Climate Change-Induced Disasters in Manicaland Province in Zimbabwe: The Need for Continuous Professional Development
摘要
This chapter identifies gaps in social work training pertaining to climate change and disaster management practice, intervention design, and the promotion of environmental justice during climate change related disasters in Zimbabwe. Utilising the focus group research method and thematic analysis, 26 social work practitioners were recruited and interviewed about the utility of social work practice and the visibility of the profession prior to, during, and in the aftermath of disasters. In recent times, Zimbabwe has been hit by Cyclone Dineo in 2017, Cyclone Idai in 2019, Tropical Storm Chalane in 2020, Cyclone Eloise in 2021, and Cyclone Freddy in 2023, causing considerable destruction, particularly in Manicaland Province, which is more prone to climate change-induced disasters. The study found that most of the social workers working in Manicaland Province had not been exposed to a disaster-oriented curriculum. Limited visibility of the social work profession in disaster practice was also noted, and the practitioners expressed the need for a CPD training programme on climate change and disaster management. Climate change-informed social work practitioners are better suited to work in these disaster-prone areas to promote environmental justice. The chapter further shows how the social work profession is better suited to intervene in the prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery phases of disaster management.