Analysing community-based disaster risk reduction and management strategies in Ward 27 of Masvingo District

Abstract

The research sought to analyse the community disaster risk management for ward 27 in Masvingo District. Literature was reviewed from studies and researched done in Zimbabwe and other countries that have similar environmental and climatic conditions. Empirical studies show a mismatch between local disaster management systems and top-down approaches especially when cost implications are factored. Set in a rural community of Masvingo District in the southern part, Ward 27 also called Dikondo has a population of about 2 809 from 617 households based on the 2022 Zimbabwe National Population and Housing Census. A mixed methods approach was used to conduct the study framed around a pragmatist research paradigm. A sample size of 230 was selected for the individual survey using a multistage random sampling approach to select the households. A purposive sample of ten key informants was selected for in-depth interviews. In addition, a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was done from twenty-four respondents who were purposively selected. Data was analysed quantitatively using SPSS and qualitatively according to emerging themes. In terms of results, the mean age of the household head was 44 years with a standard deviation of 15.2 years. The results further show that drought is the most frequent and common hazard (57.8%). In terms of frequency of occurrence of the identified hazard, most respondents stated that the hazards they identified as frequent were unpredictable 87.8% (202). Strategies employed for reducing impacts of drought were found to be livelihood diversification, water harvesting, food for work programmes, community grain storage systems, and conservation farming. In terms of other disaster risk reduction strategies, the findings revealed that common measures were tree planting (79.6%), with construction of drains and early warnings systems having 76.2% (167) and 51.7% (119) respectively. On effectiveness, about 81% (186) of the respondents allude to the fact that the methods work to a greater extent whilst 12.6% (29) claimed that the methods work to a lesser extent. The study findings also show that although disaster risk reduction initiatives in Ward 27 contribute to limiting the immediate impacts of disasters, they are inadequate for fostering long-term resilience. The study recommends the decentralisation of resources, stronger incorporation of Indigenous Knowledge Systems, and a strategic focus on livelihood-centred resilience building to enhance the effectiveness of disaster risk reduction and management in rural wards of Zimbabwe