From Reaction to Pro-action in Zimbabwe: The Bulalima – Mangwe Districts Drought Coping and Reduction Experience1

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 From Reaction to Pro-action in Zimbabwe: The Bulalima – Mangwe Districts Drought Coping and Reduction Experience1

Journal Title: Academic Research International - Year 2015, Vol 6, Issue 4

Abstract

 Disaster risk reduction as a strategy is increasingly gaining prominence in development discourse within the context of a paradigm shift from post-disaster relief and reconstruction to pre-disaster prevention and preparedness. In the SADC region particularly in Zimbabwe, drought has always had a devastating impact on people’s livelihoods and hence it is no surprise that although many studies have been carried out on drought coping strategies and not much has been done to understand drought risk reduction strategies. Thus there is what can be perceived as a time lag in disaster related paradigm shifts in Zimbabwe. Thus this study aimed to enrich the drought risk reduction data base. It analyses drought coping and risk reduction strategies in communal and resettlement areas of Mangwe District in South West Zimbabwe. The study area was selected on the basis of its exposure to drought and hence its ability in meeting donor funding criteria. Using a range of methods and tools such as the Khanya Sustainable Livelihoods Framework, focus group discussions, individual interviews, household questionnaires and observations, a rich body of data on the history, occurrences and impact of droughts on livelihoods, drought coping and risk reduction strategies was accrued. The data does not only help explain what people know and do, but how and why decisions to respond to droughts are made. It establishes the basis upon which coping and risk reduction strategies were undertaken

Authors and Affiliations

Wilfred Lunga, Charles Musarurwa

Keywords

EP ID EP106814
DOI -
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