Drought is lack of rainfall for a long period of time (1). Droughts happen when there is little rain that causes a region to start drying up (2). Plants, animals and people may die due to lack of water and food. Environmental factors that causes drought make a difference when it comes to droughts (2). When the weather condition is harsh, water evaporates faster leading to low rainfall. Due to prolonged drought the land is left bare and this may make it easier for the agents of erosion to work on the bare land. Underground water level may decrease as people may try to get water from there.
It is difficult to find when droughts will happen and how long it will persist [3]. Droughts happen in places where there are located in deserts and within the equator and the countries include Morocco, Uganda. Iran, Pakistan, China, Afghanistan, Eritrea, Sudan and Ethiopia. Most countries are in Africa [4]. Droughts can lead to social disaster such as famine, forcing people to migrate in search of food and water. It can also lead to conflicts among people over the remaining resources. [3]
1.https://www.rescue.org/uk/article/what-drought-causes-impact-and-how-we-can-help
2. https://www.concern.org.uk/news/what-drought-and-how-does-it-happen
3 .https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/understanding-droughts/
4.https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/the-most-drought-prone-countries-in-the-world.html
Hi Snaida! I love your cool introduction. I have been to Daraja before, and I love the quote that meets you at the entrance of the school, “She Believed She Could, So She Did”. You mentioned that you love novels, which one is your favorite?
The topic of drought is such an important one for all ‘earthlings’, as it affects all creations. Since the where and why and how of droughts is a wide and multifaceted topic, maybe you could narrow down the topic. For example, different factors contribute to drought in different areas of the earth.
You also mentioned the effects of droughts such as famine and food insecurity. Drought can lead to adverse effects on agriculture, freshwater bodies, agriculture, and other social-economic aspects of the community.
While on it, it is important to address various mitigation policies that can be adopted. For example, I wonder what role AI and technology can be used to monitor and manage drought.
All the best on your next round of research!