their employability prowess and enterprising abilities to adapt in the country. Strong networks and networking capabilities played a major role in their coping strategies. The utilisation of human, physical, cultural, social, economic and political livelihood capitals facilitated their coping and adaptation in South Africa the host country. The study recommended that the South African government needs to have a clear policy on the receipt, treatment and settlement of international migrants, especially African migrants, as reflected by the migrant women. There should be a clear policy that protects the local labour force from foreigners in order to prevent conflict. The documentation of the international migrants needs to be improved to be able to avoid conflict and reduce illegal migrants that are “perceived” to be also causing societal problems among communities. This could be done by introducing the latest technologies that are efficient, such as the biometric systems of identification. Refugees and asylum seekers need to be given the rights enshrined in the Geneva Conventions and, in turn, they also need to take responsibility that goes with the rights afforded them. The South African education system also needs to be aligned more to entrepreneurial skilling of locals so that they can compete with the migrants who do not rely on the state social security systems. Training, education and awareness campaigns need to be rolled out to grassroots level so that they understand the international migration and the benefits it brings to host countries. The government could clarify policies on businesses ownership, especially small businesses by foreigners to avoid conflict. ___________________________________________________________________
Open Access
Integration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) into disaster management: a case of Kwazulu-Natal Human Settlements in response to October 2017 storm damage
(University of the Free State, 2020) Mabengu, Ncumisa; Booysen, Herman
Geographic Information System (GIS) has been used internationally as the support system to better respond to disasters. Since South Africa is not immune to disasters the intention of the study was to establish whether GIS services are integrated into disaster management in KwaZulu-Natal Department of Human Settlements (KZN DHS) focusing on response to the October 2017 storm disaster experienced by the province. As the basis of the discussions in the study literature review was used to contextualise the study and to identify trends in the integration of GIS into disaster responses. A combination of both quantitative and qualitative research methods was considered for data collection and analysis. The results were presented in a tabular and graphical format to display the frequency of responses. The study revealed the existence of Disaster Management and GIS units in KZN DHS but limited interaction amongst the officials. More participants supported the notion of integration of GIS into disaster management in general in order to respond efficiently to disasters.
Open Access
Re-blocking informal settlements: investigating the hazard and risk reduction strategy for Langaville, City of Ekurhuleni, South Africa
(University of the Free State, 2020) Tsebe, Esther Shadi Morakane; Ncube, Alice
The aim of the study was to investigate re-blocking Langaville Informal Settlement in the City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. The study affirms that re-blocking improved the lives of community members in informal settlements in such a manner as to optimally use space to promote the health, safety and well-being of households, with particular focus on promoting accelerated service delivery to informal settlements in the City of Ekurhuleni Gauteng Province of South Africa. Core of the investigation was hazard and risk reduction strategy. To meet the objectives of the study both qualitative and quantitative research approach underpinned by the theory of risk reduction was used. The study employed a research questionnaire that was used to collect data from randomly selected community participants and a focus group discussion, of which the participants were employees at management level in the City of Ekurhuleni and were identified from service delivery departments. Primary sources of data were obtained from both community participants and managers in service delivery departments. A document review of government documents, legislation and observation was used as secondary data sources. The researcher analysed data based on the findings of the questionnaire dealing with qualitative and quantitative (using SPSS program) study of Langaville Extension 1 from 230 community members and the second part was based on the results of focus group discussion that was conducted with the project team responsible for Re-blocking in Ekurhuleni municipality to arrive at a conclusion and recommendation, The study concluded that re-blocking did indeed reduce risks within the communities in Langaville informal settlement in the City of Ekurhuleni. It further purported that service delivery water, sanitation, electrification, waste collection and other public space improved in Langaville because of re-blocking. The study indicated that the community of Langaville Informal Settlement was happy with the improvements made through re-blocking. It also showed that service delivery improved DRR through re-blocking. The advantages of re-blocking were that Informal settlements residents would have improved access to basic services (water, sanitation, electrification, waste collection and other public space improvements) in line with available resources; improved partnership with settlement communities who actively participate in the planning and implementation of projects aimed at making the settlements livable and a safer integrated public realm. Challenges in the communities were also addressed through reblocking i.e., reduced fire incidents and budgetary constraints are addressed through staggering the program. The community of Langaville ext. 1 Informal Settlement was happy with the improvements made through re-blocking and they still felt that the government should assist in building the houses. It is recommended that the existing re-blocking forum be strengthened to enable managers to coordinate all re-blocking interventions and to follow up progress in informal settlements. Regular reporting and control are of utmost importance in ensuring sufficient resources are in place.
