Drought -- National Drought Mitigation Center

 

Title

Improving Drought Management and Planning through Better Monitoring in Africa

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

June 1998

Comments

Published in Drought Network News Vol. 10, No. 2, June 1998. Published by the International Drought Information Center and the National Drought Mitigation Center, School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska – Lincoln.

Drought is part of the environment. It occurs in every part of the globe and adversely affects the lives of a large number of people, causing considerable damage to economies, the environment, and property. It also affects countries differently, having a greater impact on countries with poor economic conditions.

Recurrent drought in Africa in the last 30 years has had a disastrous effect on an economic and social situation that already had serious problems. Today, in the aftermath of these devastating droughts, planning and preparedness have become more important. Most disasters, including droughts, are no accident. They are made by misgovernment. However, competent governments, given foresight and funds, can build defenses against these natural disasters.

The enormous physical consequences of drought and the huge financial cost of relief efforts (compared to prevention) have led Africa to improve its drought management and preparedness scheme regularly.