Sizwile Khoza, Dewald Van Niekerk and Livhuwani David Nemakonde
Through the application of traditional and contemporary feminist theories in gender mainstreaming, the purpose of this paper is to contribute to emergent debate on gender…
Abstract
Purpose
Through the application of traditional and contemporary feminist theories in gender mainstreaming, the purpose of this paper is to contribute to emergent debate on gender dimensions in climate-smart agriculture (CSA) adoption by smallholder farmers in disaster-prone regions. This is important to ensure that CSA strategies are tailored to farmer-specific gender equality goals.
Design/methodology/approach
An exploratory-sequential mixed methods research design which is qualitatively biased was applied. Key informant interviews and farmer focus group discussions in two study sites formed initial qualitative phase whose findings were explored in a quantitative cross-sectional household survey.
Findings
Findings shared in this paper indicate the predominant application of traditional gender mainstreaming approaches in CSA focusing on parochial gender dichotomy. Qualitative findings highlight perceptions that western gender approaches are not fully applicable to local contexts and realities, with gender mainstreaming in CSA seemingly to fulfil donor requirements, and ignorant of the heterogeneous nature of social groups. Quantitative findings establish that married men are majority adopters and non-adopters of CSA, while dis-adopters are predominantly de jure female household heads. The latter are more likely to adopt CSA than married women whose main role in CSA is implementers of spouse’s decisions. Access to education, intra-household power relations, productive asset and land ownership are socio-cultural dynamics shaping farmer profiles.
Originality/value
By incorporating African feminisms and intersectionality in CSA, value of this study lies in recommending gender policy reforms incorporating local gender contexts within the African socio-cultural milieu. This paper accentuates potential benefits of innovative blend of both contemporary and classic gender mainstreaming approaches in CSA research, practice and technology development in disaster-prone regions.
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Livhuwani David Nemakonde and Dewald Van Niekerk
Research has demonstrated that governance of disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation (CCA) have evolved largely in isolation from each other – through…
Abstract
Purpose
Research has demonstrated that governance of disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation (CCA) have evolved largely in isolation from each other – through different conceptual and institutional frameworks, response strategies and plans, at both international, national and subnational levels. As a result, the management of disaster risk through DRR and CCA is highly fragmented. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the set of actors and their location in government that create and shape governance in DRR and CCA integration within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states.
Design/methodology/approach
The study draws upon a range of data collection techniques including a comprehensive literature review relating to DRR and CCA in general and in the SADC member states, face-to-face interviews and an online survey. A mixed method research design was applied to the study with a total of 35 respondents from Botswana, Madagascar, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe participating in the face-to-face interviews and an online survey.
Findings
The analysis shows that DRR and CCA are carried out by different departments, agencies and/or ministries in all but three SADC member states, namely, Mozambique, Mauritius and the Seychelles. Participants were able to highlight the different ways in which integration should unfold. In light of this, the paper proposes a normative model to integrate government organisations for DRR and CCA within SADC member states.
Originality/value
The implementation of the model has the potential to accelerate the integration of organisations for DRR and CCA, with the resultant improvement in the implementation of risk reduction strategies and efficient use of resources.
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Masego Mirriam Motsumi and Livhuwani David Nemakonde
For millennia, indigenous or local knowledge (IK) has empowered rural communities particularly the most vulnerable and disadvantaged groups to prepare for, cope with and survive…
Abstract
Purpose
For millennia, indigenous or local knowledge (IK) has empowered rural communities particularly the most vulnerable and disadvantaged groups to prepare for, cope with and survive disasters instead of relying on external help only. However, this knowledge has been ignored by practitioners and policymakers in favour of Western science and technology-based methods of disaster risk reduction (DRR) and response. This paper proposes a framework for integrating IK into DRR because we believe the simultaneous use of IK and modern DRR measures could increase the resilience of rural communities.
Design/methodology/approach
The study finds solace in the pragmatism research philosophy which places emphasis on practical solutions and outcomes. The study followed a phenomenological approach of qualitative research with a total of 109 respondents participating in the study. The collected data were analysed thematically.
Findings
Participants in the study provided key insights into areas of interventions for improved integration of IK into DRR and these include, trust-building initiatives, recording and systematise traditional practices, developing localised, context-specific approaches to DRR planning and engaging traditional leaders, and increasing their participation in decision-making forums. We submit that the blending of modern and traditional techniques has the potential to create robust, adaptive systems for disaster preparedness, response and recovery, leading to safer and more resilient communities.
Originality/value
Pursuing an integrated approach to the use of IK and modern expert knowledge on DRR would be a step forward in addressing the fragmentation of the two knowledge systems.
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Phindile Tiyiselani Zanele Sabela-Rikhotso, Dewald van Niekerk and Livhuwani David Nemakonde
Traditionally, management of disasters, particularly those emanating from environmental hazards, have been reactive with efforts focussed on technical response issues. Drawing…
Abstract
Purpose
Traditionally, management of disasters, particularly those emanating from environmental hazards, have been reactive with efforts focussed on technical response issues. Drawing from incident command system (ICS) theory, this paper proposes a conceptual model for managing marine oil spills in South Africa.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative biased sequential mixed-based research method was applied for this study. The technical processes undertaken in instituting a incident management system (IMS) for marine oil spills through Operation Phakisa Oil and Gas initiative were observed from November 2016 to November 2019. Preliminary findings were subsequently explored quantitatively in 54 semi-structured questionnaires conducted with experts in the marine pollution environment.
Findings
Findings presented in this paper demonstrate an integrative coordination continuum with a stringent focus on coherent multi-stakeholders' incident management collaborations. Qualitative findings stipulated limitations to the efficient application of oil spill risk minimisation policies, especially in the provincial and local spheres of government. Quantitative findings established that some local municipalities have mainstreamed and have budgets for inter-organisational planning and preparedness. Regardless, several informants continue to perceive disaster risk management and offshore-related activities as “unfunded mandates”, especially where response operation and sustainable rehabilitation programmes are concerned.
Originality/value
In integrating the organisational theory and the incident command tools, the value of this study dwells in recommending a conceptual model that mainstreams inter- and intra-organisational planning, preparedness and response to the marine oil spill risk. The model is valuable because it focusses beyond the traditional emergency response tool but is fundamental in effecting adherence to reporting lines, performance standards and information integration.