Towards the development of an integrated governance mechanisms for recurrent drought in the North West Province, Republic of South Africa

Abstract

This study probed methods that might be applicable in developing an integrated governance mechanism for recurrent drought experienced in the North-West Province. Globally drought is considered a temporal and unusual behaviour of the climate that recurs in high- and low rainfall areas and cannot be prevented. In South Africa, North-West Province has proved itself to be a two-dimensional area in the manner that some regions a considered to receive normal rainfall while others are regarded as semi-desert. In many instances, such areas are affected by recurrent drought phenomenon. In essence, responding to confronting drought conditions in a particular area must be advanced by understanding its impact on humankind, farmers, sectors and the economy of the country. These require adequate governance mechanism. Numerous researchers have investigated how livelihood is affected by the drought phenomenon in the North-West Province but little attention has been devoted to integrated governance mechanism for drought. Equally so, extant research papers determine challenges around drought and recommended mechanisms with the purpose of solving such problems. A substantial body of information has been provided in research regarding the physical appearance of drought and its impacts on social, economic and environmental space. Yet, uncertainty remains on the subject of drought principles and perspectives. Some are unable to delineate between drought and water scarcity challenges in the province, making it difficult to know what exactly is confronting the community. This is a result that not much has been invested to provide information on societal problems experienced due to drought. Extant research has focused on the impact of drought and the response from the government to mitigate or resolve such challenges, neglecting the investigation around how ineffective governance of drought contributed to its recurrent features. North-West province was declared drought area twice within five years (that is 2013 – 2016). Even though funds were sourced from national treasury for these two declarations, the problems have persisted. Some areas such as the western parts of the province have a history of receiving below normal rainfall and are classified as semi-arid. Thus raising questions on whether responding to drought issues in such areas is addressing current challenges or those which accumulated over some time. Hence, an integrated governance mechanism is required to address responses relating to societal problems as a result of recurrent drought in the North-West Province.