Table of Contents
Overview
Definition of Drought
Drought is a prolonged period of deficient precipitation, manifesting as a lack of rain, snow, or sleet, which leads to significant water shortages in affected regions.[3.1] This phenomenon results in reduced soil moisture, diminished stream flow, and crop damage, ultimately causing general water scarcity.[5.1] Recognized as slow-onset disasters, droughts differ from sudden weather events like hurricanes and pose severe threats to livelihoods, public health, and food security.[6.1] The conceptual understanding of drought is crucial for effective policy development, as demonstrated by Australian drought policy, which incorporates normal climate variability into its definition.[4.1] The economic impacts are significant, particularly for agricultural production and communities reliant on farming, leading to decreased agricultural output, loss of livestock, and increased financial stress on farmers. This, in turn, affects rural employment opportunities and the overall well-being of these communities.[30.1] Persistent multi-year droughts have become more common since 1980 and are expected to increase with climate warming, highlighting the need for sustainable water management and climate-smart agricultural practices.[18.1] Studies indicate a notable rise in the frequency of major droughts and extreme wet events after 2015, coinciding with some of the warmest years on record, underscoring the link between climate change and extreme weather events.[17.1]Types of Drought
Droughts can be categorized based on their characteristics and underlying causes. One significant type is meteorological drought, characterized by a prolonged period of below-average precipitation. This type is influenced by climate change, which has altered natural precipitation patterns, leading to more frequent, longer, and severe drought conditions. Since 2000, the western United States has experienced some of the driest conditions on record, illustrating the impact of these changes on regional climates.[20.1] Another form is agricultural drought, which occurs when there is insufficient moisture in the soil to support crop growth. This type is significantly influenced by the timing of water availability. Even with an adequate overall water supply, a lack of timely precipitation can lead to agricultural stress. The western United States has been experiencing some of the driest conditions on record since 2000, underscoring the critical relationship between climate change and drought patterns.[20.1] Moreover, the likelihood of megadroughts—droughts lasting ten years or more—is projected to increase dramatically due to climate change. Current estimates suggest that the probability of such prolonged droughts could rise from 12% to over 60% by the 2050s, indicating a concerning trend in drought severity and duration.[19.1] This potential increase in megadroughts underscores the need for monitoring specific meteorological indicators to better predict and manage drought occurrences in the future.[19.1]History
Historical Drought Patterns
Drought has been a recurring climate phenomenon throughout history, characterized by varying lengths, severities, and geographical extents. Historical records, including tree ring archives, indicate that significant agricultural droughts have occurred intermittently over the past 2,000 years, with notable events such as the Dust Bowl in the United States during the 1930s exemplifying the severe impacts of such conditions.[46.1] In the last century alone, the United States has experienced thousands of droughts, with five major events particularly standing out due to their profound effects on agriculture, wildfires, and streamflow across the lower 48 states.[47.1] The causes of drought are multifaceted, encompassing both natural and anthropogenic factors. Historically, many droughts have been attributed to natural phenomena, often linked to cyclical weather patterns that influence moisture and heat levels in the atmosphere, land, and sea.[49.1] However, recent studies suggest that human activities, particularly the emission of greenhouse gases, have exacerbated drought conditions, contributing to an increased global drought risk.[50.1] Drought has not only affected environmental conditions but has also had significant social and political repercussions. For instance, research on ancient Egypt during the Ptolemaic dynasty reveals how climate stress from drought led to a chain reaction of famine, instability, and conflict, highlighting the urgent need for contemporary societies to address similar challenges.[55.1] Evidence from archaeological studies indicates that a global mega-drought approximately 4,200 years ago had catastrophic effects, including famines that may have contributed to the decline of Egypt's first major dynastic civilization.[58.1] The ecological consequences of drought are profound, particularly concerning biodiversity. Long-term drought conditions can lead to habitat loss for sensitive species, as many aquatic ecosystems, including wetlands and ponds, are especially vulnerable to drying out.[54.1] This loss of habitat not only threatens the survival of various species but also disrupts the ecological balance, as drought conditions can concentrate wildlife and intensify competition for dwindling resources.[53.1]Recent Advancements
Advances in Drought Prediction
Remote sensing technology has significantly advanced the prediction and management of drought conditions. This technology employs specialized cameras mounted on satellites and airplanes to capture images of extensive areas, allowing for the detection and evaluation of environmental characteristics through the measurement of emitted radiation.[121.1] By providing valuable data on critical drought-related parameters such as vegetation health, soil moisture, rainfall patterns, and land surface temperature, remote sensing enables scientists to monitor and assess drought conditions over large regions.[122.1] Moreover, remote sensing plays a crucial role in identifying localized areas known as drought refugia, which retain essential surface water and soil moisture necessary for sustaining wildlife and vegetation during drought periods. Satellite imagery serves as a powerful tool to study these refugia and their responses to changing weather patterns over time.[123.1] Recent studies have further enhanced drought monitoring capabilities through the integration of machine learning with multi-sensor remote sensing data. For instance, research has focused on developing combined drought monitoring indices and utilizing deep learning techniques to monitor agricultural drought in regions such as South Asia.[124.1] These advancements illustrate the growing importance of remote sensing in optimizing water management practices and improving drought resilience.Interdisciplinary Approaches in Drought Research
Recent advancements in drought research have increasingly emphasized interdisciplinary approaches that integrate genetic engineering, molecular biology, and innovative water management techniques. A significant milestone in agricultural biotechnology has been the elucidation of molecular mechanisms underlying drought stress tolerance in transgenic plants. Studies have shown that the overexpression of specific genes can enhance drought resistance, providing new insights into the genetic manipulation of crops for improved resilience against water scarcity.[96.1] The challenges posed by global climate change and water scarcity necessitate enhancements in agricultural productivity and sustainability, particularly in arid regions. Recent advancements in genetic engineering, molecular breeding, and precision agriculture have been synthesized to improve crop drought resistance and soil health.[101.1] For instance, the integration of smart irrigation technologies with drought-resistant crops has been highlighted as a promising strategy to optimize water use efficiency while ensuring agricultural productivity.[100.1] Farmers are also adopting various strategies to improve their drought resilience, such as making informed crop choices and investing in soil health. Data from the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service illustrate an increase in groundwater use in California in response to surface water reductions during multi-year droughts, indicating a shift towards more sustainable water management practices.[98.1] Additionally, the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service offers support for conservation practices that enhance irrigation efficiency and soil health, further contributing to drought resilience.[99.1] Understanding the molecular response of plants to drought stress is crucial for developing effective transgenic solutions. Research has focused on the modulation of transcriptional activity of stress-related genes, which is essential for engineering drought stress tolerance.[111.1] Mechanisms such as the synthesis of reactive oxygen species and the production of stress hormones play vital roles in plant adaptation to drought conditions.[109.1] Furthermore, the up-regulation of antioxidant activity through retrograde signaling has been identified as a key process in enhancing drought tolerance in certain plant species.[110.1]Impacts Of Drought
Environmental Impacts
