Flooding and the Forgotten Tribe: The Impact of Floods on Women with Disabilities in the Tokwe-Mukosi Basin, Zimbabwe

Abstract

The paper explores the impact of floods on women with disabilities in the Tokwe-Mukosi basin, Zimbabwe. It discusses the impact of flooding on the livelihoods of women with disabilities as well as the challenges they are facing in the course of their relocation. The research employed purposive sampling. Data was gathered through key informant interviews and observation in the Tokwe-Mukosi basin, transit camps and the Nuanetsi relocation site. Research revealed that women with disabilities were adversely impacted by the floods. Their livelihood assets were destroyed and environmental and access barriers became more pronounced. The research also revealed that the relocation exercise was not all-encompassing thus, further compounded the situation for women with disabilities. The paper concludes that there is a need for the government of Zimbabwe to improve disaster management by taking on board representatives of people with disabilities.