Promoting sustainable development goals: Role of higher education institutions in climate and disaster management in Zimbabwe

Abstract

This article seeks to explore the role of higher education institutions (HEIs) in climate change adaptation and disaster risk management (DRM). The study is based on the qualitative desk review, thematic and document analysis and uses the theory of change to facilitate a road map for HEIs in strengthening professional human development, policy consistency in dealing with climate-induced natural disasters (CINDs) research and policies. Academic journals covering the role of HEIs in climate and disaster management in Zimbabwe were selected on google scholar. Reviewed documents include universities’ curriculum documents, government disaster policy documents and other related disaster management policy protocols. The article’s findings reflect that HEIs in Zimbabwe have been engaged in climate change education and DRM as the country and the region are prone to threats posed by extreme weather events in the form of tropical cyclones and extreme droughts. The article concludes that HEIs core mission that includes public engagement to advance achieving sustainable development goals in Zimbabwe is growing at a steady pace to find ways to avert the impact of climate change and put strategies in place to respond to disaster to minimise social, environmental and economic losses posed by disasters. Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE) is enhancing people’s resilience in Chadereka village in Muzarabani through disaster preparedness training. National University of Science Technology (NUST) is also training communities on disaster concepts, disaster prevention, mitigation, preparedness and response.

Climate change and ecological sustainability in Zimbabwe: Interrogating the role of Higher Education Institutions in disaster management

“…Scholars have predominantly focused on the traditional roles of HEIs, including knowledge creation and production, promotion of ideas, curricular designs related to environmental issues, collaborative efforts with NGOs, climate education and research. However, although Dzvimbo et al (2022)…”

“…Similarly, another study examined the role of HEIs in climate change adaptation and DRM in Zimbabwe, focusing on Bindura University of Science Education and the National University of Science and Technology (NUST). The findings indicated that HEIs in Zimbabwe are involved in climate change education and DRM due to the country's susceptibility to threats posed by extreme weather events such as tropical cyclones and severe droughts (Dzvimbo et al., 2022).…”

Smart Education with Deep Learning and Social Media for Disaster Management in the pursuit of Environmental Sustainability While avoiding Fake News

“…Exploring the role of higher education institutions in disaster risk management and climate change adaptation [7].…”

The relationship between knowledge and disaster preparedness of undergraduates responding to forest fires

“…Increased forest fires resulting from human activities contribute to climate change (Abatzoglou & Williams 2016;Aponte, De Groot & Wotton 2016;Carnicer et al 2022;Kihila 2017), which can be disastrous if not handled properly. Natural disasters and climate change are entering a severe stage to anticipation through education which is a priority in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (Dzvimbo et al 2022;King 2011;Kupika, Mbereko & Chinokwetu 2020;Leal Filho et al 2018;Mawonde & Togo 2019). Various efforts have been made by the government so that land-clearing activities using the traditional slash-and-burn method can be avoided (Solekhan, Kunarto & Febriharini 2019).…”