Investigation into disaster preparedness in the Nyangu community of Chimanimani following cyclone Idai

Author

Mafunda, Mavis

Title

Investigation into disaster preparedness in the Nyangu community of Chimanimani following cyclone Idai

Abstract

This study investigates disaster preparedness in the Nyangu Community of Chimanimani District, Zimbabwe, following the devastating impact of Cyclone Idai in 2019. The cyclone exposed critical gaps in community preparedness and response systems, prompting the need to assess current efforts and enhance future resilience. The main objective of the study was to examine the effectiveness of current disaster preparedness activities in Nyangu. The specific objectives included: (1) valuating the effectiveness of existing disaster preparedness measures; (2) identifying the socio-economic and demographic factors influencing disaster preparedness and resilience; and (3) exploring strategies to improve community preparedness and resilience. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design and employed both quantitative and qualitative methods. Data was collected from 74 participants, including household heads and key informants such as local leaders and disaster response personnel. Semi-structured interviews and questionnaires were the main data collection instruments. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analysis to determine the relationship between socio-economic factors and levels of preparedness and resilience. Key findings revealed that community disaster awareness campaigns were rated the most effective preparedness activity with a mean score of 3.8 (SD = 0.94), followed by access to information (mean = 3.7) and disaster training and capacity building (mean = 3.6). Household-level preparedness was rated least effective with a mean score of 2.5. Regression analysis showed that years of education (p = 0.001), income (p = 0.04), farming experience (p = 0.001), and land size (p = 0.004) had a statistically significant positive influence on preparedness. However, household size had a negative effect (coefficient = –0.75). Based on these findings, the study recommends strengthening community-based education and training, improving early warning systems, and integrating disaster preparedness into school curricula. The study concludes that enhancing disaster preparedness in Nyangu requires a multi-stakeholder approach that addresses both institutional and socio-economic barriers. Further research is recommended on gender-specific preparedness dynamics and long-term community recovery strategies.

Date

June 2025

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Disaster Preparedness

Community Resilience

Regression Analysis

Socio-economic Factors

Cyclone Idai

Supervisor

Dr. Makambanga