Institutional Capacities for Drought Preparedness and Response in Umguza District in Zimbabwe

Drought remains a persistent and complex hazard globally, challenging both communities and institutions in their efforts to strengthen preparedness and response mechanisms. This study explores institutional capacities for drought preparedness and response in Umguza District, Zimbabwe using the Community Capitals Framework (CCF) to guide data collection and analysis. A qualitative methodology was employed, involving open-ended questionnaires administered to key informants drawn from the District Civil Protection Committee (DCPC). Findings reveal that the DCPC operates reactively, with limited capacity to anticipate and manage drought events proactively. This reactive posture undermines timely interventions and weakens institutional resilience. The study highlights the need for targeted capacity building to enhance institutional proactivity, coordination, and the timing of critical drought preparedness activities. By applying the CCF, the research offers an original contribution to the discourse on disaster risk reduction, emphasizing the role of integrated institutional frameworks in shaping community resilience.