Preparing for Drought: A Guidebook for Developing Countries

The purpose of this guidebook is to describe those unique characteristics of drought that set it apart from other natural hazards (Chapter 1). The guidebook also describes the nature of impacts associated with drought. Chapter 2 illustrates, through several case studies, how some nations have coped with drought in the past and describes recent attempts to adopt a more proactive risk management approach. Chapter 3 proposes a methodology to assist developing countries in the preparation of drought plans, exemplifying many of the concepts now being incorporated in the national policies and plans discussed in Chapter 2. The final chapter summarizes the key features of the proposed planning methodology, including recommendations for governments and international organizations.