Drought has significant environmental impacts, particularly on agriculture, which is often the most affected sector during such events. Agricultural drought arises from below-normal precipitation and/or above-normal temperatures and wind, which can lead to increased evaporation of moisture from soils and plants. The severity and extent of drought impacts on agriculture are influenced by various factors, including social and ecosystem vulnerabilities, access to irrigation, and the types of crops cultivated.[137.1] In developing countries, agriculture absorbs up to 80 percent of the direct impacts of drought, which can severely affect water availability, agricultural production, food security, and rural livelihoods.[138.1] The ramifications of drought extend beyond immediate agricultural losses; they can exacerbate social tensions and contribute to civil unrest, highlighting the interconnectedness of environmental and social stability.[138.1] The frequency and severity of droughts are increasing globally, a trend attributed to climate change. Research indicates that droughts are becoming more intense, with projections suggesting that the likelihood of "megadroughts"—droughts lasting ten years or more—could rise significantly in the coming decades.[144.1] This increase in drought intensity is linked to a combination of natural climate variability and human-induced climate change, which has shifted the driving forces behind drought occurrences from solely natural factors to a blend of both natural and anthropogenic influences.[146.1] As climate change intensifies, the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including droughts, are increasing significantly. This escalation is evident even when reduced rainfall remains within the bounds of natural variability, as seen in the case of the OND 2022 rainfall deficit and the ongoing drought in Central and Southern Africa (CSA).[145.1] Droughts are among the costliest natural disasters, particularly affecting the agricultural sector, where their impacts can be categorized as direct, such as crop loss, and indirect, affecting various economic aspects.[139.1] The urgent need for adaptive strategies in agriculture and water management is underscored by the economic consequences of these extreme weather events, highlighting the critical interplay between human-induced climate change and natural climate variability.[139.1]Socioeconomic Impacts
Droughts have profound socioeconomic impacts that extend beyond immediate agricultural losses, affecting various sectors of the economy and the well-being of communities. The economic repercussions of drought are particularly severe for farms, as they hinder agricultural production, leading to decreased crop yields and livestock losses, which in turn diminishes revenue streams and increases operational costs for farmers.[142.1] This decline in agricultural output not only threatens food security but also results in financial stress for farmers, contributing to a decline in rural employment opportunities and overall community well-being.[142.1] To mitigate these adverse effects, it is essential for the agricultural sector to adopt resilient strategies. Effective water management practices, crop diversification, and the implementation of water-saving technologies are critical in reducing the economic impact of drought.[142.1] Furthermore, local knowledge and indigenous practices play a significant role in developing these resilience strategies, as they provide insights into adaptive capacities and coping mechanisms that are tailored to specific community needs.[150.1] Government policies and financial assistance programs are vital in supporting farmers during drought conditions. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers various disaster assistance programs, including emergency loans and support for livestock producers facing forage losses due to drought.[159.1] These programs aim to alleviate the financial burden on farmers and promote recovery from production losses. Additionally, funding for innovative water-saving technologies is expected to conserve significant amounts of water, thereby enhancing agricultural resilience in the face of ongoing drought challenges.[160.1] The impacts of drought are particularly pronounced in marginalized communities, where existing inequalities are exacerbated by environmental stressors. These groups often inhabit areas that are more vulnerable to such stressors, including floodplains and regions with poor soil quality, which heightens their susceptibility to the adverse effects of drought.[161.1] Furthermore, the complexity of social vulnerability to drought is reflected in a community's capacity to anticipate, cope with, and respond to these challenges. This includes evaluating the natural resource structure, economic capacity, human and civic resources, and aspects of agricultural innovation.[163.1] The slow-moving nature of drought impacts, coupled with the often hidden lives of farmworker communities, makes it difficult to fully identify the extent of these effects, particularly in communities with limited coping capacities.[162.1] Addressing these disparities in resilience planning is essential to support vulnerable populations effectively.Climate Change And Drought
Mechanisms of Climate-Induced Drought
Climate change is fundamentally altering drought patterns by increasing their frequency, duration, and severity. Droughts, characterized by prolonged periods of deficient precipitation, lead to significant water shortages, impacting precipitation levels, temperature, streamflow, and soil moisture.[173.1] Since 2000, drought occurrences have surged by 29%, with projections suggesting that by 2050, 75% of the global population could experience drought conditions.[175.1] The rise in global temperatures, a direct consequence of climate change, heightens the risk of severe droughts and extreme precipitation events, disrupting ecosystems and human livelihoods.[176.1] The relationship between climate change and drought is complex, yet there is a scientific consensus that droughts will intensify in the coming decades. The probability of megadroughts, lasting ten years or more, is expected to increase from 12% to over 60%.[177.1] Climate change not only intensifies droughts but also renders previously water-secure regions vulnerable. This vulnerability is exacerbated by unsustainable water practices and land degradation, contributing to a global drought crisis.[178.1] The increasing frequency of El Niño events, influenced by global warming, further disrupts rainfall distribution, particularly affecting regions like India, where agriculture and water security are severely impacted.[178.1] The mechanisms through which climate change induces drought involve significant alterations in atmospheric circulation patterns and precipitation distribution. Historical Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and precipitation patterns are critical in drought prediction models, with large-scale atmospheric circulation playing a vital role.[192.1] Dynamical meteorological drought prediction relies on seasonal climate forecasts from general circulation models (GCMs), essential for driving hydrological models used in predicting agricultural and hydrological droughts. The predictability of these models is influenced by climate forcings and initial conditions.[193.1] Quantitative assessment of regional agricultural drought risk is crucial for mitigating impacts and maintaining food security, though the complexity and uncertainties of the drought risk system pose challenges.[182.1] Tailoring agricultural management strategies, such as irrigation practices, to local conditions enhances the effectiveness of climate and hydrologic services aimed at ensuring food security.[179.1]In this section:
Climate Change And Drought
Regional Variations in Drought Frequency
Regional variations in drought frequency are significantly influenced by local climate conditions and agricultural practices. Many conservation practices focus on reducing water usage and improving water efficiency in agricultural settings. Techniques such as drip irrigation, mulching, and precision irrigation help minimize water waste and optimize water use, allowing farmers to make the most of limited water resources during drought periods.[188.1] By implementing these water-efficient techniques, farmers can enhance water-use efficiency and effectively manage resources while reducing the burden on water wells and minimizing environmental impact.[189.1] Embracing best practices in water conservation, such as rainwater harvesting alongside advanced irrigation techniques, further promotes effective water management and conservation in agriculture.[189.1] Additionally, xeriscaping has been identified as an effective water management strategy in drought-prone areas. This landscaping method emphasizes the use of drought-tolerant plants and efficient irrigation systems, thereby reducing overall water consumption.[190.1] The implementation of these practices not only enhances agricultural water management but also promotes sustainable farming by reducing the burden on water wells and minimizing environmental impacts.[189.1] Moreover, innovative solutions such as water recycling programs and desalination technologies are being explored to diversify water sources and enhance resilience against drought conditions. By converting seawater into freshwater for irrigation, farmers can better adapt to changing climate conditions.[201.1] Water banking is another innovative approach that allows for the storage and exchange of water resources, enabling water rights holders to manage supply during periods of scarcity effectively.[202.1]In this section:
Water ResourcesWater ConservationRainwater HarvestingWater ConsumptionAgricultural Water Management
Drought Management Strategies
Water Resource Management
Effective water resource management is crucial in mitigating the impacts of drought on agricultural systems and rangeland ecosystems. A comprehensive drought management plan should prioritize minimizing damage to rangeland resources by adjusting the carrying capacity based on residual forage and anticipated growth for the current year.[216.1] It is essential that drought management strategies be integrated into every grazing plan, as proactive measures taken during favorable conditions significantly influence plant resilience during drought stress.[217.1] Strategies for pasture management during drought include forage-saving techniques and destocking options, which help extend available forage supplies by reducing demand.[218.1] Additionally, identifying alternative feed sources can provide critical support during periods of water scarcity.[218.1] Drought management is characterized by a need for proactive changes rather than reactive responses, emphasizing the importance of grazing management as a key factor for livestock producers.[222.1] To effectively implement drought management strategies, it is essential for producers to identify community-specific drought indicators that serve as decision-making triggers and thresholds for adaptation strategies.[221.1] The integration of technology, particularly through innovations such as predictive weather models and agricultural technology (ag tech), plays a crucial role in enhancing water resource management. Predictive weather models enable farmers to plan and adjust their strategies based on upcoming weather patterns, while ag tech ensures water quality through regular testing and management tools, thereby helping to maintain crop and livestock health even during drought conditions.[225.1] Furthermore, the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) into drought prediction empowers governmental authorities and agricultural sectors to allocate resources more effectively, which is vital as water scarcity intensifies, especially in drought-prone regions.[227.1] These technological advancements are essential for crafting appropriate responses that mitigate the adverse outcomes of drought, ultimately revolutionizing drought management strategies.[224.1]Community Preparedness and Resilience
