The effects of risk mitigation and local knowledge in disaster-prone communities in Jozini Local Municipality

Abstract

Risk mitigation and local knowledge in disaster-prone communities worldwide require an integrated approach to safeguard lives and minimize damages. Climatic changes in the Jozini area, resulting in flooding as well as other related hazards have underscored the necessity for the local government to consolidate its strategies for disaster risk mitigation together with traditional authorities to tap into local knowledge towards disaster management. Challenges within the Jozini Local Municipality (JLM), include a shortage of trained personnel in risk assessment and disaster response, a lack of suitable community organizations with the necessary skills to participate in the disaster management process, and inadequate disaster preparedness kits. Further, the community of Jozini and its environs have their understanding about the causes and risk mitigation measures that in most instances run counter to the efforts and actions of the JLM disaster management protocols. This study aims to identify solutions for the practical implementation of risk mitigation and local knowledge efforts and explore its related theoretical aspects. The research explores the existing risk mitigation and local knowledge in disaster-prone communities in use at JLM, along with the pertinent guidelines currently available. The study adopts an interpretive research philosophy, grounded in a qualitative research approach. The Study draws on the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) which sheds light on the threat as well as the coping appraisal of people within a community. Specifically, an exploratory research design is chosen to gain a deeper understanding of risk mitigation and local knowledge in JLM. Convenience sampling was utilized to select ten tribal leaders from selected tribes within the Jozini community as well as 4 personnel from the Jozini safety and disaster management department for interviews. Data gathered from the interviews were transcribed, categorized, and analyzed thematically. The findings indicated that the daily life practices of tribal leaders (elders) in Jozini, and by extension, the community, are influenced by ancestral wisdom, which sometimes contradicts modern science. There appears to be a strong correlation between cultural wisdom and mystical beliefs. Meanwhile, officials from the JLM are striving to leverage local knowledge to address disasters by collaborating with the community in decision-making for disaster management. This collaboration aims to ensure effective preparedness and response efforts. Additionally, the findings underscored the crucial necessity of ensuring the positive impact of controlled practices and municipal initiatives for coping. Collaboration with stakeholders, such as water affairs, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), and the Department of Basic Education, needs to be pursued to make disaster mitigation efforts a collective responsibility.