The roles of stakeholders in disaster risk reduction in local government: the case of Alfred Nzo District Municipality.

Abstract

The increasing loss of human life and materials by natural and man-made conditions call for the need for disaster risk reduction (DRR). The concept of DRR emphasises the need to understand early warning signs and therefore mitigating efforts. Considering the array of challenges encountered in implementing DRR efforts, this study investigated the role of advisory forum stakeholders in DRR using the case of Alfred Nzo District Municipality (ANDM). This qualitative study engaged 10 participants from the Disaster Risk Management Advisory (DRMA) forum members of the municipality. Data for this qualitative research design were collected through individual in-depth interviews of the range of stakeholders who serve on the DRMA forum. Documentary evidence was a source of secondary data. Stakeholder engagement theory guided the study underpinned by the constructivist philosophical worldviews. The results of the study indicate that the residents of ANDM are prone to the risk of many disasters which include fire, floods, lightning, drought, accidents and tornadoes, to mention a few. Amongst the challenges faced in efforts to mitigate the risk of disasters include the growing community population, the limited institutional capacity to combat disaster risk, as well as seemingly undefined risk behaviour of communities. Given these situations, it has been recommended that physical measures should be put in place to increase DRR strategies and improve management. The institution should be capacitated in terms of the necessary equipment and financial means to combat disaster risk. This means that the DRMA forum should fulfil its mandate for public awareness efforts to educate the community on the ways of reducing the chances of hazards and disasters, for instance, by implementing safe agricultural practices to reduce deforestation and soil erosion. Recommendations are made regarding strategies for enhancement of the roles played by the various stakeholders who serve on the DRMA forum. This includes shifting the DRR discourse from a focus on response and recovery to one on DRR.