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Coping with Drought: Research findings from Bulilima and Mangwe Districts, Matabeleland South, Zimbabwe

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Publication date
13/06/2011
Number of Pages
16
Language:
English
Type of Publication:
Studies
Focus Region:
Sub-Saharan Africa
Focus Topic:
Climate / Weather / Environment
Type of Risk:
Natural disasters
Weather & Climate related
Type of Risk Managment Option:
Risk coping
Commodity:
Crops
Author
Sithembisiwe Ndlovu
Organization
Pracical Action

Local perceptions of drought include shortages of food and inadequate grazing, as well as low and erratic rainfall; yet the diverse drought coping and risk reduction strategies being promoted in the two districts are mainly based on agriculture and natural resources. While livelihood diversification has increased household income and resilience, badly managed strategies can exacerbate drought risks. Socio-economic factors including HIV/AIDS, land degradation and migration have limited opportunities while food aid has increased dependency. The role of institutions is critical for supporting knowledge transfer and the development of sustainable community owned initiatives.