The impact of Zimbabwe’s drought policy on Sontala rural community in Matabeleland South province
Date
2008-12
Authors
Dube, Carolina
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
The climate of southern Africa varies greatly spatially and temporally. Tyson‟s (1987)
examination of long-term rainfall records has shown an 18-year cyclical pattern of wet
spells alternating with dry spells. Recurrent droughts are thus a feature of southern
Africa‟s climate. Although climate change resulting from global warming could intensify
future droughts, current predictions of regional climate change are unreliable.
This study evaluates the nature, adequacy and effectiveness of Zimbabwe‟s drought policy
in reducing the vulnerability of rural communities to the impact of drought. The objectives
of the study are to explore the different meanings of the concept of drought; to explain the
relevant concepts and frameworks of the hazard assessment and management discipline; to
describe the current status of disaster management in general and drought in particular; to
identify the mechanisms used by small-scale farmers in Sontala ward for coping with
drought; and to evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of Zimbabwe‟s drought policy in
reducing the vulnerability of rural communities to drought impacts. A qualitative approach
was used which involved analysis of government documents and academic literature.
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with government officials at provincial level
and small-scale farmers at ward level in Matabeleland South province. The data collection
exercise was, however, constrained by the current political instability in the country.
The study established that the Civil Protection Act No 10:06 of 1989, complemented by
relevant sections of other laws, provides a legal framework for disaster management. The
Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and Urban Development has a coordinating
role. Coordinating committees at national, provincial and district level formulate disasterresponse
plans to be activated when a disaster occurs. The Civil Protection System uses
existing government, private and non-governmental organizations whose regular activities
contain elements of disaster risk prevention and community development. The enactment
of the Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Management Act will remove some of the
shortcomings of the Civil Protection System.
Description
Thesis (MSc (Geography and Environmental Studies))--Stellenbosch University, 2008.
Keywords
Disaster management, Drought, Drought policy, Zimbabwe, Coping mechanisms, Dissertations -- Geography and environmental studies, Theses -- Geography and environmental studies, Droughts -- Zimbabwe -- Matabeleland South Province, Droughts -- Government policy -- Zimbabwe -- Matabeleland South Province, Drought relief -- Government policy -- Zimbabwe -- Matabeleland South Province, Disaster relief -- Government policy -- Zimbabwe -- Matabeleland South Province, Food relief -- Zimbabwe -- Matabeleland South Province