International Journal of Arts Humanities and Social Sciences Studies V 6 • I 3 • 102 Building Community Resilience in the Post 2015-16 El Nino Drought: Challenges and Emerging Issues in Bubi District, Zimbabwe (original) (raw)

The post 2015-16 El Nino drought era has been coupled by recurrence of climate change induced hazards like floods and drought which have weakened the agricultural sector which is a major source of livelihood for the rural households, diminished infrastructure, and have caused human mortality through water borne diseases in Zimbabwe. This study examined the efficacy of household adaptation strategies" response to persistent hazards, explored challenges and emerging issues in building community resilience and highlighted key viable solutions to enhancing community resilience in Bubi district. Using mixed research methods of questionnaires, key informant interviews and desk reviews, the study established that, as a result of trainings from MELANA of adoption and promotion of drought tolerant small livestock production, local communities in Bubi dominantly adopted off farm methods inclusive of goat production (54%), vending and trading (31%) and poultry production (15%). "On farm" household adaptation methods practiced included the practice of climate smart agriculture technics which are however resulted in improved yields. Emerging challenges towards resilience building included institutional weakness (45%), dependency syndrome (32%), poor infrastructure (15%) and financial exclusion (8%). The study acknowledges that a shift from humanitarian aid to resilience promotes self-sustenance, persistence, adaptation and transformation which is sustainable to withstand the impacts of hazards like the El Nino drought as witnessed in Bubi District.