AN ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND PERCEPTION ON DISASTER
PREPAREDNESS AMONG PEOPLE LIVING AT NGABU IN CHIKWAWA.
BY
PRISCA CHAKUAMBA
202320220003
PROPOSAL SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF NURSING OF KAMUZU UNIVERSITY
OF HEALTH SCIENCES IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT FOR THE AWARD OF BACHELOR
OF SCIENCE IN COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSING.
SUPERVISED BY
E MANDALA
JUNE, 2024.
INTRODUCTION
According to Al-Dahash et al.,( 2016) any natural or human generated calamitous event that
produces great loss of human life or destruction of the natural environment, Private property or
public infrastructure. Perry,( 2018) defined disaster as a serious problem that happens over a
period of time and causes so much harm to people, things economics of the environment that the
affected community or society cannot handle it on its own.
The goal of disaster preparedness is to better enable governments, organisations and individuals
to respond and cope with the immediate aftermath of the disaster thereby reducing loss of life
and livelihoods. This is achieved through various measures such as training for search and
rescue, establishing early warning systems developing contingency plans and stockpiling
equipment and supplies. For this reason, disaster preparedness plays a crual role in building the
resilience of communities Tekeli-Yeşil,(2006).
One of the advantages of disaster preparedness is that it reduces loss of life and property by
being prepared for disasters. Furthermore, communities can reduce the number of causalities and
minimise damage to properties. Additionally, faster responders’ time as preparedness measures
can help emergency responders to act quickly and effectively in the event of a disaster. Lastly,
disaster preparedness improves coordination between different organisation and agencies, hence
ensuring a more effective response Tabish & Syed,( 2015)
BACKGROUND
Disaster preparedness at global scale has evolved significantly over the years in response to the
increasing frequency and severity of natural and human made disasters .Globally ,communities
have faced various types of disasters ranging from earth quakes and flood to pandemic and
industrial accidents. However, the modern concept of disaster management that emerged in the
mid-20th century was spurred by major events such as World War II and the cord war. (Teo et al.,
2019) Governments, world over recognised the need for systematic approaches to mitigate risk,
respond to emergencies and facilitate recovery efforts. 1980s and 1990s, international initiatives
were done by establishment of international frameworks and organisations dedicated to disaster
risk reduction and preparedness. Examples include the United Nations International Strategy for
Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) and the Sendai framework for disaster risk reduction which
emphasize the importance of proactive measures to build reliance and reduced vulnerability (Aka
et al., 2017).
Advances in technology use of early warning systems , remove sensing and geospatial analysis
have revolutionized disaster preparedness and response capabilities. These tools enable more
accurate risk assessment timely detection of hazards and targeted intervention to minimize the
impact of disaster . Recognizing the importance of local knowledge and community participation
, disaster preparedness efforts increasingly prioritise grassroots initiatives capacity building and
community based resilience programs .Engaging communities as active stakeholders fosters
ownership and sustainability of preparedness measures Khorram-Manesh et al( 2016)
NATIONAL.
In the heart of Southern Africa lies Malawi a landlocked nation known for its stunning
landscapes and vibrant culture. Yet amidst its natural beauty. Malawi faces the ever present
threat of disasters , from floods and droughts to epidemics and food insecurity. The imperative of
disaster preparedness at the national level in Malawi is not merely a matter of prudence but a
matter of survival for its people and sustainability of its development Malawi’s vulnerability to
disasters is starkly illustrated by the statistics . According to world Bank, between 1980 and 2019
Malawi experienced 32 major disasters events resulting in significant economic losses and
human suffering. Floods, in particular pose a recurrent threat , affecting thousands of households
annually and displacing entire communities . In 2019 devastating floods caused by cyclone Idai
displaced over 80,000 people and resulted in widespread destruction of infrastructure and
livelihoods.According to Malawi 2023 Tropical Cyclone Freddy Post-Disaster Needs
Assessment | IRP(, 2023) in early March 2023, Malawi experienced one of worst tropical
cyclones on record. Tropical cyclone Freddy developed in the western Indian ocean and moved
eastwards influencing torrential rains over the southern part of Malawi . Following heavy rains
multiple flood events were reported in Blantyre Mulanje and Thyolo districts. On March 12 2023
, flash floods led to multiple debris flows and other landslides in Blantyre Chiradzulu , Mulanje
and Phalombe districts (Hewitt, 2014). The impact of disaster extends beyond immediate loss
and damage, exacerbating exiting social economic challenges and hindering long term
development effort .Malawi reliance on rain fed agriculture makes it particularly susceptible to
the adverse effects of climate variability and extreme weather events, leading to food insecurity
and economic instability. Moreover the country’s limited resources and instutional capacity pose
significant challenges to effective disaster preparedness and response to the challenges.
