The general overview of the country water resources and water resources management issues is given in the IWMI Working Paper N 49: A.S. Qureshi Water Resources Management in Afghanistan: The Issues and Options". (pdf file : 1.9 MB)

A review of the latest (2000 - 2001) drought issues in Afghanistan has been prepared by Mr.Sayed Sharif Shobair (national water expert, Kabul, Afghanistan, August 2001). "Current Drought Situation in Afghanistan".

INDIA

India has experienced 22 large-scale droughts during 1891 to 2002. About 33% of the country’s arable area are considered drought prone. This is about 14% of the total land area of the country. In western India droughts and aridity are common Most of the Rajastan State (the second largest in India), for example, is either arid or semi-arid. Western parts of the state are characterised by low and erratic rainfall, high temperatures, high wind velocity and low humidity. Semi-arid and sub-humid regions are spread towards eastern and south-eastern parts of the state. Rainfall varies from about 100 to 1000 mm. Groundwater in major parts of state is deep, often saline and over-utilized. The situation is broadly similar in Gujarat. Overall water scarcity in western India calls for systematic search on water harvesting potential, water conservation and efficient utilization of limited water resources, particularly during frequent droughts.

India boasts a long history and wealth of research on multiple aspects of drought, including drought monitoring and forecasting, drought assessment, drought policy development, drought management measures etc.Centrally sponsored schemes like Drought Development Programme (DDP) since 1977 and Drought Prone Area Programme (DPAP) since 1973 are in operation. India is a signatory to the UNCCD since 1997.  Drought research is conducted in specialized research institutions (e.g. CAZRI), state agricultural universities and some policy/development research institutions.

PAKISTAN