Abstract
This article exposes the perceptions of Mhondoro-Ngezi rural communities regarding the contribution of strengthening local community and national disaster risk reduction strategies in mitigating disasters in their district. It further shows the importance and level of community participation in disaster risk reduction programmes and the need for enhancement of community participation in disaster risk reduction (DRR) initiatives. The study utilized both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies in data collection. Data was collected using closed and open ended questionnaires administered to 176 members of the households from a district population of about 102350. Structured interviews were conducted with eight (8) key informants to provide more detailed information. Furthermore, two focus group discussions were conducted to augment what was obtained from the interviews. Community participation was found empowering as social and human capital could be enhanced. Communities were aware that through community participation, they could develop some skills that were necessary for their everyday lives. They could enhance their leadership skills, thereby boosting their livelihoods by working together in community development initiatives. This article recommends that communities need to be engaged so that they become active participants in community DRR interventions. It further recommends that the government should come up with a policy to ensure that DRR activities become participatory at all levels of government administrative tiers. It is also imperative that the government should help communities develop local mechanisms for sustainable disaster risk reduction initiatives. Keywords: Disaster risk reduction, Livelihoods, Participation , Vulnerability, Rural communities DOI : 10.7176/RHSS/10-2-09 Publication date: January 31 st 2020
Highlights
Natural hazards are serious threats to the welfare of individuals, families and communities
The first section dwells on the importance of community participation in disaster risk reduction strategies according to the views of research participants, the second section presents the level of community participation in disaster risk reduction programmes and the last section looks at the need for enhancement of community participation. 4.1 Importance of Community Participation in Disaster Risk Reduction Initiatives Interviews with key informants reveal that community participation was a way through which individuals could form meaningful relationships with others, and more so, in responding to disasters
Central government will save funds as projects initiated become self-sustaining, ensuring food security and resilience by communities. 4.1.1 Empowering Communities through Participation in disaster risk reduction (DRR) Activities It was revealed through this study that participating in DRR activities was beneficial for individuals and communities
Summary
Natural hazards are serious threats to the welfare of individuals, families and communities. The central governments and rural communities have a significant role to play in as far as DRR strategies and livelihood improvements are concerned (Malalgoda et al, 2010).It is crucial to integrate community and national disaster risk reduction strategies and best practices into policy making for sustainable DRR and livelihoods. This would enable communities to be able to effectively safeguard and minimize their disaster risks. A strong and effective national disaster response depends on the synergies between the national government and the activities that take place in the remotest communities
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