Contingency planning in southern Africa: Events rather than processes?

Mabaso, Elias and Manyena, Bernard (2013) Contingency planning in southern Africa: Events rather than processes? Jamba: Journal of Disaster Risk Studies, 5 (1). pp. 1-8. ISSN 19961421

[img]
Preview
PDF
95-925-2-PB.pdf - Published Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution.

Download (687kB) | Preview
Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/jamba.v5i1.95

Abstract

With the increasing frequency, magnitude and impact of disasters, there is growing focus on contingency planning as a tool for enhancing resilience. Yet, there is little empirical evidence that reflects on the practice of contingency planning systems within the context of disaster risk reduction. This article explores the practice of contingency planning in southern Africa, focussing on Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. A qualitative comparative analysis informed by fieldwork was used. The findings show that (1) there was a wide gap between theory and practice in contingency planning, (2) response activities rarely reflected projected scenarios and (3) resources were inadequate for effective contingency planning. We conclude that unless these issues are addressed, contingency planning is likely o remain a theoretical rather than a practical tool for building disaster-resilient communities in southern African countries. Although a generalisation cannot be made on the status of contingency planning and practice in southern Africa without a wider analysis of more examples, the findings may apply beyond the examined contexts and also offer insights into research gaps.

Item Type: Article
Subjects: F800 Physical and Terrestrial Geographical and Environmental Sciences
Department: Faculties > Engineering and Environment > Geography and Environmental Sciences
Depositing User: Becky Skoyles
Date Deposited: 15 Jan 2015 13:17
Last Modified: 17 Dec 2023 16:18
URI: https://nrl.northumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/21019

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item

Downloads

Downloads per month over past year

View more statistics