An Assessment of the Effectiveness of Non Governmental Organisations (NGO) Approaches in Reducing Vulnerability of Rural Female Headed Households (FHH) to Disasters in Chimanimani District in Zimbabwe

Abstract

This study sought to assess the effectiveness of Non Governmental Organisations(NGO) approaches in reducing vulnerability of rural female headed households (FHH) to disasters in Chimanimani District in Zimbabwe. Its main objectives were to find out the different approaches used by NGOs in Chimanimani and to evaluate their effectiveness in reducing the vulnerability of female headed households to disasters. The study also sought to establish the challenges faced by NGOs in their community disaster risk reduction efforts in wards 9 and 17 and to collect and collate the most common types of hazards and disasters in the wards.  The study used both qualitative and quantitative research designs (Mixed methodology) to discuss responses from respondents. The study found out that there are a number of NGOs who have been working in the same wards for periods longer that five (5) years implementing similar interventions designed to assist female headed households cope with the effects of climate related hazards such as drought, extreme temperatures and land degradation; and also assisting communities to mitigate the effects of HIV and AIDS. The study also found that there was no meaningful participation of women beneficiaries particularly at the higher levels of the participation ladder such as decision making and initiating action which are considered as the highest form of empowerment. Another finding was that many NGOs operating in the two wards did not have disaster risk reduction (DRR) policies, strategies and frameworks to inform their programmes hence they were not well placed to guide communities into effective DRR planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluation. The study recommended that the overall framework for the promotion, coordination and execution of disaster management in Zimbabwe be made available to all NGOs working the relief and development sector and that there is need for effective and meaningful community participation so as to ensure community empowerment which is essential to build and sustain disaster resilience.