Community preparedness and resilience in the face of drought are critical for mitigating its impacts on agriculture and local economies. A well-structured drought management plan is essential for livestock producers, as it allows for proactive management before, during, and after drought conditions. Such plans should be developed and executed during non-drought periods to effectively position land and livestock for resilience against drought events.[231.1] These plans typically include both proactive and reactive strategies, which help set critical deadlines for decision-making and prioritize objective choices during challenging times.[233.1] Emergency and contingency plans are also vital, as they prepare producers to handle climate crises, such as food and water shortages, while safeguarding the health and well-being of livestock.[232.1] Additionally, monitoring pasture conditions and resource use through modern agricultural technology, such as the Pio app from Pasture.io, can provide valuable insights that help farmers reduce costs and optimize grazing, thereby enhancing resilience during drought.[230.1] Integrating local knowledge into drought monitoring and early warning systems can significantly improve community preparedness. This approach allows for the development of local indicators that accurately reflect drought impacts and fosters a deeper understanding of local conditions.[235.1] Indigenous and traditional knowledge systems play a crucial role in this integration, as they offer holistic views of community and environmental interactions that can enhance adaptation strategies.[236.1] Recognizing and valuing these knowledge systems not only promotes cultural diversity but also empowers Indigenous communities by including their perspectives in land and resource management decisions.[237.1] Local community resilience and effective drought management are significantly influenced by the unique vulnerabilities and capacities of each community. Risk management at the local level is crucial for drought mitigation, as local circumstances and priorities greatly affect the measures defined for this purpose.[244.1] While local stakeholder engagement is important, it is essential to consider that local drought definitions should holistically account for water supply, demand, and management.[245.1] Furthermore, agricultural extension and advisory services play a vital role in supporting farmers and rural producers by providing training, information, and facilitating connections to markets and services. These services are instrumental in transferring new technologies and farming techniques, which enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability.[252.1] By implementing these strategies, extension services can significantly contribute to improving food security and farmers' incomes, thereby fostering overall resilience in the agricultural sector.[250.1]In this section:
Water Resource ManagementAgricultural SystemsDrought ManagementAdaptation StrategiesWater Quality
Future Directions In Drought Research
Emerging Topics and Trends
Future research in drought prediction is focused on several key areas aimed at enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of forecasting. These areas include high-quality data assimilation and improved model development that emphasize critical processes related to drought occurrence. Additionally, optimal ensemble forecasting techniques are being explored to effectively select or weight ensembles, alongside hybrid drought prediction methods that integrate statistical and dynamical forecasts.[261.1] This comprehensive approach is essential as it addresses the complex nature of drought and the various factors influencing it, while also identifying the key challenges and opportunities in the field.[262.1] Furthermore, effective drought prediction requires substantial datasets at both temporal and spatial scales, as well as the selection of appropriate models based on the available data and necessary computing resources.[262.1] The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) is playing a pivotal role in enhancing drought prediction methodologies. Recent advancements have led to the development of models such as Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks, which require sophisticated techniques for data preprocessing, model training, and evaluation to effectively capture temporal and spatial variations in drought dynamics, thereby improving forecasting accuracy.[270.1] The predictive capabilities of these machine learning models are significantly influenced by the availability of extensive datasets; as more data becomes accessible, the insights into drought formation become more refined.[272.1] Furthermore, advancements in computational technology are essential for establishing big data analytics platforms that enhance decision-making processes through improved drought feature extraction and visualization mapping.[273.1] Overall, the application of AI and ML in drought forecasting is transforming the field by providing more accurate and efficient predictive models.[270.1] Emerging technologies, particularly remote sensing, have significantly enhanced drought monitoring and prediction capabilities. Historically, drought monitoring relied heavily on in-situ station-based measurements, such as the Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI).[278.1] However, the past decade has witnessed a paradigm shift, with unprecedented access to new remote sensing datasets that include precipitation, soil moisture, land surface temperature, and more.[277.1] These satellite observations have opened new avenues for global drought monitoring from various perspectives, including meteorological, agricultural, hydrological, and ecological.[277.1] Furthermore, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into drought assessment has emerged as a powerful tool, enabling real-time analytics that guide mitigation strategies in water-scarce areas.[275.1] As noted by researchers, this integration enhances decision-making regarding resource allocation, which is crucial for maintaining food security in an uncertain future.[275.1] By accurately predicting drought impacts, AI-driven insights allow farmers and policymakers to allocate resources more efficiently, promoting sustainable farming practices that conserve water and protect soil health.[276.1] Thus, the combination of remote sensing and AI is poised to redefine water resource management strategies, fostering a proactive and data-informed approach to drought management globally.Policy Implications and Recommendations
Effective policy and governance frameworks are crucial for transforming food systems to enhance climate resilience, particularly in the context of drought. The integration of climate change considerations into agricultural policies is essential, as it promotes sustainable land use planning and incentivizes climate-smart practices through subsidies and incentives.[268.1] Furthermore, the development and implementation of national drought resilience, adaptation, and management plans are supported by technical guidelines that provide practical information for policymakers.[267.1] These guidelines emphasize the importance of integrating hydrologic, economic, and biological uses of water to create a comprehensive response to drought challenges.[265.1] In irrigated agricultural systems vulnerable to drought, water managers face significant challenges in allocating scarce water supplies to achieve environmentally sustainable and economically feasible outcomes.[266.1] Hydro-economic modeling plays a vital role in this context, as it assesses the economic value of water and informs decision-making processes.[266.1] To effectively address the escalating agricultural drought conditions, precision agriculture management systems have emerged as a critical strategy. These systems enhance the quality and efficiency of agricultural production, thereby contributing to regional and national food security amid resource constraints.[284.1] To promote resilience in food systems during drought, it is imperative to establish policies that reduce exposure and vulnerability to drought, increase resilience, and transform economic and political institutions.[267.1] This includes fostering collaboration among stakeholders to share drought risks and develop comprehensive drought management plans.[267.1] By prioritizing these policy implications and recommendations, nations can better prepare for and respond to the challenges posed by drought, ultimately ensuring food security and sustainability in the face of climate change.References
[3] Drought: Everything You Need to Know - NRDC — Drought is characterized by a lack of precipitation—such as rain, snow, or sleet—for a protracted period of time, resulting in a water shortage. While droughts occur naturally, human activity
[4] What is Drought? | National Drought Mitigation Center — Drought is a protracted period of deficient precipitation resulting in extensive damage to crops, and a consequential loss of yield. Conceptual definitions may also be important in establishing drought policy. For example, Australian drought policy incorporates an understanding of normal climate variability into its definition of drought.
