Assessing the challenges faced by people living with disabilities, during disasters: Case study of Tokwe Mkosi dam disaster.
- Author
- Hwenza, Bovern .N
- Title
- Assessing the challenges faced by people living with disabilities, during disasters: Case study of Tokwe Mkosi dam disaster.
- Abstract
- The research study examined the main challenges faced by people living with disabilities during disasters using a case study of Tokwe Mkosi dam disaster, in Chivi district. The data was collected from 36 participants, 30 being the villagers and 6 being key informants operating in the district. The study employed a mixed method approach guided by the case study research design. The data was collected using interviews, FDGs and questionnaires for an in-depth understanding of the relevant information to the study. The research also looked at various policies and frameworks which advocates for the rights of people living with disabilities and priorities their unique needs during impending hazards information dissemination and during response aide distribution, starting from the international, regional upto the national. The study then analysed and presented the research findings using thematic analysis, pie charts and bar graphs. The researcher managed to identify different types of disabilities in the affected population and various coping mechanisms they utilized to strengthen resilience. Some of the challenges which were found include difficulties in accessing basic services during the disaster, poor information accessibility, difficulties in getting into evacuation vehicles, politicization of response aid and also different dimensions of vulnerabilities which progresses this population to different hazards. The study also came across the issue of gender versus disability and how it constitutes to vulnerability progression of an individual, were women were found to be more vulnerable due their different gender needs and responsibilities as compared to their counterparts. The research findings managed to draw some recommendations where there should be an inclusive DRR Planning, through the development and implementation of inclusive disaster preparedness plans that specifically cater for the needs of people with disabilities. These plans should consider basic services accessibility, communication strategies, evacuation procedures, and the provision of necessary support services. The government of Zimbabwe through the Department of Civil Protection should also train the first responders in disabilityawareness and equip them with accessible communication devices. Collaborations and Partnerships between government agencies, non-governmental organizations, disability advocacy groups, academic institutions, and other stakeholders is also recommended to collectively address the challenges faced by people with disabilities during disasters. There should also be working legal and policy frameworks which advocates for the integration of disability-inclusive policies and legal frameworks within national disaster management plans and the government should not politicize aid, which will ensure the recognition and protection of rights and needs of people with disabilities in all phases of disaster management. There must be effective community engagement and participation to foster the active involvement of people with disabilities in disaster preparedness and response planning.
- Date
- May 2024
- Publisher
- BUSE
- Keywords
- people living with disabilities during disasters
- Supervisor
- Dr Njila
- Item sets
- Department of Geosciences
