Advancing Resilience in the Face of Adversity: A Psychosocial Exploration of Chimanimani’s Experience With Cyclone Idai and COVID-19

This study explores the psychosocial impact of Cyclone Idai and COVID-19 on vulnerable communities in Chimanimani, Zimbabwe. We aimed to investigate the experiences and perceptions of community members, identify factors influencing resilience, and inform strategies for advancing resilience. Findings reveal a complex interplay of factors affecting resilience, including trauma, economic instability, and social dynamics. We argue for a contextualized approach to promoting resilience, incorporating community-based initiatives, economic empowerment, and policy support. Through Bronfenbrenner’s ecological theory, the research apprises adversity resilience understanding, highlighting the need for contextualized, theoretically informed strategies considering the interplay between micro, meso, exo, macro, and chrono levels.