SOCIO-ECONOMIC STUDIES

Socio-economic studies are carried out in two main directions: i) analysis of drought impacts and coping strategies at community and household levels and ii) analysis of drought-related policies and institutions. At the first level, the studies focus on coping strategies adopted by communities in different countries, on impacts which droughts have on different population groups. The studies survey the perceptions of people about drought phenomenon, about drought proofing and relief programs. At the second level, the studies focus primarily on the analysis of gaps in existing drought-related policies, analysis of statistical socio-economic information pertaining to the past droughts in selected provinces/states. The results of socio-economic studies should be related with the hydrometeorological analyses to determine what happens on the ground during the droughts of different extremities and extent and how relevant policies in countries can be approved or developed to alleviate drought effects in the future. The results of the surveys that the project undertook are available under Publications.

Three survey questionnaires have been developed to collect the required information on livelihood differentiation by classes, castes, ethnicity, gender, etc., on understanding of droughts, effects of droughts on village communities and personal security, drought relief and mitigation measures and role of the government and NGO’s in drought mitigation programs. The questionnaire designed for quick assessment and focus group discussions can be downloaded.