IOM, the UN Migration Agency in Zimbabwe, on 6 to 8 June 2018, rolled out the Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) training in Bulawayo, to strengthen the capacity of partners and government to regularly collect, process and disseminate complete, accurate and timely data and information on internal displacement and other migration flows in Zimbabwe. The training was conducted within the framework of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) funded project entitled “Protection Monitoring Project for Vulnerable groups including Internally Displaced Persons in Zimbabwe”.
13 male and 18 female participants drawn from civil society organizations and Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing attended the training which was facilitated by IOM DTM experts from Geneva, Switzerland.
Participants were oriented on tools on data collection methodologies for migrants’ flow monitoring, baseline assessments and surveys. The systematic capture and dissemination of evidence based information on internal and cross border movements will enhance the capacity of the humanitarian community and government to better respond and support affected populations. Participants identifies the southern region districts of Tsholotsho and Beitbridge as pilot districts for implementation of DTM activities that have been planned to start in September 2018. The two are among the highest migrant sending districts and are at perennial risk of natural disaster-induced displacements.
“The southern region of Zimbabwe is exposed to recurring flooding and drought which have been exacerbated by the economic challenges the country has experienced since the turn of the millennium. These have resulted in displacements and across border migration to South Africa and Botswana for better prospects,” said one of the participants from Tsholotsho.
The Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) is a system designed to regularly capture, process and disseminate information to provide a better understanding of the evolving movements and locations, numbers, vulnerabilities and needs of displaced and mobile populations. IOM institutionalized DTM in 2005 to monitor and track displacements and mobility trends in Iraq. In succeeding years, the tool has increasingly received credibility among governments, donors and partners as a source of migration data. As a result, DTM has been activated for use in 78 countries in Asia, America, the Middle East, Europe and Africa

For more information please contact Roger Charles Evina on +263 4 704285/88/90 or email revina@iom.int