Coping With Seasonality And Drought

Initiated when the state of Gujarat was suffering a severe drought, this landmark volume is one of the few studies available on this natural disaster. The study describes and analyzes the strategies adopted by different types of households to cope with seasonality and the harsh ecological conditions. Dr. Chen explores the spatial and temporal dimensions of the drought, the drought's impact on different occupational groups, and both community and official responses. She focuses on the differences between seasonal crisis-coping strategies, the sequence and timing of these strategies, and the options and objectives which influence the choice of strategies. Two dimensions of household coping strategies are of particular interest: the significance of gender as a basic variable in understanding household behavior; and the centrality of non-market resources, activities, relationships, and institutions to household livelihoods. Coping with Seasonality and Drought will interest both students and professionals in anthropology, development economics, gender studies, social and economic change. "Clearly organized and written, this book offers model descriptive and analytical frameworks for considering livelihoods and coping strategies . . . a careful study." --The Annals "An important and useful book. . . . The reviewer warmly recommends a perusal of this excellent book." --Indian Journal of Agricultural Economics

Seasonal fluctuations constrain the food production options of nonindustrial peoples. How do people cope with these constraints and what are the consequences of seasonality for human health and well-being? The papers in this volume address these issues from a variety of perspectives. Included are studies of physiological responses to seasonal scarcity, seasonality research in archaeology, and ethnographic case studies of the role of seasonality in food procurement. MASCA Vol. 5

Seasonality is a severe constraint to sustainable rural livelihoods and a driver of poverty and hunger, particularly in the tropics. Many poor people in developing countries are ill equipped to cope with seasonal variations which can lead to drought or flood and consequences for agriculture, employment, food supply and the spread of disease. The subject has assumed increasing importance as climate change and other forms of development disrupt established seasonal patterns and variations. This book is the first systematic study of seasonality for over twenty years, and it aims to revive academic interest and policy awareness of this crucial but neglected issue. Thematic chapters explore recent shifts with profound implications for seasonality, including climate change, HIV/AIDS, and social protection. Case study chapters explore seasonal dimensions of livelihoods in Africa (Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi), Asia (Bangladesh, China, India), and Latin America (Peru). Others assess policy responses to adverse seasonality, for example through irrigation, migration and seasonally-sensitive education. The book also includes innovative tools for monitoring seasonality, which should enable more appropriate responses.

Drought draws together contributions from over 75 leading international researchers in the field to present the most comprehensive body of research on the physical and social dimensions of drought to date. Including an extensive range of case-studies covering the most drought-prone and most affected countries, the contributors examine new technology, planning methodologies and mitigation actions from recent drought experiences worldwide. Following a discussion of the critical concepts of drought, the work is divided into the following additional parts: · causes and predictability · monitoring and early warning techniques · impacts and assessment methodologies · links between drought and other global issues · conclusions and future challenges

Drought is an insidious hazard of nature. It originates from a deficiency of precipitation that results in a water shortage for some activity or some group. Africa has suffered the most dramatic impacts from drought during the past several decades the recent droughts in the southern and eastern portions of the continent are testimony to that fact. However, the vulnerability of all nations to extended periods of water shortage has been underscored again and again during this same time period. In the past decade alone, droughts have occurred with considerable frequency and severity in most of the developed and developing world. Significant parts of North and South America, Australia, Europe, and Asia have been plagued recently by extended periods of severe drought, often resulting in far-reaching economic, social, and environmental consequences. In the western United States, for example, vast areas are facing the prospects of a sixth or seventh consecutive year of drought in 1993. Concern by members ofthe scientific and policy communities about the inability of governments to respond in an effective and timely manner to drought and its associated impacts exists worldwide. Numerous "calls for action" for improved drought planning and management have been issued by national governments, professional organizations, intergovernmental organizations, nongovernmental organizations, and others. The United Nations' International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction (lDNDR) is yet another example of an international call for action to reduce the impacts that result from drought and other natural hazards.

This book represents the background of the Barind Tract of Bangladesh with the proximity of drought information, conceptual and logic of the books, history, definition and perception on drought and climate scenario and how people understand underlying causes, impacts and consequences of drought in agriculture, environment, human health and society. It also states the trend and severity of drought of Barind Tract. This book gives the local response to cope, mitigation and adaptation to agricultural drought. The book also addresses the gender response in the hardship of drought in the rural areas. It also elicits the local and indigenous methods of drought prediction and sustainable cultivation and management of drought in agriculture.