Page 31 - Research Report 2025.1

7. The Role of Government Grants and Economic Dependency
The heavy reliance on government grants as a safety net for families affected by disasters is unsustainable, as noted in the discussions about inadequate financial support to rebuild homes and recover from economic losses. Strengthening social safety nets and expanding economic opportunities through skills development, access to markets, and job creation initiatives are essential to reducing dependency on grants. This would also foster greater economic resilience and self-reliance in the face of future disasters.
Policy Recommendations and Future Directions
The findings suggest several areas for future policy action and development planning:
1. Implementing Gender-Sensitive Disaster Relief Programs
Disaster response mechanisms must incorporate strategies that prioritize the needs of vulnerable groups, particularly women, and provide support for their critical roles during disasters.
2. Strengthening Social Safety Nets and Livelihood Diversification
Expanding government support programs, such as unemployment insurance and agricultural subsidies, could help reduce the economic impact of disasters on households. Encouraging diversification of livelihoods beyond agriculture would also foster greater resilience.
3. Investing in Climate-Resilient Infrastructure and Agriculture
Building more resilient infrastructure and supporting farmers with climate-smart agricultural practices are critical to reducing the negative impacts of disasters on food security and economic stability.
4. Establishing Dedicated Disaster Preparedness Funds
Allocating funds specifically for disaster preparedness, separate from development budgets, would help ensure that municipalities can continue to progress with long-term development goals even in the face of recurring disasters.
5. Enhancing Local Disaster Response Capacity
Strengthening local institutions and providing training for emergency responders would improve the district’s ability to manage future disasters more effectively and reduce the dependency on external support.
a. Community and Institutional Responses to Disasters
(Theme 2) Community and Institutional Responses to Disasters
Disaster Management Structures and Joint Operations
Awareness Campaigns and Preventative Measures
Theme 2:
Community and Institutional Responses to Disasters
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3 3 1 1
Support from Local Businesses and NGOs
4
7
Microfinance and Economic Support
2
2
This theme explores the collaboration between local businesses, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and government institutions in responding to disasters in the Alfred Nzo District. The responses varied in scale and type, ranging from immediate disaster relief during the COVID-19 pandemic to more long-term initiatives, such as job creation and capacity-building efforts. The theme also sheds light on the institutional structures and mechanisms for disaster management and the gaps that exist in terms of coordination, financial practices and public awareness campaigns.
Support from Local Businesses and NGOs
Local businesses and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) were instrumental in providing disaster relief in Alfred Nzo District, particu- larly during the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters like droughts. Participant 2 highlights the critical role that these entities played by offering essential aid, such as food parcels and water via boreholes. Importantly, local businesses not only contributed material support but also focused on creating opportunities for youth and small businesses to recover. NGOs, particularly in the Matatiele area, were also credited with job creation projects and environmental conservation efforts,such as alien plant removal.These initiatives not only addressed immediate needs but also contributed to long-term economic sustainability by creating jobs. Participant 5 echoed these sentiments by highlighting NGOs’ partnerships with government in sustaining livelihoods in Alfred Nzo, particularly NGOs such as ERS (Environmental and Rural Services) that focus on environmental preservation and the farming industry. However, Participant 4 cautioned against the reliance on NGOs as a per- manentsolution,recognizingtheirvaluablerolebutacknowledgingthatthey“can’tbehereforever.”Thissentimentemphasisestheneedfor sustainable, long-term local support systems beyond external aid. Similarly, A Focus Group Participant noted the support provided by private sector partners, such as Santam and Old Mutual, through capacity-building initiatives and institutional partnerships. However, the participant also expressed concern that the business sector was not doing enough in terms of corporate social responsibility.
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