The Role Of Indigenous Knowledge And Cultural Beliefs In Disaster Risk Reduction In Rural Communities (Tsholotsho District) · Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Author

Myambo, Patience

Title

The Role Of Indigenous Knowledge And Cultural Beliefs In Disaster Risk Reduction In Rural Communities (Tsholotsho District)

Abstract

Disaster risk reduction (DRR) efforts in rural communities of the gobal south (less developed economically and industrially) for example Zimbabwe fail to effectively engage with local indigenous knowledge and cultural beliefs. This case study examines the integration of indigenous knowledge and practices into disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies in Tsholotsho district in Zimbabwe. The research utilized qualitative methods including interviews, focused group discussions and participant observation to explore how indigenous early warning systems. Resource management practices and spiritual eliefs shape community resilience to natural hazards.The community members of Tsholotsho have developed sophisticated indigenous early warning systems that rely on observations of natural phenomena to predict the onset of drought, floods and other extreme weather conditions for example elders monitor the timing and intensity of the first rains, the flowering patterns of certain trees as well as the appearance of specific constellations in the night sky. These indicators provide advance notice of climatic conditions and allow communities to prepare accordingly such as adjusting planting schedules or relocating livestock. Spiritual beliefs and cultural practices in Tsholotsho shape disaster preparedness and response. For instance rainmaking ceremonies are performed to summon rainfall during droughts. When floods occur some communities consult traditional healers to determine the appropriate ritual for cleansing and protecting affected households. These beliefs influence how people interpret early warning signs and make decisions about evacuation and relief efforts. They also inform indigenous coping strategies like the storage of grain in traditional granaries. Despite the value of indigenous knowledge for disaster risk reduction (DRR), its formal incorporation into government policies and programs remains limited in Tsholotsho. There are tensions between customary and state-led approaches to emergency planning and natural resources management. Some officials view indigenous practices as outdated or unscientific prefering technocratic solutions. Reconciling these differing worldviews and power dynamics is crucial for developing holistic community based disaster risk reduction strategies (CBDRR).

Date

JUNE 2024

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Indigenous Knowledge And Cultural Beliefs , Rural communities, climate change

Supervisor

Mr Samukange