A rigorous analysis of trends in rainfall season of an area over a lengthy period of time can be effectively used as a tool to guide small holder farmers in their activities. Climate change adaptation is important to ensure sustainability and survival in rainfed crop farming. In this study two districts (Chirumhanzu and Zvishavane) in the Midlands Province of Zimbabwe were selected and rainfall data for the areas was provided by Zimbabwe Meteorological Services Department. Rainfall characteristics that include onset times, cessation times, length of seasons, total amount of rainfall, number of rainy days, dry spell and risk of water logging were analysed to provide farmers with an indicative picture of possibilities in their respective areas in a bid to reduce risks of crop failure due to uncertainties brought about by climate change and variability. Time series analysis method together with risk analysis were the statistical methods employed to understand better the risk and measures that can be taken by farmers. For Chirumhanzu it was concluded there is a 41% risk of replanting if farmers plant with the first rains received. However, over the period this risk seems to be decreasing. Farmers are encouraged to stagger the planting to minimise risk. Risk analysis showed that for Zvishavane the mean number of rainy days for Zvishavane is 34 with a possibility of 45 days in good seasons and 23 days in poor seasons The tool guides meant for farmers require proper packaging and systematic channels to promote buy-in by the end users of the information.
Climate change adaptation and building resilience among vulnerable communities can leverage on adoption of broader principles of Disaster Risk Management. In recent years many developing countries have seen an increasing push to merge Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) approaches into a single framework because many of the tools developed by the disaster risk management (DRM) community, such as risk identification and preparedness are important to climate resilient development. The study sought to establish Zimbabwe's preparedness in managing meteorological disasters; mitigating climate change impacts using disaster risk management strategies; and to provide recommendations to help improve disaster preparedness in vulnerable communities in Masvingo province and proffer some disaster risk reduction remedies. The impact of the hybrid approach has far reaching positive results in dealing with climate change challenges in the country and beyond. One innovation adopted in this study is the use of an Android App to provide early warnings and other remedies after a disaster has struck. Given the wide use of Information technology products in Zimbabwe, minimum use of this App in managing climate change related disasters has potential to be effective especially for urban to peri-urban communities. The study established that the government is to a great extend prepared to manage disasters though more has to be done by availing more resources to avert impacts of disasters. Very little has been done to equip communities in terms of training and information dissemination especially in rural areas. The application developed was well received by communities and have great potential to inform vulnerable communities in preparation against disasters.
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