This paper outlines the livelihood centred approach to disaster risk reduction (DRR) in Zimbabwe. It provides a picture of Zimbabwe's vulnerability to multiple hazards and contrasts cases of two contrasting livelihoods, taking into consideration the financial, natural, physical, human, and social assets. The authors argue that, while communities have alwasy lived with shocks and stresses, their coping strategies are now being undermined by additional pressures, including the impacts of climate change. The paper concludes that while there is no single formula for risk reduction for the poor, DRR should be a core component of all long-term sustainable development activities.