Virtual Academy for the Semi Arid Tropics

1
Virtual Academy for the Semi Arid Tropics
In the Lesson 1 of this Module the impact of
drought in general explained. In the subsequent
Lessons in this Module, the impact of drought on
crop production, livestock, environment, economic
situation and society are briefly described.
2
Lesson 1 How drought affects us in general?

• After completing this Lesson you have learned to
  answer
• How direct effects of drought causes indirect
  effects?
• Give examples of direct effects of drought?
• List some of the indirect effects of drought?

3
Lesson 1 How drought affects us in general?
We often talk about impacts of drought as either
direct or indirect, because drought impacts can
cause a chain reaction of events that lead to
additional drought impacts. For example, a
direct impact of drought may be that a farmer
loses his groundnut crop.
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Lesson 1 How drought affects us in general?
An indirect effect is that the farmer may then
not have as much money to buy fertilizer for the
next crop. This reduces the income of the
fertilizer dealer. If many farmers cannot
afford to buy fertilizers, the fertilizer dealers
may eventually have to shut down the business.
This may also affect the fertilizer industry.
Workers will loose jobs resulting in even more
indirect impacts.
5
Lesson 1 How drought affects us in general?

• Direct effects
• Direct effects are those that are caused by the
  drought itself.
• Here are some examples
• Lower water level and availability
• Reduced crop productivity.
• Less of fodder for livestock
• Increased pests and diseases in crops and
  among livestock.

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Lesson 1 How drought affects us in general?

• Indirect effects
• Indirect effects are as a result of direct
  effects.
• Here are some examples
• Shortage of water for drinking and industry
• Food shortage and increased commodity
  prices
• Unemployment
• Disaster relief programs.

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Impacts of Drought
Virtual Academy for the Semi Arid Tropics
With this, the Lesson 1 on impact of drought in
general concludes. If you would like to check
your understanding of the general effects of
drought, click Exercise button. Next, Lesson 2
is about the effects of drought on crop
production. Click Lessons button to select
Lesson 2
Lessons
Exercise
Course on Coping with Drought