Browsing by Author "Mubangizi, Betty Claire"

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    Nurturing Rural Resilience: Coping Strategies and Collaborative Initiatives in South Africa’s COVID-19 Response
    (2023) Okem, Andrew Emmanuel; Mubangizi, Betty Claire; Adekanla, N.,; John, S. F.
    The susceptibility of rural areas to the challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic is readily apparent, particularly given the pre-existing conditions of poverty and resource limitations within these communities. Consequently, rural populations confront considerable adversity amid the pandemic. The capacity of these communities to withstand such challenges hinges upon their adeptness in managing the resultant impacts. This policy brief emanates from a research inquiry conducted within two distinct local municipalities in South Africa, namely Matatiele and Winnie Madikizela Mandela (WMM). It delineates the coping mechanisms employed by these municipalities to contend with the exigencies imposed by the COVID-19 crisis. Notably, strategies encompassing the mitigation of food insecurity, the diversification of income streams, the enhancement of emotional well-being, and the curtailment of expenditures assume primacy among individuals endeavouring to secure alternative means of sustenance. This observation underscores the fundamental role of coping strategies, often centred around the satisfaction of elemental requisites such as income generation and food provision. To fortify these communities against potential disruptions, cultivating resilient local institutions and implementing efficacious collaborative endeavours emerge as indispensable. Such measures empower communities to identify and adopt alternative livelihoods, concurrently facilitating the establishment of a supportive infrastructural framework.
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    Rural vulnerability and institutional dynamics in the context of COVID-19: A scoping review
    (AOSIS, 2022) John, Sokfa F.; Okem, Andrew Emmanuel; Mubangizi, Betty Claire; Adekanla, Niyi; Ngubane, Londeka P.; Barry, Ibrahim
    This study reviewed the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on pre-existing vulnerabilities in rural communities using the scoping review strategy. It focused on manuscripts published on the topic in 2020. Based on 39 studies that met our inclusion criteria (out of 507 studies), we note that COVID-19 is exacerbating pre-existing rural vulnerabilities, including poverty, remoteness, socio-economic marginalisation and high unemployment. There is limited evidence that rural communities are resilient to the pandemic. Reduction in household expenditures and the community food system are the only reported forms of resilience. Although local institutions are supporting rural communities in responding to the impacts of the pandemic, several institutional dynamics undermine the effectiveness of the response. The increased risk of the pandemic is likely to reduce incomes and standards of living amongst poor communities. Thus, coping strategies were identified such as starting small gardens in communities, diet changes, targeting community markets with produce rather than retailers and food swap using social media, with food swap being the most adopted coping strategy. Although this study does not offer a comprehensive picture of the levels and nature of vulnerability, resilience and institutional dynamics of rural communities in different parts of the world reveal the limitations of existing knowledge of the vulnerability of rural communities in the context of COVID-19. This underscores the importance of further studies on rural vulnerability in the context of COVID-19 that will enable evidence-based responses to the pandemic in rural contexts.
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    Understanding the Interplay Among Vulnerabilities, Livelihoods, and Institutional Dynamics in the Context of COVID-19: A Case Study of Selected Rural Communities in South Africa
    (University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2023-07-15) Mubangizi, Betty Claire; Okem, Andrew Emmanuel; John, SF; Ngubane, Mnqobi; Barry, I; Adekanla, N; Nyawo, Jabulani Christopher
    About the report While our academic outputs cater for scholarly audiences, offering intricate analyses and methodological deliberations, this technical report considers a different path. Recognising the vast spectrum of stakeholders; from policy makers to practitioners - whose decisions and actions are pivotal in shaping the future of rural communities, we’ve crafted this report to be accessible, clear, and action-oriented. Simplicity: Away from the academic jargon and complex terminologies, this report communicates in a plain language, ensuring that findings are clear despite the academic level. Visuals: To further enhance the report’s accessibility, we’ve incorporated a range of visuals – charts, graphs, and illustrative diagrams – to aid the understanding, and also offer a quick snapshot of key findings and recommendations. Utility: At its core, the report aims to be a tool for decision-makers, offering them grounded insights and actionable recommendations. By shedding light on the interplay of vulnerabilities, livelihoods, and institutional dynamics in the context of COVID-19 in rural settings, we hope to inform strategies that can more effectively address similar challenges in future. In addition, the qualitative data from this study was analysed using content analysis. The content analysis was carried out thematically by coding the bunch of text obtained from the field and creating themes as coding, thematic classification of coded texts, and integrating, refining and writing-up theoretical outcomes. NVIVO version 12 was used to code and develop themes from the data with thorough probing into the socio-economic implication of the pandemic on our unit of analysis. Specifically, well-defined explanatory mix, spread across various pre-existing resource endowment of individuals in the sustainable livelihood framework were used to analyse the socio-economic vulnerability of people using consumption and income effect of the pandemic. In conclusion, this technical report stands as a bridge between rigorous research and actionable insights. In synthesising our findings in a user-friendly format, we aspire to arm policymakers and practitioners with the knowledge and understanding required to devise robust, informed strategies. Strategies that can pave the way for more resilient rural communities, better equipped to face the multifaceted challenges of disasters and pandemics. The report is divided into two sections, presenting qualitative and quantitative data.