Jàmbá: 2013 Volume 5 No 1http://hdl.handle.net/10394/89232024-03-28T17:10:29Z2024-03-28T17:10:29ZAcknowledgement to reviewersOffice, Editorialhttp://hdl.handle.net/10394/104212016-04-28T22:26:06Z2013-01-01T00:00:00ZAcknowledgement to reviewers
Office, Editorial
The editorial team of Jàmbá: Journal of Disaster Risk Studies recognises the value and importance of peer
reviewers in the overall publication process – not only in shaping individual manuscripts, but also in
shaping the credibility and reputation of our journal.
2013-01-01T00:00:00ZDisaster event: Window of opportunity to implement global disaster policies?Manyena, Siambabala Bhttp://hdl.handle.net/10394/95992018-09-03T08:55:05Z2013-01-01T00:00:00ZDisaster event: Window of opportunity to implement global disaster policies?
Manyena, Siambabala B
Disasters have been predominantly construed as destructive events causing loss of lives, livelihoods and hard-won development. Much less attention has been paid to the constructive nature of disasters as creating potential windows of opportunities to address the overlooked and neglected aspects of disaster risk reduction. Using material from Zimbabwe, this article examines whether the humanitarian crisis, as manifested in the cholera disaster of 2008–2009, created a window of opportunity to accelerate the implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action. The findings suggest that the humanitarian crisis did not necessarily create a window of opportunity to accelerate the implementation of the framework, owing to (1) inadequate authority and power of the agency responsible for disaster risk reduction, (2) an inadequate legal and institutional framework that outlines clear coordination, accountability mechanisms, resource mobilisation, community participation, and integration of development with regard to disaster risk reduction and (3) a lack of an integrated evidence-based approach to advocate disaster risk reduction in Zimbabwe.
2013-01-01T00:00:00ZContingency planning in southern Africa: Events rather than processes?Mabaso, EliasManyena, Siambabala Bhttp://hdl.handle.net/10394/95982018-09-03T08:50:44Z2013-01-01T00:00:00ZContingency planning in southern Africa: Events rather than processes?
Mabaso, Elias; Manyena, Siambabala B
With the increasing frequency, magnitude and impact of disasters, there is growing focus on contingency planning as a tool for enhancing resilience. Yet, there is little empirical evidence that reflects on the practice of contingency planning systems within the context of disaster risk reduction. This article explores the practice of contingency planning in southern Africa, focussing on Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. A qualitative comparative analysis informed by fieldwork was used. The findings show that (1) there was a wide gap between theory and practice in contingency planning, (2) response activities rarely reflected projected scenarios and (3) resources were inadequate for effective contingency planning. We conclude that unless these issues are addressed, contingency planning is likely to remain a theoretical rather than a practical tool for building disaster-resilient communities in southern African countries. Although a generalisation cannot be made on the status of contingency planning and practice in southern Africa without a wider analysis of more examples, the findings may apply beyond the examined contexts and also offer insights into research gaps.
2013-01-01T00:00:00ZPerceptions of water access in the context of climate change by rural households in the Seke and Murewa districts, ZimbabweMudombi, ShakespearMuchie, Mammohttp://hdl.handle.net/10394/95972018-09-03T08:49:22Z2013-01-01T00:00:00ZPerceptions of water access in the context of climate change by rural households in the Seke and Murewa districts, Zimbabwe
Mudombi, Shakespear; Muchie, Mammo
The objective of the study was to assess perceptions of rural household heads with regard to various aspects of water access and climate change, and to evaluate whether there were significant differences in perceptions of respondents from female-headed and male-headed households. The study is based on a cross-sectional survey of 300 respondents conducted in the Seke and Murewa districts of Zimbabwe in 2011. The analysis included mainly descriptive statistics. The majority of both female-headed and male-headed households relied on rainfall for their crops, rivers were cited as the main water source for their livestock and protected wells supplied water for household use. Households experienced water shortages, which were attributed mainly to reduced rainfall. The general perception was that there would be less water available in future, with a greater proportion of female-headed than male-headed households perceiving such difficulties. However, very few respondents indicated that they would consider emigrating, although female-headed households were more likely to consider emigrating than male-headed households. A considerable number of respondents indicated that they did not have any means to overcome the water shortages. This highlights the need for interventions such as training and empowerment of individuals with regard to sustainable water use and management.
2013-01-01T00:00:00Z