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community resilience. This calls for investments in digital infrastructure in rural areas, which would enable more efficient information sharing and improve access to services and resources. Additionally, the role of youth in managing and maintaining these platforms could offer new opportunities for employment and community engagement.
3. Leveraging Social Media for Crisis Communication
Social media platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp are already being used effectively for crisis communication in rural areas. The implication is that leveraging these platforms further can enhance the speed and reach of communication during disasters. Governments and disaster management agencies should expand their use of social media to ensure timely communication with even the most remote communities. Additionally, there is an opportunity to develop specific strategies or platforms that cater to rural populations, focusing on local languages and cultural contexts to make these communication efforts more effective.
4. Institutionalizing Mutual Aid Systems among Farmers
The mutual aid networks among farmers, as highlighted in the findings, are vital for ensuring agricultural resilience. These informal systems allow farmers to support each other during crises, such as droughts or livestock losses. The implication is that formalizing or institutionalizing these networks could enhance their effectiveness and sustainability. Government agricultural extension programs and NGOs could help facilitate these mutual aid systems by providing resources, training, and logistical support to farmers. By building on existing social networks, these programs can help improve the resilience of the agricultural sector.
5. Strengthening Community-Based Financial Networks
The findings show that community-based financial networks, such as burial stokvels, provide essential financial support in times of crisis. These informal financial structures help individuals and families manage significant financial burdens, such as funeral costs, without resorting to formal financial institutions. The implication is that these informal networks should be strengthened and, where possible, linked to formal financial services to provide more comprehensive financial security. Policies that encourage the integration of informal savings groups with microfinance institutions or credit cooperatives could provide more structured support and improve financial resilience in rural communities.
6. The Role of Community Resilience in Disaster Management Policy
The findings suggest that social networks are a key component of rural disaster resilience. However, these networks often operate outside of formal disaster management systems. The implication is that future disaster management policies should recognize and incorporate the role of social networks in community resilience. Governments and disaster management agencies should work to integrate these informal systems into formal recovery and preparedness frameworks. Doing so will not only strengthen the overall disaster response but also ensure that local, community-based solutions are recognised and supported..
7. Addressing the Digital Divide and Information Access Gaps
The findings indicate that lack of access to information contributes to vulnerability in rural communities. While social networks help bridge this gap, there are still significant challenges in ensuring that all members of rural communities have access to crucial information. The implication is that there is a need to address the digital divide by providing better Internet access, especially in remote areas. Expanding Internet infrastructure will enable communities to not only improve communication but also access new opportunities for education, business, and disaster preparedness.
Indigenous knowledge in strengthening resilience?
Theme 2:
Contribution of Indigenous Knowledge in Strengthening Resilience
This theme explores how indigenous knowledge systems have played a crucial role in strengthening the resilience of rural communities, particularly during health and environmental crises.
Use of Indigenous Medicinal Plants
Indigenous medicinal plants played a vital role during the COVID-19 pandemic, as highlighted by multiple participants. Participant 1 explained how the use of Umhlonyane (Artemisia afra) was a common remedy to treat COVID-19 symptoms in rural areas.The effectiveness of this herbal remedy provided better health outcomes for those who had access to it. Participant 5 emphasised that the pandemic led to a resurgence in the use of traditional practices like steaming with Umhlonyane, which became widely adopted as a preventive and healing measure. Participant 6 added that modern health care systems owe much to indigenous medicinal knowledge and discussed the integration of this knowledge into formal systems, such as registering traditional healers through health forums. In addition to medicinal plants, indigenous healing practices played a central role in helping people cope with the pandemic. Participant 2 noted that elders from deep rural areas shared their knowledge of herbal mixtures and steaming techniques, which provided both physical and psychological relief.This knowledge alleviated symptoms and fostered a sense of empowerment,especially in the absence of formal health care systems.
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