[5] Understanding Droughts - Education — If significantly less rain falls, there may be water shortages and a drought may be declared. Most droughts occur when regular weather patterns are interrupted, causing disruption to the water cycle. Other problems include conflicts over water usage and food, and forced migration away from drought-stricken areas. In the 1950s, severe drought returned to the Great Plains and southwestern United States, affecting half of the continental U.S. Low rainfall and high temperatures caused the production of crops in some areas to drop nearly 50 percent. It is a complex measurement system and an effective way to forecast long-term drought. Many areas are extremely vulnerable to drought as people continue to be dependent on a steady supply of water.
[6] Drought - Wikipedia — Droughts cause a range of impacts and are often worsened by the effects of climate change on the water cycle: a dry riverbed in France; sandstorm in Somaliland due to drought; droughts negatively impact agriculture in Texas; drought and high temperatures worsened the 2020 bushfires in Australia. Economic impacts of drought result due to negative disruptions to agriculture and livestock farming (causing food insecurity), forestry, public water supplies, maritime navigation (due to e.g.: lower water levels), electric power supply (by affecting hydropower systems) and impacts on human health.
[17] Multiyear droughts are worsening. Here's where they have the most ... — In a separate study, Rodell and his colleague showed a notable increase in the frequency of both major droughts and extreme wet events after 2015 — all of which have been among Earth's top 10 warmest years on record.
[18] 40-year study suggests extreme droughts will become more frequent and ... — Increasingly common since 1980, persistent multi-year droughts will continue to advance with the warming climate, warns a study from the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow, and Landscape
[19] Climate change and droughts: What's the connection? — While the intricacies of the climate change-drought connection are still being uncovered, scientists tend to agree on one thing: Droughts will likely become more intense into the 2050s and beyond. The likelihood of megadroughts - droughts lasting 10 years or more - is also projected to increase from its current 12% to more than 60%, a NASA
[20] Droughts and Climate Change | U.S. Geological Survey - USGS.gov — So even if there is "enough" water, the timing of the water may dictate whether an area is in a drought. Climate change has further altered the natural pattern of droughts, making them more frequent, longer, and more severe. Since 2000, the western United States is experiencing some of the driest conditions on record.
[30] The Economic Impact of Drought on Agriculture and Local Communities — The Economic Impact of Drought on Agriculture and Local Communities This has raised concerns about the economic impact of drought on agricultural production, food security, and the overall well-being of communities that rely heavily on farming and related industries. Droughts have a significant economic impact on agriculture and local communities. Decreased agricultural production, loss of livestock, decline in rural employment opportunities, and increased financial stress on farmers are some of the key challenges posed by drought conditions. To mitigate the economic impact of droughts, governments and communities need to invest in sustainable water management practices, promote climate-smart agriculture techniques such as crop diversification and efficient irrigation systems, provide support mechanisms like insurance programs for farmers facing crop failures or livestock losses, and develop alternative sources of income beyond agriculture.
[46] Historical Drought — Drought Throughout History Drought is a normal climate pattern that has occurred in varying degrees of length, severity, and size throughout history. Tree ring archives indicate that agricultural droughts such as those that happened in the United States during the 1930s Dust Bowl era have occurred occasionally over the last 2,000 years, and climate model simulations suggest that droughts that
[47] drought-timeline - USGS — The U.S. has experienced thousands of droughts—periods of drier-than-normal conditions that cause water-related problems for humans and ecosystems. But in the last 100 years, five major drought events stand out in their effects on agriculture, wildfires, and streamflow. Scroll through the timeline to see when and where these major drought events occurred across the lower 48 states.
[49] Causes, Effects and Solutions to Drought - Conserve Energy Future — Various Causes of Drought 1. Natural causes. Some droughts have occurred naturally, plaguing humankind throughout much of our history. Until recently, naturally occurring droughts were often natural phenomena triggered by cyclical weather patterns, such as the amount of moisture and heat in the air, land, and sea. 2. Altered weather patterns
[50] 5 droughts that changed human history | World Economic Forum — A recent study says human activity could have exacerbated a century of such droughts. NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) compared historical precipitation and tree ring data between 1900 and 2005, finding that a "human fingerprint" - through human-manufactured greenhouse gasses - has had a significant impact on global drought risk.
[53] New research about drought impacts on wildlife can inform conservation ... — Animals may endure three-year droughts nearly seven times more oftenFORT COLLINS, Colo., December 11, 2024 — People around the world are dealing with drought, so it's not shocking that it affects wildlife, too. Lack of moisture contributes to habitat loss, affects how animals compete for resources, and leads to dehydration and heat stress. The surprising part? The extreme degree to which
[54] How Does the Drought Affect the Environment? - The Environmental ... — This can impact the ecological health of aquatic ecosystems, as well as water availability for human use. Drying of Wetlands and Ponds: Wetlands and ponds are especially vulnerable to drought, drying up and shrinking significantly. This loss of habitat has a devastating impact on the species that depend on these water bodies.
[55] Climate Change Affected Ancient Egypt, Too And Led to Its Demise — The team of researchers studied the tail-end of ancient Egypt during the Ptolemaic dynasty between 305-30 BCE. Their research shows how climate change can stress a society, causing a chain reaction of drought, famine, instability, and conflict, and it provides useful lessons for the urgency of acting to avert such developments today.
[58] Drought Brought End to Egypt's Old Kingdom — Analysis and carbon dating of ancient sediments from Lake Tana in Ethiopia—the source of the Blue Nile—found that around 4,200 years ago, lake levels dropped considerably, indicating massive water shortages and drought may have ultimately brought an end to Egypt's first major dynastic civilization.
