Droughts

Drought is a long-lasting period of low precipitation (rainfall, snowfall or snowmelt) resulting in a shortage of water. When communities don't have enough water for drinking, sanitation and agriculture it can lead to food insecurity, the spread of disease, malnutrition and starvation, migration and economic losses. Drought can also have a negative impact on power generation, transportation and commercial or industrial needs in a country.

A family plough their field in Chiwonde, Zimbabwe in 2016 during two successive years of drought that has affected their livelihood

Emergency appeals

Do you know how to prepare for drought?

Do's and don'ts

  • Work with your neighbours to manage community resources
  • Ask your health care provider about drought-related health risks
  • Don't use sprinkler systems, instead use drip irrigation to prevent waste
  • Cultivate early maturing and drought-tolerant crops
  • Don't lay concrete, lay green driveways and water-permeable asphalt
  • Maintain all water-related infrastructure, such as pipes and storage, to prevent waste
  • Protect yourself from heat in your home

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