Droughts and their Effects on Food Security

Droughts Meaning:
In a condition of drought, the land becomes abnormally dry, causing it to be severely dry and infertile. Droughts occur due to extremely low rainfall. Droughts have a direct correlation with agriculture and food security. Severe and prolonged droughts can cause a situation of dire peril for the farmers and the agriculture-based industries, causing a threat to food security. 
 
The lack of moisture and extreme cracks on the land due to droughts makes it impossible for the farmers to continue their agricultural activities and grow crops, leading to a shortage in food production, which in turn leads to food shortage. 
 
Impacts on Food Availability: 

1. Droughts can lead to crop failure, resulting in a shortage of food supply. 
2. The availability of fish and seafood reduces as drought impacts fish stocks. 
 
Impacts on Food Access: 

1. During a prolonged condition of drought, food prices tend to rise due to food shortages and high demand. 
2. The purchasing power of people also reduces as droughts hinder the household incomes of people. 
3. Droughts also disrupt the food aid supplies. 
 
The Vulnerable: 
The most targeted and vulnerable groups in such conditions are the small-scale farmers and pastoralists. These groups are significantly dependent on agriculture for a living. The small-scale farmers and pastoralists depend on heavy rainfall for their crops and livestock, but a condition like drought does not allow the farmers and pastoralists to enjoy the benefit of heavy rainfall, which in turn leads to the vulnerability of these groups. 
The urban poor are also affected by this calamity as this section of society may not have access to alternative food sources. 
 
The Impact of drought is an alarming issue that needs to be addressed. To control this issue, it is essential to implement climate-smart agricultural practices and focus on developed irrigation systems. 
 
By:Tanushka Sharma