Drought Risk Reduction Strategies in Rural Zimbabwe: Opinions of Mhondoro-Ngezi District Communities
Loading...
Date
2021
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
This paper highlights the perceptions of Mhondoro-Ngezi rural communities regarding
drought risk reduction strategies. The study was motivated by personal experience as a
minister of religion deployed in Mhondoro-Ngezi District. The researcher witnessed the area
becoming increasingly prone to drought leading local people to reduced livelihoods both at
household and community levels. Set in a rural community of Zimbabwe, Mhondoro-Ngezi
District has a population of about 102 342 (Zimbabwe National Statistical Agency, 2016). A
purposive sample of 8 key informants was selected for interviews. In addition, four Focus
Group Discussions (FGDs) from 32 respondents were purposively selected. Data was
analysed qualitatively according to emerging themes. Results showed that drought was
really a cause for concern for rural communities in Mhondoro-Ngezi District. Hence, local
knowledge regarding mitigating the effects of drought was considered important and
sustainable. The study recommends that the central government of Zimbabwe should help
rural communities develop mechanisms for water harvesting so that people have safe and
sufficient water for domestic and agricultural use. It should also support their effort to grow
drought tolerant crops by providing short season seed, agricultural equipment as well as
food processing technologies. The study would generate new insights into drought risk
reduction strategies, thereby contributing to the growing body of literature in drought
management issues. As a result, scholars and scientific researchers in related areas of
study can access such theoretical and empirical information and enrich their understanding
of drought risk reduction practices in rural African communities.
Description
Journal Article
Keywords
Community, drought risk reduction, livelihoods, strategies, vulnerability