On crossroads between the right to shelter and looming chances of displacement: Charting towards a resilient and sustainable framework for rural dwellers in flood-prone areas

Abstract

ABSTRACT Flood-induced displacements are a common feature in rural Zimbabwe and there seems to be a lack of deliberate policy and political commitment from the government. Several factors have increased the susceptibility of communities to flood hazards, ranging from poor housing structures, lack of building standards to ensure resilient structures, and climate change. This paper is an outcome of a one-year study from March 2018 to March 2019. The study adopted a qualitative approach which entailed the use of semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. Fifty participants were purposively sampled for the study. Study findings reflect a gap in political attention as a root to addressing internal displacement. Lack of social and economic capital also plays an attributional role as a factor that has exacerbated the plight of internally displaced persons. The study recommends the government to adopt an Internally Displaced Persons policy and establish a commission that monitors rural settlement structures to enhance community resilience.