Knowledge, attitude, and practices of people towards settling in risk riparian locations at the Tokwe Mukosi dam

Author

Huni, Nyasha F.

Title

Knowledge, attitude, and practices of people towards settling in risk riparian locations at the Tokwe Mukosi dam

Abstract

Riparian locations deliver a range of ecosystem purposes and services such as wetland products, recreations and tourism. Therefore, this is why people chose to live in such areas for agricultural purposes and also fishing. Living in riparian locations such as the people staying in the riverine areas of the Tokwe Mukosi is associated with a lot of risks and dangers that is for example floods and waterborne diseases. The main objective of the study is obtaining information about the knowledge, attitude and practices of the people towards their settling in the risk riparian locations. The research method used in the study is a qualitative design because paradigm is flexible and suitable in capturing behaviour and perceptions of research participants. A questionnaire was designed that consisted of both open and closed ended questions. The questionnaire prepared by the researcher consisted of four parts; the first part which is to collect information about the demographic characteristics of respondents, the second part consisted of question covering aspects of knowledge regarding flooding risks, third part consists of attitude of workers in regards to hazards and the last part which is the fourth part that consist of practices of the workers in a way to ameliorate the risks which emanate from hazards and measures they put in place to ameliorate the risk. knowledge on flood hazard and risk by respondents staying near Tokwe-Mukosi Dam. The results showed that nearly 80% or respondents confirmed the area had experienced floods, with 75% acknowledging that the emergency preparedness and response personnel were fully knowledgeable with regards to flooding. The major risks which the respondents were prone to were floods (70%), bilharzia (55%) and typhoid (4 0%). However, most respondents (68%) considered the benefits of staying near the dam to outweigh the risks. The total knowledge score of 4.07 which converts to 40.7%. Also the respondent’s attitudes towards flood hazard and risk around Tokwe-Mukosi Dam showed that most respondents regarded flooding interventions as necessary (67%), and perceived emergency preparedness and response programmes as costs to the local authority (55%). However, most respondents did not think flood trainings were a were waste of money (54%). The majority of respondents believed they were safe if floods occurred (75%), though they perceived the dam to enhance malaria (78%) and bilharzia (73%), hence were willing to relocate to areas not prone to floods (76%). Total attitude score was 5.59 which converts to 55.9% which was rather fair. More so, the majority of respondents confirmed that flood prevention procedures were being followed by every resident (68%), with most respondents having measures to avoid loses in the event of a flood (74%). In addition, most respondents participated in flood consultation (80%) and attended workshops on flooding (72%) In order to avoid bilharzia and malaria, most respondents boiled water before drinking (84%) and used mosquito nets (78%) respectively. Overall, total practice score was 7.16 which converts to 72%.
Conclusion suggested that most respondents had a high knowledge on flood hazard and risk and were aware of the major risks they were prone to. Such awareness aids in flood preparation and respondent are more likely to take precautionary actions and follow emergency procedures. The attitude of the people showed that majority of respondents regarded staying close to the dam as beneficial as it provided them with potable water, fishing, irrigation, and recreational opportunities. Lastly three quarters of respondents had measures put in place to avoid loses in the event of a flood attributed to better knowledge on flood hazard and risk they acquired from participating in awareness campaigns and flood consultations.

Date

December 2012

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Practices

Risk perception

Tokwe Mukosi dam

Riparian locations

Supervisor

N/A