An investigation into the disaster risk reduction (DRR) efforts in Gutu District (Zimbabwe): a focus on drought early warning systems

[摘要] The dynamic nature of vulnerability coupled with increasing volatility of climatic andenvironmental conditions, characterised by more frequent and extreme hazards, disastermanagement practitioners, decision makers and communities, especially those at risk, needto 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 inMasvingo Province of Zimbabwe, which is the study area of this thesis, has in recent timesexperienced more frequent droughts and floods.This research aimed to determine the Disaster Risk Reduction activities, particularly EarlyWarning, existing and being implemented in Gutu District. From the findings, the researchthen 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. Thisinvolved use of Participatory Rural Appraisal techniques such as Focus Group Discussions,In-depth interviews and simple observations. These techniques enabled the researcher toget insightful explanations into the prevailing situation, trends, processes and decisions thatoccur within the context of the study. The various data collection methods and multiplerespondents enabled triangulation of the findings.Merging the literature review and field research with the thesis proposition that more ORRefforts, especially EW, can significantly reduce disaster risk and impacts, it was found thatthere are ORR and EW established and ongoing activities in Gutu. However, these are notadequate and more ORR initiatives, including EWs are, needed to significantly reduce thevulnerability of the communities to hazards. The study established that the drought hazardremains the biggest hazard threatening the lives and livelihoods of the Gutu community.Other notable hazards include the HIVand AIDS pandemic, flooding which sometimesalternate with drought, diarrhoeal and water-borne diseases, crop and livestock diseases andenvironmental degradation.There are also marked challenges in the quest to reduce community vulnerability. Theseneed to be addressed while, at the same time, ORR efforts can be scaled up. EWs are oneof the key ORR strategies the community felt could be effectively and efficiently utilised in thedistrict. In line with this, the study offers recommendations for ORR and Early Warnings forpolicy and practice as well as future research.

[发布机构] University of the Free State