Exploring Humanitarian response strategies in the aftermath of disasters induced by climate change in Zimbabwe

ABSTRACT

This study explored the humanitarian responses to the scourges of climate change-related disasters in the Chimanimani district of Zimbabwe in southern Africa. This is against the backdrop of climate-induced disasters that have plagued the region before, with some of its consequences visible in the present day. Eleven humanitarian organisations that can aid victims of Cyclone Idai in 2019 were selected through purposive and convenience sampling. In-depth interviews were used to collect data. Also, data from which the findings were derived were analysed in terms of their thematic content. The study established that there was a commendable response from humanitarian organisations in addressing the destructive consequences of the cyclone. Some of the response strategies included the provision of food and non-food items, psychosocial support and counselling services, the protection of women and girls from abuse, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of infrastructure. We recommend that humanitarian organisations need to strengthen their disaster preparedness strategies in anticipation of unpredicted and potential destructive effects of climate change that place human lives and livelihoods at great risk.

KEYWORDS:

• Climate change
• disaster
• Cyclone Idai
• humanitarianism
• strategies
• Southern Africa

Acknowledgements

The authors appreciate the support of Prof. Jabulani Calvin Makhubele and Marelize Kellerman in helping us to successfully complete this project.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Human development hosted at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa [grant number SIP2020-CCHD-6].