Open Access
Assessing the resilience of female smallholder farmers to drought: a case study of Frances Baard District, South Africa
(University of the Free State, 2021) Sigenu, Mendi; Kunguma, Olivia
The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of drought hazards on smallholder female farmers of Frances Baard District Municipality district and to assess their coping, adaptation, and resilience to droughts as compared to smallholder male farmers in the rural communities. The study also sought to assess the vulnerability of smallholder female farmers regarding drought hazards in Frances Baard District Municipality. In addition, the study sought to investigate drought resiliency of smallholder male farmers as compared to smallholder female farmers. Furthermore, the study investigated drought coping and adaptation mechanisms of smallholder female farmers use as compared to the male farmers. Lastly, the research assessed the communication strategies employed by male and female smallholder farmers to foster drought resilience. This paved way for the provision of recommendations to address drought challenges for smallholder female farmers. The Harvard Framework guided this study for gender analysis; it was applicable and relevant in a variety of ways for this research. The study adopted a qualitative single case study. It also applied an interpretivist philosophy to understand how female smallholder farmers are affected by drought, and to what extent are they resilient compared to their male counterparts. The study adopted a qualitative research approach. Primary data was collected using a Focus Group Discussion Interview Guide. This research followed Terre Blanche, Durrheim, and Kelly’s (2006) guidelines for data analysis. The study found that drought has various economic, environmental, and social consequences in Dikgatlong, Sol Plaatje, Magareng, and Phokwane farming communities. Even though the study sought to investigate the resilience of female smallholder farmers to drought, it concluded that both male and female smallholder farmers are vulnerable to drought. The study also found that both smallholder male and female farmers are resilient, but male farmers are more resilient since they have access to and control farming resources and agricultural benefits. This study concluded that both smallholder farmers preserve agricultural income for future use, as well as harvest and keep livestock for future use. The study recommends the preservation of biodiversity, open space, and trees, and reduction of land degradation, diversification of crop varieties, crop insurance, and maintenance of soil health and continued use of communication strategies. Further research may cover other antecedents of the resilience of female smallholder farms to drought.
Open Access
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.
Open Access
COVID-19 disaster response: South African disaster managers’ faith in mandating legislation tested?
(AOSIS, 2021) Kunguma, Olivia; Ncube, Alice; Mokhele, Mosekama O.
For the first time in the history of the Disaster Management Act, 57 of 2002, South Africa declared COVID-19 an epidemiological disaster. Section 3 and 27(1) of this Act activated the responsible Minister in consultation with other Ministers to issue regulations in response to the disaster. The declaration exposed the already criticised Act to scrutiny by the public. Therefore, this study investigated the Metropolitan Disaster Management Centres that coordinate local events and support the provincial and national disaster management centres, their perceptions concerning the disaster management legislation that mandates them. The study recognised a gap in this regard and saw it imperative to give the disaster managers a voice and a platform to express their opinion concerning the heavily criticised legislation. A model of the policy implementation process guided the study investigation. This model argues that implementation of policies tends to generate tensions, which result in a disruption of the policy formulators’ expectations. The research uses some of the model’s variables to measure the perceptions of disaster managers. Using an interview guide, the researchers conducted virtual interviews with the disaster managers. Scholarly and media articles review concerning the Act formed part of the data collection. The study finds that the disaster managers perceive the disaster management legislation as a very useful guide, an excellent piece of legislation and trust it regardless of the criticism it received. The gaps the critics identified in the legislation became evident and had negative effects on the COVID-19 disaster response.
Open Access
COVID-19 home remedies and myths becoming a hazardous health infodemic?
(AOSIS, 2021) Kunguma, Olivia
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) brought on several social, economic, political, and environmental challenges. What was mostly questioned was the efficacy of the Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002 (As Amended 16 of 2015) (DMA), which was used to declare COVID-19 a disaster. The concern was whether the DMA is able to deal with pandemics when its focus is mostly on climate-related disasters. Most public health emergencies experience the spread of overwhelming information, some of which may be true and others may be false information. This article discusses the home remedies and myths related to COVID-19, that could impede pandemic response efforts. Subsequently, this study raises a question regarding the effectiveness of DMA to deal with such types of compounding risks. In doing so, this research is exploratory where the DMA and the media articles on COVID-19 home remedies and myths are systematically reviewed. Coronavirus disease 2019 home remedies and myths were found to be hazardous and the DMA was found unprepared to deal with such types of compounding risks. ‘Infodemic management’ needs to be considered in the DMA in order to prepare for effective disaster response.
