Abstract

Disasters emanating from frequent extreme weather events have devastating effects on human communities. Balaka District in Malawi is among areas frequently hit by weather related disasters such as droughts and windstorms. This study investigated people’s perceptions on climate extremes and the effectiveness of disaster reduction strategies being implemented in Balaka District. The study used mixed research design, integrating interpretivist and post-positivist research paradigms. Qualitative data was collected from key stakeholders in disaster management sampled using purposive sampling through interviews, documentary review and questionnaires. Quantitative data (climatic data) for the period 1988 to 2018 was obtained from the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services. Qualitative data was analysed using the Miles and Huberman Framework for qualitative data analysis. Trends in climate data were analysed using the Mann-Kendall Statistic at =0.05 level and the Standardised Precipitation Index (SPI) was used to analyse and drought temporal patterns. The study found that 96.7% of the respondents perceived an increase in the frequency and strength of droughts and windstorms. The Mann-Kendall trend statistic suggests declining precipitation amounts and wind strength in the last three decades in the district. The declining trend in precipitation correlates with drought frequency as evidenced by the SPI analysis. Drought mitigation strategies being implemented in the district include growing early maturing crop varieties, early planting, planting Drought Tolerant Crops (DTC), crop diversification, mixed cropping, irrigation farming, agroforestry, home gardening, food aid and soil and water conservation measures. On the other hand, planting trees around their settlements was the only strategy people use to mitigate impacts of strong winds. However, it was established that most mitigation strategies employed were found to be ineffective to a large extent due to high levels of poverty. Ineffectiveness of the copping strategies is contributing to continued suffering amongst local people in rural areas. More resources have to be allocated towards alleviating problems related to droughts and windstorms disasters among the poor rural population.

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School	: School of Natural and Applied Sciences
Issued Date	: 2024

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