Vulnerability Assessment

Drought is usually declared based on the assessment of the current standing crop situation, relative to the normal condition. The drought is also declared if the following criteria are satisfied: (1) Steep reduction in area sown and also heavy damage to standing crops. (2) Considerable fall in extent of grain and fodder supply with abnormal increase in prices.(3) A trend of falling current agriculture and non-agricultural wages as compared with normal times. (4) Extent of unemployment position with reference to agricultural operation and on-going works of government, local bodies and big employers and (5) Unusual movement of labour in search of employment. Drought assessment processes and methods followed by various governments, vulnerability and risk assessment methods are highlighted in this chapter.