Towards an integrated Knowledge Management and information and communication technology framework for improving disaster response in a developing country context

Abstract

This paper is part of an ongoing project that seeks to address a gap in disaster information coordination and collaboration in Zimbabwe. There is lack of coordinated information and knowledge in natural disaster and emergency situations in Zimbabwe. This results in weak collaboration links among the various organizations that respond to emergencies, leading to slow decision making processes and long response times. This negatively affects the affected communities, exacerbating poverty in Zimbabwe. This has been evidenced in the recent catastrophic cyclone Idai where many people were left dead, infrastructure destroyed and some people marooned. To address this, the research seeks to develop an integrated Knowledge Management and ICT framework that aid in coordination and collaboration among the various crisis responders. This will be achieved through a case study approach using Zimbabwe’s Civil Protection Unit. PAR within DSRM will be used to gather data from CPU as well as with NGO respondents, traditional leaders and disaster response experts. Findings will be compared and contrasted with secondary data gathered in literature, this, with collected data will be used in developing a home grown coordination and collaboration solution. Qualitative approach to data collection will be adopted using interviews, visioning workshops and document analysis.