[96] Advanced Biotechnological Interventions in Mitigating Drought Stress in ... — Recent advancements in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying drought stress tolerance in transgenic plants have marked a significant milestone in agricultural biotechnology. Studies have elucidated how the overexpression of specific genes enhances drought resistance, offering new insights into the genetic manipulation of crops for
[98] Farmers Employ Strategies To Reduce Risk of Drought Damages — Farmers can improve their drought resilience by making different crop choices, enrolling in crop insurance and other farm risk management programs, and investing in soil health. For example, although most farmers in California’s main agricultural areas rely on surface water for their irrigation needs, many parts of the State have sufficient groundwater reserves to provide a partial buffer against the impacts of drought. Data from the Farm and Ranch Irrigation Survey conducted by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) illustrate the increase in groundwater use in California in response to surface water reductions during multi-year droughts in 1987-93, 2002-04, 2007-09, and 2012-16. ERS research shows that farmers in higher drought risk regions are more likely to enroll in EQIP contracts for conservation tillage, which minimizes soil disturbance and maximizes water retention.
[99] Making Your Land More Resilient to Drought - Farmers.gov — USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service can help you conserve water and build resilience to drought, through conservation practices that improve irrigation efficiency, boost soil health, and manage grazing lands. Irrigation Efficiency The Mota Ranch almond orchard using cover crop and micro irrigation in Livingston, CA on Apr. 16, 2015.
[100] Adapting Irrigation Systems to Climate Change: Strategies and Innovations — integration of smart irrigation technologies, drought-resistant crops, and innovative water management practices. Through case studies and practical examples from around the globe, this article highlights successful adaptation strategies that optimize water use efficiency while ensuring agricultural productivity.
[101] Precision Agriculture and Water Conservation Strategies for Sustainable ... — This review synthesizes recent advancements in genetic engineering, molecular breeding, precision agriculture, and innovative water management techniques aimed at improving crop drought resistance, soil health, and overall agricultural efficiency. Modern agricultural technologies present promising solutions for enhancing crop drought resistance and improving water use efficiency. Strategies such as drought-resistant crop breeding, water-saving irrigation techniques, and biotechnological innovations are essential for addressing the challenges faced by agriculture in arid regions. By combining advanced technologies, such as CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing and omics technologies, with sustainable irrigation practices and soil conservation methods, we can enhance crop resilience, optimize water utilization, and improve overall agricultural efficiency. The integration of advancements in molecular biology with traditional breeding techniques will be essential for developing drought-tolerant, water-efficient crops, thereby accelerating sustainable agricultural development in arid regions and ensuring food security.
[109] A review on drought stress in plants: Implications, mitigation and the ... — To withstand drought, plants use different stress coping mechanisms such as synthesis of reactive oxygen species, production of stress hormones like ethylene and abscisic acid and changes in root and shoot morphology (Etesami et al., 2015, Chiappero et al., 2019, Bhat et al., 2021). These mechanisms result in short-term and long-term responses
[110] Drought Tolerance in Plants: Physiological and Molecular Responses — Additionally, the up-regulation of the antioxidant activity through retrograde signaling is a crucial process in the acclimation of plants to oxidative stress, contributing to the enhanced drought tolerance of certain plant species . Glutathione (GSH) contributes to plant drought stress response through its multifaceted roles in mediating ABA signaling, regulating seed dormancy, and enhancing drought tolerance. 90.Khandaker M.M., Jamaludin R., Majrashi A., Rashid Z.M., Karim S.M.R., Al-Yasi H.M., Badaluddin N.A., Alenazi M.M., Mohd K.S. Enhancing Rubisco Gene Expression and Metabolites Accumulation for Better Plant Growth in Ficus deltoidea under Drought Stress Using Hydrogen Peroxide. 193.Zhang H., Murzello C., Sun Y., Kim M.-S., Xie X., Jeter R.M., Zak J.C., Dowd S.E., Paré P.W. Choline and Osmotic-Stress Tolerance Induced in Arabidopsis by the Soil Microbe Bacillus subtilis (GB03) Mol. Plant-Microbe Interact.
[111] Transcription Factors and Plants Response to Drought Stress: Current ... — In this context, unraveling the molecular mechanisms that control the perception and transduction of stress signals to initiate adaptive responses is crucial for engineering drought stress tolerance in plants (Ray et al., 2010; Sanchez et al., 2011).
[121] Applications of Remote Sensing in Drought Management - Grind GIS — Remote sensing is the application of unique cameras to detect and evaluate the characteristics of a given area by measuring the emitted radiation. In drought management, cameras on satellites and airplanes are used to take images of large areas of the environment.
[122] 11+ Key Application of Remote Sensing In Drought Monitoring and ... — Remote sensing provides valuable data on various drought-related parameters such as vegetation health, soil moisture, rainfall patterns, and land surface temperature. By analyzing satellite imagery and other remote sensing data, scientists can monitor and assess drought conditions over large areas, providing crucial information for drought monitoring and early warning systems.
[123] Drought Refugia: Remote Sensing Approaches and Management Applications — Webinar Summary: During droughts, localized areas of the landscape (drought refugia) retain surface water and soil moisture needed to sustain wildlife and vegetation. Remote sensing from satellite imagery offers powerful tools to identify refugia and study their responses to changing weather patterns over time.
[124] Advancements in drought using remote sensing: assessing progress ... — Han H, Bai J, Yan J et al (2021) A combined drought monitoring index based on multi-sensor remote sensing data and machine learning. Prodhan FA, Zhang J, Yao F et al (2021) Deep Learning for Monitoring Agricultural Drought in South Asia Using Remote Sensing Data. Shahzaman M, Zhu W, Ullah I et al (2021b) Comparison of Multi-Year Reanalysis, Models, and Satellite Remote Sensing Products for Agricultural Drought Monitoring over South Asian Countries. Wei W, Zhang J, Zhou L et al (2021) Comparative evaluation of drought indices for monitoring drought based on remote sensing data. Zhao X, Xia H, Pan L et al (2021b) Drought Monitoring over Yellow River Basin from 2003–2019 Using Reconstructed MODIS Land Surface Temperature in Google Earth Engine.
[137] What Are The Effects Of Drought On Agriculture? - Landgate — The agricultural sector is an important contributor to the economy of the United States in many ways, from promoting food and energy security to providing jobs in rural communities. Agriculture is heavily impacted during droughts, with water scarcity posing challenges for farmers in cultivating crops and providing sustenance for livestock. The ramifications of drought on agriculture are far
[138] Drought and Agriculture | Land & Water | Food and Agriculture ... — Drought can also exacerbate social tensions and fuel civil unrest. Agriculture bears much of the impact, and in developing countries it is the most affected sector, absorbing up to 80 percent of all direct impacts, with multiple effects on water availability, agricultural production, food security and rural livelihoods.
[139] Economic effects of drought on agriculture: Conceptual methods and ... — Human-induced climate change increases extreme weather events' intensity and frequency urging researchers to investigate their (economic) consequences for different sectors .Droughts are estimated to be among the costliest natural disasters, particularly impacting the agricultural sector .Drought effects on agriculture can be identified as direct (e.g., crop loss), indirect (e.g
[142] The Economic Impact of Drought on Agriculture and Local Communities — The Economic Impact of Drought on Agriculture and Local Communities This has raised concerns about the economic impact of drought on agricultural production, food security, and the overall well-being of communities that rely heavily on farming and related industries. Droughts have a significant economic impact on agriculture and local communities. Decreased agricultural production, loss of livestock, decline in rural employment opportunities, and increased financial stress on farmers are some of the key challenges posed by drought conditions. To mitigate the economic impact of droughts, governments and communities need to invest in sustainable water management practices, promote climate-smart agriculture techniques such as crop diversification and efficient irrigation systems, provide support mechanisms like insurance programs for farmers facing crop failures or livestock losses, and develop alternative sources of income beyond agriculture.