Open Access
Quantifying the nutritional and income loss caused by crop raiding in a rural African subsistence farming community in South Africa
(AOSIS, 2021) Raphela, Tlou D.; Pillay, Neville
Globally, crop damage by wildlife contributes to food insecurity through the direct loss of food and income. We investigated the calories lost and the potential economic impact of crop raiding at subsistence homesteads abutting the Hluhluwe Game Reserve, and assessed mitigation measures to combat crop raiding. We quantified the seasonal loss of calories (kJ/g) of four common crops, namely, beetroot, common bean, maize, and spinach, and determined the seasonal potential income loss. We used a stratified sampling approach to sample the homesteads. We found that season, crop type and the interaction between season and crop type predicted relative calorie loss and potential income loss, with the highest income loss recorded for spinach in the dry season. Significant differences were found for the potential income loss for all crop types in the wet season, and for the interaction between the crop types (maize, spinach) and the wet season. Farm slope was also a significant predictor of the relative calorie loss. Crop raiding animals, crops raided and distance of farms from the reserve all had a significant effect on the choice of mitigation measures of farmers. The highest relative calorie loss was for maize during the dry season, which could affect the subsistence farmers by reducing their daily calorie intake. This has an impact on their food security, especially during the dry season. Moreover, the most preferred mitigation measure used by farmers can have opportunity costs. These results have important implications for food security policies and practices.
Open Access
Investigating the prevention and mitigatory role of risk communication in the COVID-19 pandemic: a case study of Bloemfontein, South Africa
(AOSIS, 2021) Kunguma, Olivia; Mokhele, Mosekama O.; Coetzee, Mercia
The South African disaster response activities surpass risk reduction since the implementation of the Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002 (DMA) and the National Disaster Management Framework of 2005 (NDMF). Risk reduction, in particular risk communication, remained unexploited until the occurrence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The legislation and policy mandate a proactive approach for disaster management, requiring a focus on disaster risk reduction. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the significance of risk communication as a critical prevention and mitigatory strategy in disaster risk management, focusing on the COVID-19 pandemic. Key to risk communication success is ensuring adequate comprehension, accurate perception of the disseminated information, and compliance with regulations. Questions of trustworthiness, acceptability, effectiveness, and usefulness of messages and strategies communicated sought answers from the Bloemfontein population. Furthermore, the Agenda-setting Theory provided the grounding for the study. The study sample was picked in a stratified random sampling manner, using the confidence level and margin of error equation. A questionnaire survey was used to collect the data required to achieve the research objectives. Risk communication as a disaster risk reduction strategy implemented concurrently with imposed regulations was found to have played a vital role in mitigating the virus spread. However, the respondents were not aware of the local disaster management centre, which is supposed to be engaged in COVID-19 disaster management activities.
Open Access
Assessing emergency response mechanisms to informal settlement fires in Cape Town
(University of the Free State, 2021) Pienaar, Jonathan Cecil Victor; Ncube, Alice
Open Access
Assessing the possible effects of revitalisation of the Bisho Central Business District (CBD) on fire response: case study Bisho CBD in Eastern Cape
(University of the Free State, 2021) Daniso, Nqatyiswa; De Wet, Linda
Bisho Central Business District (CBD) was revitalised in 2016 and is now neat and presentable. However, the refurbishment is a dangerous ticking time bomb caused by the blocking of fire hydrants, narrowing of streets and inaccessibility of high-rise building by fire engines. The study aimed at assessing the probable effects of revitalisation of Bisho CBD on Fire Response, in the quest to ascertain the best methods to diminish the consequences of fire adversity risks of the high-rise building in Bisho CBD and appraising the effect of Bisho CBD revitalisation that lead to narrowing the access roads in Bisho CBD, in Eastern Cape. Structures encompass numerous primary and secondary foundations that add to fire perils; and in the occurrence of a fire adversity the building could be partially or completely destroyed. Quick responses and effective execution of fire-fighters save peoples’ lives, reduce the number of injuries and minimize property damages and therefore this is an essential part of their work. Non-probability method using purposive sampling was employed in the selection of eighty four (84) partakers from BCMM Fire Stations. The study acknowledged the mixed method approach, and the data was gathered through questionnaires and documents. One hundred and twenty questionnaires were distributed to the potential partakers with eighty four completed questionnaires returned. Data was analysed using MS Excel. Data from the questionnaires was shown in a quantitative as well as narrative manner and presented clearly in order to conclude the impact evaluated on emergency response in Bisho CBD revitalisation and also ascertain the mitigation measures of the calamity perils caused by fires in a study area. The findings will assist in developing the recommendations of the study.
