Institutionalisation of anticipatory action within government disaster risk management structures: experiences from Zimbabwe

Purpose This study sought to elucidate the process, mechanism and outcomes of anticipatory action (AA) initiatives at relevant governance levels in Zimbabwe with a view to drawing lessons that will inform future strategies and approaches, policy, research and practice in disaster early warning and early action. Design/methodology/approach This qualitative study explored the institutionalisation of AA in Zimbabwe through a literature review, content analysis of national policy and legislative documents, and the authors’ experiences in AA. The literature review identified key themes and gaps in disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation (CCA), shaping the analytical framework. Using Atlas.ti, conventional content analysis was applied to examine institutionalisation of anticipatory action themes across selected documents. Findings The analysis emphasises the role of the AA approach within Zimbabwe’s disaster risk management framework. Initially led by humanitarian actors, these initiatives were seen as parallel to government structures, hindering their acceptance. Continuous engagement with the government and stakeholders, along with demonstrating the efficacy of anticipatory action, facilitated common ground. Establishing sub-committees within existing disaster management structures promoted institutionalisation and required capacity building for government ownership and sustainability. Despite initial challenges, anticipatory action is now a crucial method for enhancing governance in the face of climate change-related risks. Originality/value As climate change amplifies the frequency and severity of extreme events, anticipatory action is becoming essential for effective disaster risk management. Advances in technology have improved the accuracy and accessibility of early warning information. By investing in AA, communities can save lives, protect livelihoods and enhance resilience to future hazards. Governments are increasingly integrating AA into existing disaster risk management structures to ensure sustainability and continuity at all levels.