Drought - Drought coping strategies in southern Africa 1966-2016

A cyclical shortfall in rainfall over specific agricultural seasons in modern southern Africa precipitates moderate to acute droughts. This natural and recurring drought phenomenon hugely upsets food, income and water livelihood strands for local communities. The EU-funded drought project investigates the socio-economic and environmental impacts of droughts in southern Africa between 1966 and 2016. It evaluates and proffers drought coping strategies in this semi-tropical and drought-prone region. The project focuses on Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Specific areas to be investigated are Kgatleng in Botswana, Inhambane in Mozambique, Gauteng in South Africa, and Midlands in Zimbabwe. The research harnesses five interdisciplinary approaches: historical, comparative multiple case studies, participatory rural appraisal, sustainable livelihoods, and appreciative inquiry analysis.