Assessing the Effectiveness of the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit in Disaster Risk Management in Zambia: A Case Study of Chiyeke Area in Chavuma District

This study assessed the effectiveness of Zambia’s Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) in managing flood risk in Chiyeke Area, Chavuma District. A descriptive case-study design was applied within a cross-sectional framework. Fifty adult residents and local stakeholders with direct knowledge of flood conditions were selected purposively and completed a structured questionnaire. The analysis used frequencies and percentages, with open responses grouped into recurrent operational themes. The findings show a mixed but generally weak institutional performance. Only 38% of respondents agreed that warnings were timely, while 42% disagreed. Fifty-two per cent reported that evacuation routes and shelters were not clearly marked, and 50% disagreed that relief supplies were positioned before the flood season. Overall preparedness was rated inadequate or very inadequate by 44%, compared with 34% who considered it adequate. Response outcomes followed the same pattern: 44% rated DMMU’s response ineffective or very ineffective, although 46% agreed that vulnerable households were reached. Reported failures centred on impassable roads, late delivery and unequal access to relief. Community participation was also limited; 42% rejected the claim that communities were consulted in planning and 44% said local knowledge was not reflected in DMMU plans. At the same time, residents repaired roads, raised granaries, dug drainage channels and organised informal river watches. The study concludes that the DMMU has a relevant mandate and some useful local partnerships, but its effectiveness is constrained by reactive planning, logistical shortages and weak integration of community knowledge. It recommends prepositioned supplies, locally anchored warning systems, improved transport arrangements and formal community co-decision mechanisms.