| dc.description.abstract | The purpose of this study was to examine child-sensitivity mechanisms in disaster risk management interventions in Zimbabwe‟s Cyclone Idai prone areas. The researchers adopted a qualitative study and employed a case study research design to answer the research question. The target population were the 2019 Cyclone Idai survivors, and a sample of 20 participants was used to examine child-sensitivity mechanisms during the disaster. The researchers used in-depth interviews, observations and documentary analysis as research instruments. This study revealed the vulnerability of children and strategies deployed to curb disaster risk problems in relation to disasters in general context. Results showed that there are social dimensions meant to help children in relation to disasters, and that participation of locals in Chimanimani District by deploying social networks speeded up response and minimized problems on children as they came up with strategies to deal with child sensitive issues. Although the community response system also facilitated the operation of external disaster management agencies, their premature withdrawal exposed children and weakened the trust and values existing in the area, and created tensions amongst affected children and other villages. Given the delays in formal responses by the government and other external relief agencies, the practices of local actors, although spontaneous and largely uncoordinated, offered rich insights into the design and development of disaster management regimes. | en_US |
