Combating recurrent hazards: evidence from rural Lesotho and Eswatini – a qualitative study

ABSTRACT This study explored community disaster preparedness among rural subsistence communities affected by recurrent drought-induced disasters in Eswatini and Lesotho. Sixteen focus group discussions comprising 197 participants from different backgrounds were conducted. Recorded interviews were transcribed, coded and categorised. Themes and subthemes were developed and formed the basis of analysis and interpretation guided by structuration theory. Emerging themes related to community disaster preparedness included: (1) knowledgeability and systems of meaning; (2) structural responses to disaster preparedness; and (3) the dispensation of power and control. However, power and control were also impediments to effective disaster preparedness through the curtailing of collaboration, access to resources and information, and collective participation. Addressing these impediments can improve learning and contribute to developing robust disaster preparedness. There is an urgent need to streamline and integrate traditional knowledge and systems to be used in tandem with existing scientific knowledge.