Disaster policy framework analysis: Experts' perspectives on the usefulness of the disaster legislation in Zimbabwe

Abstract

The promulgation of the Hyogo Framework for Action and the Sendai Framework has seen many countries strengthening their disaster legislations in order to reduce disaster risk/losses. This study, therefore, assessed the usefulness of Zimbabwe's disaster legislation in reducing disaster risk/losses. The study used 27 semi-structured interviews with disaster experts. The findings revealed that the legislation is largely promoting a reactionary approach to disasters in a top-down manner. The study concludes that for disaster legislations to be adequate guiding frameworks for reducing disaster risks and losses, they need to be backed by clear funding mechanisms, which would allow investing in resilience.