Building Community Resilience and Strengthening Local Capacities for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation in Zongoene (Xai-Xai District), Gaza Province

Abstract

The occurrence of extreme climate events in Mozambique constitutes a great barrier to swift sustainable economic development due to associated human and material damages. As a result, the population lives in a situation of threat and instability. The most vulnerable societies in Mozambique are those inhabiting settling areas along coastal or river plains, and those whose economies are strictly related to resources highly sensitive to climate changes. The vulnerability factors of two communities in the lower Limpopo River were analysed using a participative tool, the top mecca. The Zongoene and Mahielene communities in the lower Limpopo River basin lack essential adaptation elements that enable responses to climate change and natural disasters. These elements are required nationwide and include a highly diversified economy and access to new production technologies. In addition and in particular, the Zongoene and Mahielene communities rely directly on the services offered by the coastal ecosystems that have been affected by the impacts of floods, droughts, sea level rise and tropical cyclones. Some activities for climate change adaptation were identified and discussed based on the weaknesses and strengths identified.