[144] Climate change and droughts: What's the connection? — While the intricacies of the climate change-drought connection are still being uncovered, scientists tend to agree on one thing: Droughts will likely become more intense into the 2050s and beyond. The likelihood of megadroughts - droughts lasting 10 years or more - is also projected to increase from its current 12% to more than 60%, a NASA
[145] Interplay between climate change and climate variability: the 2022 ... — This means that even though the reduced rainfall is within the natural variability, the consequences of drought are becoming more severe due to the strong increase in extreme heat. The case of the OND 2022 rainfall deficit and the ongoing drought in CSA is a clear example of the interplay between climate variability and human-induced climate
[146] Separating the effects of climate change and human activities on ... — Under global change, the driving force for the occurrence, development, spread, and evolution of drought has gradually transitioned from a single natural factor (i.e., climate variability) to a combination of "natural-human" factors (i.e., climate change and human activities) (Van Loon et al., 2016, Jiang et al., 2019). Severe recent drought events that occurred in California, China, Spain
[150] Adaptation to water-induced disaster: exploring local knowledge and ... — Indigenous communities and international scientific assemblies, including the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), have emphasized the importance of including local knowledge (LK) and Indigenous knowledge (IK) in climate change adaptation planning (David-Chavez & Gavin, 2018; IPCC, 2022).Local knowledge and IK can drive locally led adaptation responses; thus, they are important
[159] USDA Offers Disaster Assistance to Agricultural Producers in Ohio ... — Columbus, Ohio, Sept. 5, 2024 - Agricultural operations in Ohio have been significantly impacted by recent drought. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has technical and financial assistance available to help farmers and livestock producers recover from these adverse weather events. Impacted producers should contact their local USDA Service Center to report losses and learn more about
[160] Biden-Harris Administration Invests Up to $400 Million to ... - USDA — This funding - which will support irrigation districts and producers in using innovative water savings technologies and farming practices while producing water-saving commodities in the face of continued drought - is expected to conserve up to 50,000 acre-feet in water use across 250,000 acres of irrigated land in production, while
[161] Iowa's Drought: Impact on Marginalized Communities and Solutions — Hidden Costs of Iowa's Drought on Marginalized Communities. The drought in Iowa has exacerbated existing inequalities, particularly for marginalized communities. These groups often reside in areas more susceptible to environmental stressors, such as floodplains or regions with poor soil quality. ... This not only impacts their immediate
[162] Broadening understandings of drought - The climate vulnerability of ... — The impacts of drought on farmworker communities is difficult to identify on two fronts - drought impacts are slow-moving and much of farmworker life is hidden from government data. ... especially in marginalized communities with limited coping capacity. Drought impacts identified in this research reverberate through multiple dimensions of
[163] Methods for Evaluating Social Vulnerability to Drought — Social vulnerability to drought is complex and it is reflected by society's capacity to anticipate, cope with and respond. Here we estimate these aspects of social vulnerability, evaluating the natural resource structure, the economic capacity, the human and civic resources, and aspects of agricultural innovation.
[173] Drought and Climate Change - Center for Climate and Energy ... — Background on Drought. A drought is "a deficiency of precipitation over an extended period of time (usually a season or more), resulting in a water shortage. " Indicators of drought include precipitation, temperature, streamflow, ground and reservoir water levels, soil moisture, and snowpack. Drought and Climate Change. Climate change increases the odds of worsening drought in many parts
[175] The Earth Is Getting Drier - State of the Planet — Climate change can lead to drought and drier conditions. Since 2000, the occurrence of drought has risen 29%, and projections show that by 2050, 75% of all humanity could be affected by drought. When soils do not receive enough moisture to sustain plant life, plants die as well as the soil microbes needed to maintain life cycles, eventually
[176] How climate change is affecting this key water cycle, triggering ... - PBS — Around the globe, rising temperatures stoked by climate change are increasing the odds of both severe drought and heavier precipitation that wreak havoc on people and the environment.
[177] Climate change and droughts: What's the connection? — While the intricacies of the climate change-drought connection are still being uncovered, scientists tend to agree on one thing: Droughts will likely become more intense into the 2050s and beyond. The likelihood of megadroughts - droughts lasting 10 years or more - is also projected to increase from its current 12% to more than 60%, a NASA
[178] Drought's Expanding Grip: How 75% of the World Faces a Waterless Future — Drought is no longer a distant threat confined to arid regions; it is a global crisis fueled by climate change, unsustainable water practices, and land degradation. The report highlights that climate change is intensifying the frequency and severity of droughts, making previously water-secure regions vulnerable. The increasing frequency of El Niño events, influenced by global warming, further disrupts India’s rainfall distribution.” He also stressed that these climatic changes severely impact agriculture, livelihoods, and water security, with small and marginal farmers being the most vulnerable. Dr Pillai also highlighted the need for global climate policies to integrate region-specific needs, stating, “To address these challenges, international agreements like the Paris Accord should prioritise technology transfer and financial support to enable India’s transition to sustainable water and land management practices. https://www.downtoearth.org.in/amp/story/water/75-global-population-to-be-affected-by-drought-in-25-years-unccds-drought-atlas-provides-adaptation-guidelines
[179] Integrated approaches to understanding and reducing drought impact on ... — The context and location specific challenges in drought-induced food insecurity require tailoring models and the representation of agricultural management (e.g. irrigation) to local, more policy-relevant scales, with a view to delivering effective climate/hydrologic services for food security.
[182] Agricultural drought risk assessment considering risk transmission ... — The quantitative assessment of regional agricultural drought risk is of great importance for the mitigation of regional droughts and the maintenance of food security. However, the complex structure of the drought risk system and the inherent uncertainty result in a lack of effective assessment methods. The study constructed a comprehensive assessment index system based on the six-element
[188] Increasing Drought Resilience Through Conservation Practices ... — Many conservation practices focus on reducing water usage and improving water efficiency in agricultural, urban and natural settings. Techniques such as drip irrigation, mulching and precision irrigation help minimize water waste and optimize water use, allowing farmers to make the most of limited water resources during a drought.
[189] Water Conservation in Agriculture: Best Practices — Water Conservation in Agriculture: Best Practices for Sustainable Farming and Efficient Resource Management By implementing Water Conservation in Agriculture: Best Practices, farmers can enhance water-use efficiency and minimize waste in agricultural irrigation. These water-efficient techniques exemplify the best practices in water conservation in agriculture, allowing farmers to effectively manage resources while reducing the burden on water wells and minimizing environmental impact. Embracing water conservation in agriculture: best practices, such as drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting, enhances agricultural water management and promotes effective water conservation. By integrating advanced irrigation techniques, farmers can enhance the efficiency of their systems, which not only conserves water but also delivers water more effectively for agricultural uses, as emphasized by various USDA guidelines.
