ASSESSING DROUGHT VULNERABILITY AMONG FARMING COMMUNITIES IN KARONGA DISTRICT: CASE STUDY OF TA KYUNGU.
Abstract
A number of sectors in Malawi are seriously threatened by drought vulnerability, with agriculture being the most affected, followed by water, gender, hearth and fisheries.
This study investigate the vulnerability to drought in traditional authority Kyungu, Karonga District, Malawi, focusing on the impact on agriculture, livelihoods and food security. Given the region’s reliance on rain-fed agriculture and recurrent droughts, understanding and assessing vulnerability is crucial for effective disaster risk reduction.
The research employs both qualitative and quantitative methods within descriptive design. Data collection involved structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with Community Development Committee (VDC) members and local experts, supplemented by secondary data from the government and survey reports. The Community Based Risk Index (CBDRI) was used to quantify vulnerability, integrating factors of hazard’s exposure, susceptibility and capacity. The study reveals that 60% of the communities exhibit medium vulnerability to drought, 29% high vulnerability and 10.7 % low vulnerability. Key factors contributing to high susceptibility include poverty, limited access to essential services, high dependency ratio and small employment base. Exposure levels are generally low except in areas with significant agricultural activity. A lack of capacity to mitigate and adapt to drought is widespread, with insufficient infrastructure and funding for disaster risk management.
The findings highlights the urgent needs for targeted interventions to reduce drought vulnerability in TA Kyungu. Identifying areas of high vulnerability allows more efficient resource allocation and development of tailored strategies to enhance community resilience. This study contributes essential data for policymakers and supports the formulation of policies aimed at sustainable development and disaster risk reduction in vulnerable communities.
Research summary
A number of sectors in Malawi are seriously threatened by drought vulnerability, with agriculture being the most affected, followed by water, gender, hearth and fisheries. This study investigate the vulnerability to drought in traditional authority Kyungu, Karonga District, Malawi, focusing on the impact on agriculture, livelihoods and food security. Data collection involved structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with Community Development Committee (VDC) members and local experts, supplemented by secondary data from the government and survey reports. This study contributes essential data for policymakers and supports the formulation of policies aimed at sustainable development and disaster risk reduction in vulnerable communities.