The article discusses meteorological and socioeconomic droughts in the Tekeze watershed, Ethiopia, exploring their causes, impacts, and assessment methods. Meteorological drought is characterized by abnormal dry weather due to insufficient precipitation, while socioeconomic drought reflects the consequences of water scarcity on people’s livelihoods and economic activities. The study highlights the relationship between the two types of drought and emphasizes that the former often leads to the latter, especially in vulnerable regions like sub-Saharan Africa.
An overview of the drought crisis reveals that 1.84 billion people globally are affected by drought, with severe conditions particularly impacting women and children. In Ethiopia, interventions from the government and NGOs have been hampered by ongoing conflicts and environmental challenges, exacerbating food insecurity, poverty, and displacement.
Utilizing CHIRPS satellite data and household surveys, the study aims to evaluate the temporal and spatial trends of meteorological drought and assess the socioeconomic impacts on local communities. Data validation was conducted with precipitation records, highlighting the reliability of CHIRPS. The Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) was employed for drought assessment, showing significant drought occurrences in various years, particularly 2015.
Survey results indicate that 99.5% of respondents experienced drought, with major causes attributed to climatic variability, land use changes, and water management issues. Notable consequences include crop failures, water scarcity, economic losses, and community displacement. Coping strategies implemented by households range from diversifying income sources to seeking assistance from government and NGO programs, indicating a reliance on external support for resilience.
The article concludes by recommending comprehensive drought mitigation strategies that include sustainable water management practices, community engagement, and enhanced public awareness to address the profound socio-economic impacts of drought in the Tekeze watershed. The findings underscore the need for integrated responses to bolster the resilience of affected communities.