[190] Top Water Management Techniques for Drought-Prone Regions — Implementing xeriscaping techniques is another effective water management strategy that can be adopted in drought-prone regions, building upon the foundation of greywater recycling. Xeriscaping is a landscaping method that focuses on reducing water usage through the use of drought-tolerant plants and efficient irrigation systems.
[192] Deep hybridnet for drought prediction based on large-scale climate ... — (4) Historical SPI and precipitation patterns are significant predictors in drought prediction models across different climatic zones, with large-scale atmospheric circulation also playing a critical role. At Mohe Station, with minimal atmospheric circulation impact, local climate primarily determines the SPI.
[193] Seasonal Drought Prediction: Advances, Challenges, and Future Prospects — Dynamical meteorological drought prediction relies on seasonal climate forecast from general circulation models (GCMs), which can be employed to drive hydrological models for agricultural and hydrological drought prediction with the predictability determined by both climate forcings and initial conditions.
[201] Creative Solutions for Water Scarcity in California Agriculture — By converting seawater into freshwater accessible for irrigation purposes, farmers can diversify their water sources and enhance their resilience against drought conditions. Water Recycling Programs Water recycling initiatives represent another innovative solution for managing water scarcity in agriculture.
[202] Water Banking and Innovative Water Management in Drought-Plagued ... — Water banking allows for storing, exchanging, and transferring water resources, typically to manage water supply during periods of scarcity. It operates like a financial bank, where water rights holders can "deposit" excess water in times of surplus and "withdraw" it during droughts or other times of need. Water banking helps with:
[216] Drought Management Strategies - Furst-McNess Company — A drought management plan should ensure minimal damage to rangeland resources. Carrying capacity should be adjusted based on the amount of residual forage and anticipated current years growth.
[217] Drought Management Strategies - BeefResearch.ca — Drought management strategies should be a permanent part of every grazing plan - you can't plan for a drought once you are in the middle of it. The way that pastures are managed in the good years determines how plants respond when drought stress happens 7.
[218] Drought Response Strategies | National Drought Mitigation Center — Pasture Management These strategies help you minimize damage to pasture resources during drought. Forage Saving / Destocking Options These strategies help you extend forage supplies by decreasing demand. Alternative Feeds These strategies help you identify alternative feed sources that may be used during drought.
[221] PDF — Identify sector and place-based community-specific drought indicators for drought assessment and to use as decision-making triggers and thresholds for adaptation strategies, projects and actions. Assess economies of scale for drought resilience and strategies for cost effective drought resilience planning and adaptation strategies.
[222] PDF — drought management is not business as usual. Changes must be made in a proactive, rather than reactive, manner to minimize negative effects on livestock production during prolonged periods of reduced precipitation. Producers should remember that grazing management is the most important factor for livestock producers in any economic or environmental climate, followed closely by proper soil
[224] Why Are Tech Innovations Crucial in Drought Management? — From utilizing remote sensing technologies to employing AI in agricultural irrigation, tech innovations play a pivotal role in revolutionizing drought management strategies. But why exactly are these innovations considered crucial in combating drought's devastating effects on communities and ecosystems?
[225] Tech-Driven Farming: Overcoming Drought and Ensuring Long-Term... — Predictive weather models allow farmers to plan and adjust strategies based on upcoming weather patterns. Additionally, ag tech ensures water quality through regular testing and management tools, helping maintain crop and livestock health even during droughts. Top Ag-Tech Solutions for Drought Conditions 1.
[227] The Transformative Potential of AI in Drought Prediction: A New Era of ... — The integration of AI into drought prediction can empower governmental authorities and agricultural sectors to plan and allocate resources more effectively. As water scarcity intensifies, particularly in drought-prone regions, these predictive capabilities will be essential in crafting appropriate responses that mitigate adverse outcomes like
[230] Smart Drought Strategies for Livestock Farmers: Surviving Dry Times ... — Modern agtech tools, such as Pasture.io's Pio app, also support farmers by tracking pasture conditions and resource use, offering valuable insights to reduce costs and optimise grazing. While drought brings inevitable hardships, proactive strategies and agtech solutions can build resilience, helping farms survive—and even thrive—in dry times.
[231] PDF — 1. Have a plan. Having a written drought management plan is critical to proactive management before, during and after drought. A well-executed plan is key to minimizing the devastating effects during drought and speeding recovery after drought. However, to do that, the plan must be executed in non-drought times to position the land, livestock
[232] Drought Management in Livestock: Effective Strategies — The development of emergency and contingency plans is essential to mitigate the negative impacts of drought on livestock operations. These plans not only prepare producers to face climate crises, such as food and water shortages, but also protect the health and well-being of livestock, ensuring production continuity and long-term sustainability.
[233] PDF — Purpose of plan: Creating a drought management plan with both proactive/reactive strategies does three key things: 1) sets deadlines−or "critical dates"−for making important decisions; 2) helps prioritize objective (rather than emotional) decision -making during a time when many difficult decisions
[235] PDF — (Vogel et al. 2007; UNISDR 2007). Integrating local knowledge in drought monitoring and early warning systems could lead to several benefits for both risk management agencies and local communities: the development of appropriate local indicators, able to describe the impacts of drought at a local scale; a deeper analysis of drought impacts
[236] Integrating local indigenous knowledge to enhance risk reduction and ... — Indigenous and traditional knowledge systems and practices, including local people's holistic view of the community and environment, were a major resource for adapting to climate change and drought risks. However, these indigenous knowledge systems and practices had not been consistently used in the existing adaptation and risk-reduction efforts.
[237] Integrating Indigenous Knowledge and Traditional Practices for ... — Furthermore, recognizing and valuing Indigenous knowledge promotes cultural diversity and empowers Indigenous communities, ensuring their voices are included in decision-making processes related to land and resource management [3-4].This article aims to explore the significance of integrating Indigenous knowledge and traditional practices with contemporary biodiversity conservation efforts. For instance, traditional land management practices, such as rotational farming, agroforestry, and controlled burning, not only enhance biodiversity but also improve soil health and resilience against environmental stressors.Moreover, integrating Indigenous knowledge into biodiversity conservation efforts can empower Indigenous communities, recognizing their rights and contributions to environmental stewardship. This integration of knowledge has led to more effective management strategies that consider both ecological data and traditional practices, ultimately promoting the sustainable use of marine resources.These case studies demonstrate the potential benefits of integrating Indigenous knowledge with modern conservation efforts.
[244] PDF — 2. LOCAL COMMUNITY RESILIENCE AND DROUGHT READY Risk management at the local level is crucial for drought mitigation. Each local community is unique to drought vulnerability and its capacity to prepare and respond to drought. The local circumstances and priorities have the great influence on defining the measures for drought mitigation.
