Drought is a major disaster in South Africa in terms of total economic loss and number of people affected. This study investigated and analysed the preparedness, impact of and response by the farming community to the 2007/2008 drought using the Eastern Cape and Free State provinces of South Africa as case studies. Major findings of this study included inadequacy of […]
Past attempts to manage drought and its impacts through a reactive, crisis management approach have been ineffective, poorly coordinated, and untimely. Because of the ineffectiveness of this approach, greater interest has evolved in recent years in the adoption of a more proactive risk-based management approach in some countries. The 10-step drought planning process developed by Wilhite (1991) was
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Managing water shortages involves using programs to temporarily reduce demand and find alternate water to temporarily increase supply. The guidebook discusses water shortage management programs that belong in water shortage contingency plans. It was first written in 1988, and then updated in 1991 and 2008 to help water suppliers cope with potentially severe drought and other water shortages. The
Urban Drought Guidebook: 2008 Updated Edition Read More »
A Compilation of Reports from the 2010 Class of “Applied Climatology and Meteorology” at the University of Oklahoma that review the drought experience of Norman, Oklahoma; future risks; and preliminary steps that the city can take for effective drought preparedness. Online version of report http://drought.unl.edu/portals/0/docs/Drought-Ready%20for%20Norman.pdf
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The process outlined in the Guide is broad-based, recognizing that drought creates problems that go beyond the scope of what water suppliers alone can address. Worksheets and other exercises can help communities see how drought has affected water supplies and overall community well-being in the past. The Guide can also help communities identify their drought
Drought-Ready Communities: A Guide to Community Drought Preparedness Read More »
The paper offers insight and recommendations around preparing for and coping with drought as a recurrent and natural hazard in many parts of the world. It largely focuses on the Africa context, and suggests ways to improve effectiveness of humanitarian action. For example, early warning systems have evolved greatly over the years, however there is room
Humanitarian Action in Drought Related Emergencies Read More »