Disaster risk reduction efforts in Zimbabwe
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Material Information

Title:
Disaster risk reduction efforts in Zimbabwe
Creator:
Wisner, Ben
Disaster Risk Reduction Program, Florida International University (DRR/FIU) ( summary contributor )
Publisher:
United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (USISDR)
Publication Date:
Copyright Date:
2004
Language:
English

Subjects

Subjects / Keywords:
Risk management -- Zimbabwe ( lcshac )
Emergency management -- Zimbabwe ( lcshac )
Legislation -- Zimbabwe ( lcshac )
Genre:
non-fiction ( marcgt )
Spatial Coverage:
Africa -- Zimbabwe

Notes

Summary:
This document highlights the implementation of disaster risk reduction (DRR) in Zimbabwe. It outlines the country’s policy and institutional commitments towards DRR. The document is divided into six sections. The first addresses the level of political commitment to DRR in Zimbabwe, particularly laying out the legal statute creating the disaster management department; it’s Civil Protection Act of 1989 requiring that relevant sector ministries work with local governments to implement DRR initiatives; and the Department of Civil Protection’s role in coordinating all disaster management stakeholders. A review of the country’s legislation since 1995 has led to a number of proposed changes. These include the establishment of a new Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Management Act and a corresponding authority responsible for devising a risk reduction strategy; development of an integrated early warning system; promotion of training and research on DRR and disaster response; and a funding mechanism for DRR. The second section deals with the country’s risk identification mechanisms. It outlines past multi-sectoral hazard and vulnerability mapping exercises, and their role in the establishment of emergency preparedness and response plans. The third section looks at knowledge management. This is one of the areas in significant need of improvement. The Government of Zimbabwe does not have a database on DRR. No infrastructure has yet been established to facilitate coordination between the various government entities responsible for DRR, emergency response, and disaster research institutions. In the fourth section, the document lays out the country’s disaster management infrastructure, and its integration of the health, environmental, transportation, water, and food security sectors. The fifth section presents emergency planning and preparedness measures as provided for by the National Civil Protection Act. The last section discusses the country’s success stories in disaster risk management, particularly Zimbabwe’s success in integrating DRR and emergency preparedness into its education system. While the Government of Zimbabwe is making headway as far as establishing the means to address the various risks and vulnerabilities facing the country, it is also seeking to improve its cooperation on disaster management and DRR both regionally and sub-regionally. The synergies to be gained from these relationships are invaluable considering the experiences and strategies that can be shared across borders. ( English )
Subject:
General Risk Reduction ( English )
Citation/Reference:
Wisner, B. (2004). Disaster risk reduction efforts in Zimbabwe. United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR), CRID.

Record Information

Source Institution:
Florida International University
Rights Management:
Refer to main document/publisher for use rights.
Resource Identifier:
FI13022752

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Aggregations:
Disaster Risk Reduction