[245] Drought hazards and stakeholder perception: Unraveling the ... — Instead, Lloyd-Hughes argues for local drought definitions that holistically consider water supply, demand, and management. Ek et al. pointed out that several factors such as human resources, available knowledge, and financial constraints at the municipal level largely affect the risk management at local levels. Consequently, awareness of
[250] The Role of Extension Services in Enhancing Livestock Productivity — By implementing these strategies, extension services can significantly contribute to enhancing livestock productivity, thereby improving food security, farmers' incomes, and the overall sustainability of the agricultural sector. In conclusion, agricultural extension services are vital for the advancement of livestock farming.
[252] Importance of Agricultural Extension, Methods and Examples — Agricultural extension plays a crucial role in educating farmers and improving agricultural productivity. It helps transfer new technologies, farming techniques, and scientific research to farmers, enabling them to enhance crop and livestock production.
[261] Seasonal Drought Prediction: Advances, Challenges, and Future Prospects ... — Future research prospects to improve drought prediction include, but are not limited to, high-quality data assimilation, improved model development with key processes related to drought occurrence, optimal ensemble forecast to select or weight ensembles, and hybrid drought prediction to merge statistical and dynamical forecasts.
[262] Drought Prediction: A Comprehensive Review of Different Drought ... - MDPI — This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the fundamental concepts and characteristics of drought, its complex nature, and the various factors that influence drought, drought indicators, and advanced drought prediction models. This review article critically examines the advancements in technology that have facilitated improved drought prediction, identifies the key challenges and opportunities in the field of drought prediction, and identifies the key trends and topics that are likely to give new directions to the future of drought prediction research. Drought prediction study requires a huge dataset at temporal and spatial scales, a selection of appropriate models based on the available data, and computing resources.
[265] Modeling Economic-Engineering Responses to Drought: The ... - Springer — The analysis of drought response can take place at the household, regional, and statewide level. A common thread is the need to integrate the hydrologic, economic, and biological uses of water and restrictions on the system. We use a hydro-economic analysis of drought in California as an example of integrated response methods.
[266] Integrating complex economic and hydrologic planning models: An ... — In irrigated agricultural systems which are vulnerable to drought conditions, water managers face a series of challenges when deciding on an allocation of scarce water supply that produces environmentally sustainable outcomes that are also economically feasible , .Harou et al. describes the realm of hydro-economic modeling, where the economic value of water varies according to the
[267] Drought resilience, adaptation and management policy framework ... - UNCCD — Drought resilience, adaptation and management policy framework: Supporting technical guidelines These technical guidelines present practical information for supporting the development and implementation of national drought resilience, adaptation and management plans. The accompanying Drought Resilience, Adaptation and Management Policy (DRAMP) Framework documents the recent evolution of drought viewed in the context of disaster risk reduction and proposes a framework that integrates six goals for nations to reduce exposure and vulnerability to drought, increase resilience, transform their economies and political and cultural institutions, develop comprehensive drought management plans, and share drought risks. A large body of scientific literature and the key drought policy documents were consulted to ensure that these technical guidelines contain the latest advances in science and policy.
[268] Creating climate resilient food systems - Observer Research Foundation — Effective policy and governance frameworks are essential for driving the transformation of food systems towards climate resilience. Integrating climate change considerations into agricultural policies, promoting sustainable land use planning, incentivising climate-smart practices through subsidies and incentives, and fostering international
[270] Advance drought prediction through rainfall forecasting with hybrid ... — T. et al.11 proposed drought prediction using LSTM and climate model. et al.14 proposed a deep learning model for drought prediction, in addition to using explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) for explaining the working of deep learning. et al.15 proposed an LSTM-based drought prediction model. This approach requires sophisticated techniques for data preprocessing, model training, and evaluation, ensuring that the LSTM effectively captures temporal and spatial variations in drought dynamics for improved forecasting accuracy. This approach requires advanced techniques for data preprocessing, model training, and evaluation to effectively capture temporal patterns and improve long-term drought predictions, challenging the conventional statistical methods’ capabilities. Lstm-cm: a hybrid approach for natural drought prediction based on deep learning and climate models.
[272] Applying machine learning for drought prediction in a perfect model ... — The more data are available the better the predictions that can be derived by a drought-predicting machine learning model and the more can be learned about drought formation. According to von Trentini et al. ( 2020 ) precipitation in summer and winter derived from the European gridded dataset (E-OBS) does fall to a high percentage into the
[273] A review of machine learning methods for drought hazard monitoring and ... — These advances in computation technology play an important role in disaster remote sensing by establishing a big data analytics platform that improves decision science through drought feature extraction and visualization mapping. ... Application of the extreme learning machine algorithm for the prediction of monthly Effective Drought Index in
[275] The Transformative Potential of AI in Drought Prediction: A New Era of ... — The Transformative Potential of AI in Drought Prediction: A New Era of Water Management - Science Informed Furthermore, Mhamd Oyounalsoud, another key researcher involved in the study, noted, “AI has emerged as an efficient ally in drought assessment, showcasing its capabilities to guide mitigation strategies in water-scarce areas.” This reflects a significant departure from reliance on limited historical data, leveraging real-time analytics to provide actionable insights for decision-makers tasked with enhancing water resource management. As Dr. Abdullah Yilmaz, a co-author, succinctly put it, “Integrating AI into drought monitoring enhances decision-making regarding resource allocation, which is crucial for maintaining food security in an uncertain future.” The findings herald an era of proactive, data-informed drought management that could redefine water resource policies globally.
[276] AI models for drought prediction - smartechmolabs.com — By predicting drought impacts accurately, farmers and policymakers can allocate resources more efficiently, reducing costs. Sustainability. AI-driven insights promote sustainable farming practices, conserving water and protecting soil health. Challenges in Implementing AI for Drought Prediction Data Availability and Quality
[277] Remote sensing of drought: Progress, challenges and opportunities ... — Remote sensing of drought: Progress, challenges and opportunities - AghaKouchak - 2015 - Reviews of Geophysics - Wiley Online Library In the past decade, the science community has been able to access unprecedented new remote sensing data sets for precipitation, snow, soil moisture, land surface temperature, evaporation, total water storage, vegetation, and land cover [NASA, 2010; Wardlow et al., 2012; Krajewski et al., 2006]. These satellite observations have opened new avenues in global drought monitoring from different perspectives (e.g., meteorological, agricultural, hydrological, and ecological). J. Qu (2007), NMDI: A Normalized Multi-band Drought Index for monitoring soil and vegetation moisture with satellite remote sensing, Geophys. Liu (2013), VSDI: A Visible and Shortwave infrared Drought Index for monitoring soil and vegetation moisture based on optical remote sensing, Int. J.
[278] Remote sensing for drought monitoring & impact assessment: Progress ... — Historically drought monitoring approaches have focused on in-situ station-based measurements, for example the Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) (Palmer, 1965).Towards the end of the 20th century a paradigm shift in drought monitoring approaches occurred, concurrent with advances in remote sensing and earth observation technologies such as the launch of the NASA Landsat series in 1972.
[284] Precision Agriculture and Water Conservation Strategies for Sustainable ... — Faced with escalating agricultural drought conditions, the task of boosting agricultural production and ensuring regional and national food security amid resource constraints and environmental limitations has emerged as a critical concern. ... Precision agriculture management systems represent a crucial strategy for enhancing the quality and