Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.5194/nhess-25-1993-2025
Title (Primary) From insufficient rainfall to livelihoods: understanding the cascade of drought impacts and policy implications
Author Cavalcante, L.; Walker, D.W.; Kchouk, S.; Ribeiro Neto, G.; Nunes Carvalho, T.M.; de Brito, M.M.; Pot, W.; Dewulf, A.; van Oel, P.R.
Source Titel Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences
Year 2025
Department SUSOZ
Volume 25
Issue 6
Page From 1993
Page To 2005
Language englisch
Topic T5 Future Landscapes
Supplements https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-25-1993-2025-supplement
Abstract A cascade of drought impacts refers to a series of interconnected events that trigger a chain reaction of effects, extending beyond water scarcity to influence agricultural production, socioeconomic conditions, and the environment. This paper explores the role of society in mitigating drought impacts, particularly through policy responses. Conducting a case study in CearĂ¡ State, Northeast Brazil, we used a globally rare dataset of continuous drought monitoring encompassing 3.5 years (February 2019 to October 2022), complemented by interviews with smallholder farmers and agricultural extension technicians. Additionally, we analyzed policy documents related to public policies implemented at the local level. Using a classification of drought impacts as our analytical framework, our findings indicate that social, environmental, and economic impacts of drought are less frequently reported, suggesting that development policies are mitigating cascading effects on livelihoods. Most reported impacts are associated with hydrological drought, revealing the unintended consequences of investments aimed at increasing water supply. We emphasize the significant contribution of public policies in mitigating the cascading effects of drought, which go beyond increasing water availability and focus on strengthening the local economy.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=30961
Cavalcante, L., Walker, D.W., Kchouk, S., Ribeiro Neto, G., Nunes Carvalho, T.M., de Brito, M.M., Pot, W., Dewulf, A., van Oel, P.R. (2025):
From insufficient rainfall to livelihoods: understanding the cascade of drought impacts and policy implications
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci. 25 (6), 1993 - 2005 10.5194/nhess-25-1993-2025