Government of Malawi , in collaboration with international partners and civil society
organisations ,has embarked an effort to strengthen disaster preparedness and resilience building
initiatives. The National Disaster Risk Management Policy and its associated frameworks
provide a comprehensive road map for disaster risk reduction ,preparedness, response and
recovery across various sectors .However, despite progress in policy development and institution
strengthening significant gaps remain in translating these commitments into tangible actions on
the ground .Challenges such as limited access to early warning systems, inadequate infrastructure
and resources constraints impede the effectiveness of disaster preparedness efforts , leaving
communities vulnerable to recurring hazards.(Kita, 2017)
PROBLEM STATEMENT .
Chikwawa District Hospital has been conducting awareness campaign on disaster preparedness
among people living in the district since 2005. This was done to reduce number of flood victims.
Despite the above interventions Chikwawa district is still registering increased number of flood
victims. According to statistics accessed from Chikwawa DHO in 2023 flood victim cases were
1,683 compared to 2022 victims which was 1,233 victims living in the camps. If this is not
managed, there will be more pressure on limited resources.
BROAD OBJECTIVE.
To assess knowledge and perception on disaster preparedness among people living at Ngabu in
Chikwawa..
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
1. To determine knowledge on disaster preparedness of people living in areas of Ngabu in
Chikwawa.
2. To analyse perception on disaster preparedness of people living in Ngabu in Chikwawa.
3. To understand how disaster preparedness can be improved.
LITERATURE REVIEW..
INRODUCTION
Literature review is written sources which are related to the topic of the study and it
involves evaluating of information found. This literature review evaluated some studies
which was done globally , in Africa and others done in Malawi which are related to
assessment of knowledge and perception on disaster preparedness among people living n
prone areas.
Determine knowledge on disaster preparedness.
Dr Ahmed M .Hassan Associate Professor of Disaster Management at the University of
Nairobi Kenya conducted a study titled “Assessment of knowledge and Perception
Among Residents of flood prone areas in sub Saharan Africa. It was conducted between
January and March 2020 in Uganda and Tanzania. The methodology used, he employed a
quantitative survey design to assess knowledge and perception of disaster preparedness
among residents in flood prone areas. A structured questionnaire was administered to
households focusing on respondents awareness , understanding and practices related to
disaster preparedness measures.
The study utilize a multi stage sampling technique to select households from different
villages within the flood prone of sub Saharan Africa. He found varying levels of
knowledge on disaster preparedness among residents in flood prone areas of sub Saharan
Africa. However, some individuals showed a good understanding of preparedness
measures such as warning system, evacuation procedures and emergency supplies .
Contrary ,others showed limited awareness in response and recovery strategies. On
perceptions and attitudes he found that disaster preparedness vary among residents
influenced by factors such as cultural beliefs ,past experience and trust in authorities. On
socioeconomic factors he found that education level, income and access to information
played a significant role in shaping knowledge levels and perceptions of disaster
preparedness. He indicated that Individuals with higher levels of education and better
access to resources were more likely to possess adequate knowledge and engage in
preparedness activities.
Similarly, Dr Grace Banda associate professor of disaster management at the university
of Malawi did the study in August 2019 in flood prone disticts of Malawi in Zomba,
Mangochi and balaka. On methodology , she used a mixed approach , combining
quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to assess knowledge and perception on
disaster preparedness among residents in flood prone areas .A structured questionnaire
was administerd to households followed by in depth interviews with key informants such
as community leaders and disaster management officials. She used a purposive sampling
technique to select households and key informants from various villages within flood
prone district of Malawi. The study revealed disparities in knowledge levels among
residents regarding disaster preparedness measures. Additionally the study revealed
communication and information gaps as significant challenges in promoting disaster
preparedness among residents. Limited access to timely and accurate information
especially in remote and marginalized communities.
Analyse perception on disaster preparedness
CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY
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