THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF CYCLONE IDAI ON THE LIVELIHOODS OF WOMEN: A CASE OF CHIMANIMANI, MANICALAND PROVINCE, ZIMBABWE

This study sought to assess the socio-economic impacts of cyclone Idai on the livelihoods of women in Chimanimani. The overall study aim was to examine effects of climate change induced disasters on women’s lives, exploring their experiences and coping strategies that they have employed in dealing with the aftermath of disasters. There was also examination on how governmental and non- governmental organizations help people in the aftermath of disasters. The research was qualitative in nature and in-depth interviews were carried out to elicit information from the participants and also made use of key informant interviews. The study employed the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework to help explore the adaptation strategies employed by women in the event of cyclones. The study established that cyclone Idai led to the problem of increasing vulnerability for women. Women are subject to gender-based violence, dependency and hunger. Findings show how women became homeless, jobless while food insecurity and health security, even individual safety loomed in their midst. Strategies employed included gardening, sewing, piece jobs while some sell and consume alcohol and others have resorted to former businesses. They have been receiving food aid and housing assistance from governmental and non- governmental organizations. The recommendations of the study are that the government and other responsible stakeholders should seriously consider devolution and proper planning before the advent of disasters. Moreover, they should consider the weather forecasts seriously to avert causalities.