An investigation into the disaster risk reduction (DRR) efforts in Gutu District (Zimbabwe): a focus on drought early warning systems
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Date
2010
Authors
Shamano, Nicholas
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Free State
Abstract
The dynamic nature of vulnerability coupled with increasing volatility of climatic and
environmental conditions, characterised by more frequent and extreme hazards, disaster
management practitioners, decision makers and communities, especially those at risk, need
to take action to protect vulnerable people and environments (UN/ISDR, 2002; 2006a;
2006b).
In recent years, poor communities have had to bear .the brunt of the hazards. Gutu district in
Masvingo Province of Zimbabwe, which is the study area of this thesis, has in recent times
experienced more frequent droughts and floods.
This research aimed to determine the Disaster Risk Reduction activities, particularly Early
Warning, existing and being implemented in Gutu District. From the findings, the research
then ascertained if the utilisation of more and varied EW can improve ORR efforts in Gutu.
The research focused on a rural and inherently drought-prone district.
In addition to review of existing literature, the research also collected primary data. This
involved use of Participatory Rural Appraisal techniques such as Focus Group Discussions,
In-depth interviews and simple observations. These techniques enabled the researcher to
get insightful explanations into the prevailing situation, trends, processes and decisions that
occur within the context of the study. The various data collection methods and multiple
respondents enabled triangulation of the findings.
Merging the literature review and field research with the thesis proposition that more ORR
efforts, especially EW, can significantly reduce disaster risk and impacts, it was found that
there are ORR and EW established and ongoing activities in Gutu. However, these are not
adequate and more ORR initiatives, including EWs are, needed to significantly reduce the
vulnerability of the communities to hazards. The study established that the drought hazard
remains the biggest hazard threatening the lives and livelihoods of the Gutu community.
Other notable hazards include the HIVand AIDS pandemic, flooding which sometimes
alternate with drought, diarrhoeal and water-borne diseases, crop and livestock diseases and
environmental degradation.
There are also marked challenges in the quest to reduce community vulnerability. These
need to be addressed while, at the same time, ORR efforts can be scaled up. EWs are one
of the key ORR strategies the community felt could be effectively and efficiently utilised in the
district. In line with this, the study offers recommendations for ORR and Early Warnings for
policy and practice as well as future research.
Description
Keywords
Droughts -- Zimbabwe, Climate change, Disaster risk reduction, Drought and floods, Disaster management, Dissertation (M.Disaster Management (Disaster Management Training and Education Centre for Africa))--University of the Free State, 2010