Disaster Management Training and Education Centre for Africa (DiMTEC)

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Open Access
A South African disaster legislative perspective of information management and communication systems
(AOSIS Publishing, 2022) Kunguma, Olivia
𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱: Establishing a disaster information management and communication system (IMCS) is a mandate of the South African National Disaster Management Framework of 2005 (NDMF). The inception of such systems is supposed to be at the initial set-up of disaster management centres. The comprehensive functioning of a disaster centre will require an interoperable system that can collect, process, store and disseminate data. The lack of such a system might result in poor disaster risk reduction (DRR) and ineffective response. 𝗢𝗯𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲: This article identified and described IMCSs from the South African disaster policy perspective. 𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗱𝘀: Qualitative in-depth interviews were used to investigate the status quo of all nine provincial disaster management centres (PDMCs) regarding the existence, functioning and understanding of IMCSs. The NDMF informed the interview questions administered to 29 purposively selected participants. Themes from descriptions by informants were used to analyse the data. 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀: All the centres operating for more than 10 years lack integrated IMCSs. The disaster managers perceive IMCSs as more information technology, computers and other physical devices and less human input systems and governance capabilities. The lack of integrated and well-governed disaster information and communication affects disaster management operations and service delivery mandate. 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻: To date, no studies have explored the establishment and management of interoperable IMCSs in disaster management centres. Therefore, this study contributes to the literature on disaster information and communication discourse and practical contributions to improve the capacity of PDMCs. This article provides insight into the significance of IMCS for building resilient communities and recommendations for establishing and maintaining the systems.
Open Access
Adaptation to climate change and impact on smallholder farmers' food security in South Africa
(MDPI, 2022) Ogundeji, Abiodun A.
If not adequately managed, climate change is predicted to have a large negative impact on smallholder subsistence farmers, posing a significant danger to household food security. However, the role of adaptive techniques used by farming households to reduce these negative effects and, as a result, their food insecurity status has not been sufficiently evaluated. This study explores the factors that influence smallholder farmers’ adoption of climate change adaptation measures, as well as their impact on household food security. Using an endogenous treatment-effect ordered probit model, agricultural households’ food security status is likely to significantly improve when they employ measures to adapt to adverse climatic conditions. The empirical findings also show that the gender makeup of the household, age, tropical livestock unit, and access to climatic information improve the likelihood of smallholder farmers adopting climate change adaptation measures. Based on the findings, this study advocates that governments and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) support smallholder farmers’ Indigenous adaptation options with various institutional, regulatory, and technological assistance, with a particular emphasis on female-headed households.
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
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
Analysis of the perceptions of flood and effect of adoption of adaptation strategies on income of informal settlements of Mamelodi in South Africa
(Elsevier, 2024) Nyam, Y.S.; Modiba, N.T.S.; Ojo, T.O.; Ogundeji, A.A.; Okolie, C.C.; Selelo, O.T.
Extreme weather events are being experienced all over the world because of climate change, posing challenges for individuals and households who rely on agricultural operations as their major source of livelihood. Household-level adaptation is an efficient way of dealing with global climate change. As such, this study aims to examine the perception of informal settlers to flood risk and their adoption of adaptation strategies to flood. This study applied the seemingly unrelated regression (SUR) to identify factors influencing the perception of flooding on community members and probit regression to identify the factors influencing the adoption of adaptation strategies to floods and examined the impact of the adoption of adaptation strategies on income in Eerste Fabriek informal settlement in Mamelodi using two-step quasi-maximum likelihood estimates of fractional response model. Our results show that community members are perceptive of floods and their impact on the environment and their livelihoods, and on average, they believe flood impact is significant. Age, marital status, education, employment status, income, and household size are demographic factors that tend to influence their perception of the impact of flood events. Access to institutional facilities such as health and recreational facilities was also a significant factor in how community members adapt to the impact of floods. Timely healthcare access services are a significant precursor for people to form their perception, which is intended to help them adapt appropriately to situations as health is wealth. Community members' perceptions and adaptive capacity can be improved through policies that foster the adoption of effective adaptation strategies. Community-based adaptation strategies are necessary for involving all stakeholders and necessary for mitigating the effects of flooding.
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 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
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.
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
Assessment of fire safety management for special needs schools in South Africa
(MDPI, 2024) Raphela, Tlou D.; Ndaba, Ndivhuwo
The safety and well-being of learners with special educational needs in South Africa remain a paramount concern, significantly impacting their constitutional rights and dignity. Despite legislative commitments aimed at fostering inclusive education, a pervasive absence of adequate fire safety measures in special needs schools (SNSs) in South Africa has persisted, leading to the vulnerability of these learners. Tragic incidents, such as fatal fires in these schools, as reported in the literature, underscore the urgent need for immediate intervention to ensure the safety and security of these learners, especially with regards to fire hazards. This study, conducted within the Northwest Province of South Africa, assessed the state of fire safety management in SNSs by applying a series of chi-squared (χ²) tests of independence for categorical variables, descriptive statistics, and regression analysis using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS), Version 20 and found that limited access to power is the potential root cause of fires in these schools; also, the limited amount of fire safety initiatives was a problem. In addition, the ordinal regression showed a statistically significant relationship when the question of to what extent the learners in the sampled schools are involved in fire safety programs was regressed with the questions of whether management and stakeholders were involved in fire safety programs and also on taking part in the physical fire safety programs (χ² = 47.412; df = 2; p < 0.001; R² = 70.5%). Furthermore, fire safety management was not sufficiently implemented in the sampled schools and the safety legislations of the country were not implemented accordingly when it came to fire safety. This study identified root causes of fire risks, gauged stakeholders’ awareness and involvement in fire safety management, and advocated for more stringent safety policies and practices within the SNS based on the above findings.
