Overview
The National Disaster Management Policy (2005), developed by the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) under the Office of the Vice President, provides Zambia with a comprehensive framework to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.
The policy was introduced to address the country’s growing vulnerability to both natural hazards (droughts, floods, epidemics, livestock diseases) and human-induced disasters (fires, deforestation, industrial accidents, and refugee influxes). It recognises disasters as a major threat to Zambia’s lives, livelihoods, environment, and economy, calling for a multi-sectoral, proactive, and community-based approach.
Vision
A safety net that protects citizens, assets, and the environment against disasters through proactive, community-driven, and multi-sectoral approaches integrated into national development.
Rationale
Before 2005, Zambia’s disaster response relied on ad-hoc arrangements, often fragmented and inefficient. Weak coordination, lack of legal backing, unreliable information systems, and over-reliance on donor support hindered effectiveness.
The 2005 policy was therefore created to:
- Provide a permanent disaster management framework.
- Reduce duplication and wastage of resources.
- Strengthen coordination at national, provincial, district, and community levels.
- Integrate disaster management into national development planning.
Guiding Principles
The policy is anchored on:
- Government responsibility for protecting people and assets.
- Prevention, preparedness, and mitigation as integral parts of development.
- Capacity building at all levels.
- Effective Early Warning Systems for timely response.
- Sustainable development & environmental management to reduce risks.
- Community participation and self-reliance.
- Gender sensitivity – recognising that women, children, and the elderly are most affected.
- National culture of prevention & preparedness.
Goals & Objectives
The policy’s overarching goal is to strengthen Zambia’s disaster management capacities to safeguard lives, livelihoods, property, and the environment.
Specific Objectives:
- Improve preparedness to respond effectively.
- Activate timely and efficient response mechanisms.
- Restore livelihoods and essential services post-disaster.
- Mitigate the impact of hazards on vulnerable populations.
- Implement preventive measures to avoid disasters.
- Strengthen coordination and reduce duplication of efforts.
Key Measures
1. Preparedness & Response
- Risk assessments and contingency planning.
- Evacuation, rescue manuals, and simulation exercises.
- Relief requisites (food, water, medical supplies).
- Strengthened Early Warning Systems and Emergency Operations Centre (EOC).
- Community-level preparedness and self-help initiatives.
2. Prevention
- Public education campaigns, training, and awareness.
- Vulnerability and needs assessments.
- Mainstreaming disaster management into development programmes.
- Regulatory measures in urban planning and infrastructure design.
3. Mitigation & Restoration
- Structural measures (flood defenses, irrigation, resilient housing).
- Environmental management and reforestation.
- Livelihood diversification and climate-smart agriculture.
- Rapid rehabilitation of infrastructure and institutions.
4. Coordination
- Multi-level committees (national, provincial, district, satellite/community).
- Partnerships with NGOs, private sector, donors, UN agencies, and the church.
- Strengthened communication, databases, and information-sharing systems.
- Use of regional and international protocols (e.g., SADC disaster frameworks).
Implementation Framework
- Office of the Vice President (OVP): overall responsibility.
- Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU): permanent secretariat and operational lead.
- National Disaster Management Committee (NDMC): chaired by the Vice President, supreme policy-making body.
- National Disaster Management Technical Committee (NDMTC): Permanent Secretaries and stakeholders for technical oversight.
- Provincial, District, and Satellite Committees: localised response and coordination.
Legal & Financing Provisions
- To be backed by a DMMU Act giving legal authority for disaster management and resource mobilisation.
- Establishment of a National Disaster Trust Fund (NDTF) at national, provincial, and district levels.
- Funding from government treasury, donors, UN agencies, NGOs, private sector, insurance schemes, and communities.
Monitoring & Evaluation
- Integrated M&E system coordinated by DMMU.
- Regular risk mapping, vulnerability assessments, and progress reports.
- Translation of policy into Operations Manual and enforceable legal framework.
Expected Outcomes
The policy envisions:
- Stronger disaster preparedness and rapid response.
- Reduced vulnerability and poverty-linked risks.
- Improved environmental management and resilience.
- Efficient coordination across government and partners.
- A safer, disaster-resilient Zambia that integrates risk reduction into sustainable development