Metadata only
The prevalence of trauma symptoms and coping used in a disaster-affected community in Johannesburg, South Africa
(University of the Free State, 2021) Parkins, Colleen Ann; Raphela, Tlou; Du Plessis, Edwin
Worldwide, the prevalence of trauma symptoms and coping mechanisms used in a disaster-affected community have received little attention, especially in developing countries. This study, therefore, assessed the prevalence of trauma symptoms and coping mechanisms in the Setswetla informal settlement located within the flood line of the Jukskei River in the Alexandra township, in the city of Johannesburg, South Africa. The area is subject to disasters such as floods and shack fires. This study used the Harvard trauma questionnaire to assess the prevalence of trauma symptoms in Setswetla, and the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced, known as the brief COPE questionnaire, to determine the coping mechanisms used in the community. The results of the study indicate that 86% of the respondents have experienced or witnessed a disaster, and there is evidence of trauma symptoms among them. Whether the respondent has witnessed a disaster, as well as their income and employment status, relates to the prevalence of trauma symptoms. The Brief COPE questionnaire indicates that respondents exhibiting symptoms of trauma use coping mechanisms. A questionnaire on the experience of the Setswetla community of the Covid-19 pandemic indicates difficulty with complying with the regulations meant to stop the spread of the virus, as overcrowding and shared facilities make social distancing difficult. Loss of livelihoods from the lockdown regulations and the pandemic is also a concern. While the scope of the dissertation does not include addressing poverty and the systemic failure of the mental health system at a national level, recommendations are made for managing trauma and stress at the community level. It is recommended that disaster management first responders, as well as community leaders and community disaster management volunteers, be trained in Psychological First Aid to render initial assistance in the event of a disaster or other traumatic event. It is also recommended that wellness and stress management programmes be introduced in the community to assist residents with alleviating symptoms of stress and trauma and starting conversations around mental health to address the stigma that is still prevalent around such issues. Addressing and preventing symptoms of trauma could lead to improved functioning in Setswetla on an individual and community level.
Open Access
Spirituality and its contribution to increasing psychological resilience and decreasing burnout amongst first responders in the City of Johannesburg
(University of the Free State, 2021-04) Williams, Rebecca Jane; Du Plessis, Edwin
First responders around the world suffer from high levels of burnout and other psychological symptoms related to their exposure to traumatic events. Psychological resilience is an important factor in mitigating the effects of this exposure, whereas the effects of spirituality/religiosity have not been clearly determined. The primary aim of this study was to determine the levels of work-related burnout and psychological resilience among first responders working in the City of Johannesburg. Furthermore, this study aimed to determine the levels of religiosity and spirituality in this population and their correlation with psychological resilience and work-related burnout. A non-experimental, cross-sectional, and criterion-group design was used. Firefighters, emergency medical technicians and disaster managers employed by the City of Johannesburg were identified using purposive sampling, eventually constituting a sample of 111 participants. The Copenhagen Burnout Inventory, the Brief Resilience Scale, the Duke University Religion scale and a biographical questionnaire were used to gather information from the participants. Stepwise regression analysis was done to determine the association between burnout, resilience and religiosity/spirituality. Results from the study showed that first responders had high levels of burnout and were not always able to access the help they required. Having attended stress management training correlated with higher resilience and lower burnout scores. For the sub-group of firefighters, higher levels of spirituality correlated with both increased resilience and lower burnout scores. Based on these findings, recommendations were made for increased mental health awareness, training and access to support structures for first responders.
Metadata only
Dissemination of disaster early warning messages for floods in Vosloorus Township
(University of the Free State, 2021-10) Ekeke, Nompumelelo Sibongile; Raphela, Tlou
The implementation of early warning systems by municipalities affects how communities cope with disasters such as floods. Although the technical aspects of the collection of weather and climate data have improved over the years, the dissemination of effective early warning messages to semi-urban communities remains a challenge. The main aim of this study was to investigate how the City of Ekurhuleni disseminated early warning messages to the community of Vosloorus Township during the 2019 floods from the perspective of the community. Most of the respondents stated that they did not receive early warning alerts from the municipality pertaining to these floods. Furthermore, the community’s perception is that the mechanisms used by the City of Ekurhuleni to dissemine early warning messages are not effective enough to enable community members to save lives and their properties from impending disasters. The objective of this study also included investigation of the methods and procedures used by the city to communicate early warning messages to the community of Vosloorus Township. An investigation was undertaken of disaster management policies and strategies that underpin the communication of disaster information to communities in informal settlements within Vosloorus Township. In addition, coping mechanisms implemented by the affected communities to lessen the impacts of floods were also assessed in this study. Begg, De Ramon & Lese (2021) argue that government entities must pay attention to both climatic and non-climatic information when building resilience against disaster impacts within communities. This study was conducted using mixed methods. Mixed method is defined as the implementation of two methods used to investigate a singular phenomena in a study.(Abro et al., 2015). This study used both qualitative and quantitative research methods to analyse data but also deal with the social components of early warning systems in the City of Ekurhuleni. The results of the study showed that the community of Vosloorus Township preferred the formation of community flood management committees as a measure to mitigate challenges relating to the dissemination of effective early warning messages to the community. The City of Ekurhuleni should consider implementing some improvements in the existing early warning systems to bridge the gap between the collection of weather data and ensuring that the disseminated disaster alerts reach the targeted communities.

Browse

Browsing Disaster Management Training and Education Centre for Africa (DiMTEC) by Issue Date

Results Per Page

Sort Options