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
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.
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.
Open Access
Effects of the density of invasive Lantana camera plants on the biodiversity of large and small mammals in the Groenkloof Nature Reserve (GNR) in South Africa
(MDPI, 2023) Raphela, Tlou D.; Duffy, Kevin J.
Multi-scale approaches have been used to determine scales at which mammal species are responding to habitat destruction due to invasion, but the impacts of weeds on mammals have not been extensively studied, especially in Africa. Inside the Groenkloof Nature Reserve (GNR), we assessed how mammals are affected by an invasive weed Lantana camara. A series of models were applied to determine the differences in species abundance as well as richness, separated for large and small mammals. When diversity indices were used, an Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) revealed no statistically significant difference between treatments (F5 = 0.233, p = 0.945) for large mammals. The results of a Generalised Linear Mixed Model (GLMM) showed that vegetation type (Wald χ22 = 120.156; p < 0.01) and foraging guilds (Wald χ23 = 76.771; p < 0.01) were significant predictors of large mammal species richness. However, for small mammals, the results of a GLMM showed that only treatment type (Wald χ25 = 10.62; p = 0.050) was a significant predictor of the number of small mammals trapped. In addition, the ANOVA revealed statistically significant differences in species diversity between treatments (F5 = 0.934; p < 0.001) and by season (F1 = 9.122 p = 0.003) for small mammals. The presence of L. camara coupled with other predictors was associated with differences in large mammal abundances and diversity, and differences in how these large mammals were distributed across the landscape. Furthermore, the highest species diversity was found in the spring for small mammals. Therefore, for all the mammals studied, the presence of L. camara negatively affected species abundance, richness, and diversity, as well as how these species were distributed across the invaded and cleared areas.
Open Access
Enhancing household welfare through perennial crop production in Northern Ghana
(MDPI, 2023) Danso-Abbeam, Gideon; Amin, Khama Mohammed; Ogundeji, Abiodun A.
As Ghana seeks to diversify its agricultural export commodity trade away from its over-reliance on cocoa, empirical evidence is critical to inform policy direction on the implementation of programs to promote such an agenda. The objective of the study was to determine whether farmers who cultivate perennial crops as their primary source of livelihood have better welfare gains than farmers who cultivate perennial crops. The study used cross-sectional data collected from 386 farming households in the northern region of Ghana. The propensity score-matching technique augmented with a control function estimator was employed in order to account for self-selection biases in household characteristics that could invalidate the quality and magnitude of the estimates. Factors identified to positively and significantly influence households’ decision to cultivate perennial crops include number of male adults in a household, farm size, membership of farmer groups, value of agricultural credit, and distance from homestead to the farm. The empirical evidence further indicated that farmers who grow perennial crops have higher welfare gains in terms of consumption expenditure per capita, household income per capita, and farm income per hectare than farmers who grow annual crops as their primary source of income. On the other hand, annual crop farmers have a wider spread of income (income diversification) than perennial crop farmers. Sensitizing farming households to engage in perennial crop production, at the very least, as an alternative source of livelihood, will aid in the fight against poverty and food insecurity, as well as improve Ghana’s macroeconomic balances through agricultural export revenue.
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
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
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
Livelihood vulnerability to the changing climate: the experiences of smallholder farming households in the Free State Province, South Africa
(Elsevier, 2023) Okolie, Collins C.; Danso-Abbeam, Gideon; Ogundeji, Abiodun A.
As a result of climatically regulated water sources, smallholder farming households in South Africa are severely impacted by climate change. Using the Livelihood Vulnerability Index, we assessed the vulnerability of smallholder farming households to climate change in Thaba Nchu, Mangaung District of the Free State Province of South Africa. Primary data from 301 smallholder farming households were collected and augmented with secondary data on temperature and rainfall from 2010 to 2020. The study found that farming households in Central Thaba Nchu are more vulnerable than those in North and South Thaba Nchu in terms of adaptive capacity: social network, livelihoods strategies, and socio-demographic structure. The Central Thaba Nchu were likewise more vulnerable to water resources than the Northern and Southern Thaba Nchu. However, Northern Thaba Nchu is more exposed and sensitive to health-related difficulties than Central and Southern Thaba Nchu. The study recommends that non-government and government institutions in the province should employ a pragmatic method to evaluate vulnerability using climate service information while prioritizing vulnerable households for adaptation support to improve adaptive capacity and resilience. The findings also imply that weather forecasters, in partnership with agricultural extension agents, must provide farmers with timely and adequate climate information reports to prepare them for climatic shocks. Moreover, it is important to deliver climate service information that is genuine, significant, and reliable.

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