Drought Risk Assessment

Hydro-Climatic Disasters in Water Resources Management

30 Nov - 02 Dec 2009, Georgetown, Guyuna

• Explain the occurrence, impact and management of the drought phenomenon

• Understand types, factors, indicators of droughts

• Understand intensity, frequency, severity, and risks associated with droughts

• Establish a basis for drought management

o Drought is normal, recurrent feature of climate

o Occurs almost everywhere, although its features vary from region to region.

o Defining drought depends on differences in regions, needs, and disciplinary perspectives.

•

Cuts across many sectors Cuts across normal divisions of

responsibility of local, state, and federal agencies

Heightens food insecurity weakening capacities for delivery of

critical services

Examines the consequences of a given event or change,

Begins by identifying direct consequences of the drought, such as reduced crop yields, livestock losses, and reservoir depletion.

Direct outcomes can then be traced to secondary consequences (often social effects)

Require strong political commitment, community participation, and consideration of local realities

The international and regional communities also play an important role in coordinating activities, transferring knowledge, supporting project implementation, and facilitating effective and affordable practices

Is there capacity to monitor and analyze drought events ?

Sector Impacts

Food security outlook in the Horn of Africa region in 2005

How and when is information drought communicated to those at risk?

Severe drought is often slow in its development, it is relatively easy to tell when one is coming

Put in place a system for monitoring , early detection and response to drought impacts threats

Mitigation is through soil and water conservation

Regulate public use of water Improve alternative/ contingency water

sources e.g. desalination of seawater, water recycling, and enhancing rainwater harvesting

Extensive monitoring of precipitation and water usage are the best way to prepare for a drought

Contingency measures for impacted sectors

(Courtesy of USDA–NRCS)

Furrow Dike Holding Water

Laser controlled land levelling

In 15 minutes Take a card Put down 2 or 3 points for each

question below;a) What is the implication of

drought problem in your country

b) What changes are required for more effective drought management