Drought Risk Reduction Strategies in Rural Zimbabwe: Opinions of Mhondoro-Ngezi District Communities

This paper highlights the perceptions of Mhondoro-Ngezi rural communities regarding drought risk reduction strategies. The study was motivated by personal experience as a minister of religion deployed in Mhondoro-Ngezi District. The researcher witnessed the area becoming increasingly prone to drought leading local people to reduced livelihoods both at household and community levels. Set in a rural community of Zimbabwe, Mhondoro-Ngezi District has a population of about 102 342 (Zimbabwe National Statistical Agency, 2016). A purposive sample of 8 key informants was selected for interviews. In addition, four Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) from 32 respondents were purposively selected. Data was analysed qualitatively according to emerging themes. Results showed that drought was really a cause for concern for rural communities in Mhondoro-Ngezi District. Hence, local knowledge regarding mitigating the effects of drought was considered important and sustainable. The study recommends that the central government of Zimbabwe should help rural communities develop mechanisms for water harvesting so that people have safe and sufficient water for domestic and agricultural use. It should also support their effort to grow drought tolerant crops by providing short season seed, agricultural equipment as well as food processing technologies. The study would generate new insights into drought risk reduction strategies, thereby contributing to the growing body of literature in drought management issues. As a result, scholars and scientific researchers in related areas of study can access such theoretical and empirical information and enrich their understanding of drought risk reduction practices in rural African communities